HEAF Life Skills Specialist

POLICE ATHLETIC LEAGUE INC•New York, NY

5d•$30 - $30•Onsite

About The Position

The Police Athletic League of New York City seeks a part-time Life Skills Activity Specialist to lead social-emotional learning, wellness, and personal development activities for middle and high school students in the HEAF program at its Harlem Center. The specialist facilitates workshops on stress management, self-awareness, healthy relationships, decision-making, resilience, and positive coping strategies, helping create a safe, supportive environment where students can develop skills and confidence to navigate personal, academic, and social challenges. The position reports to the HEAF Program Director and works closely with the HEAF Content Specialist and other program staff to support students’ growth and well-being. The schedule is 10 hours per week, with compensation of $30 per hour. The position is based at the Harlem Center, 441 Manhattan Avenue, New York, NY, with a start date of November 2026.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required.
Currently enrolled in college coursework in Psychology, Social Work, Counseling, Human Services, Education, Public Health, or a related field.
Knowledge of adolescent development, social-emotional learning, mental health awareness, and youth wellness practices.
Good communication skills and ability to work collaboratively.
Ability to complete DOHMH/DOE clearances and fingerprints, including having completed an annual physical within the last year.
Willingness to learn and grow and to integrate mental health, SEL, and special-needs inclusion skills into programming.

Nice To Haves

At least two years of experience working with high school-aged youth in after-school, mentoring, educational, community-based, or youth development settings.
Experience facilitating workshops, group discussions, or activities focused on stress management, coping skills, wellness, or personal development.
Bilingual in Spanish, French, or Chinese.

Responsibilities

Foster social and emotional competencies and mental and physical well-being in a safe, welcoming, inclusive, and nurturing environment.
Facilitate stress management, wellness, and life skills workshops using NYC Department of Health-designed curriculum and other approved social-emotional learning resources.
Collaborate with program staff, school personnel, mental health professionals, and community partners to support youth wellness, maintain appropriate documentation, and ensure programming reflects participating teens’ needs.
Be aware of students’ IEPs and medical conditions and follow support plans to help students with special needs thrive.
Respond appropriately when time-sensitive mental health services are needed, including suicide prevention and support related to grief or loss due to a family member’s death or incarceration.
Provide referrals to appropriate mental health services as needed.
Work cooperatively with Group Leaders, professional staff, teachers, and other program and school staff.
Build positive relationships with youth and caretakers and serve as a role model in demeanor, communication, and behavior.
Attend meetings with staff, caretakers, volunteers, and community residents as needed.
Interact with caretakers and maintain open lines of communication.
Complete required DOHMH/DOE clearances and fingerprints, including having completed an annual physical within the last year.
Learn and integrate mental health, SEL, and special-needs inclusion skills into programming.