Mentor - Elementary (Jackson Heights)

South Asian Youth Action Inc.•New York, NY

9d•$22 - $24•Onsite

About The Position

The Mentor for SAYA’s elementary school program at PS 69 in Jackson Heights, Queens, designs engaging and intellectually stimulating experiences for students while supervising them and ensuring their safety. The Mentor builds rapport with youth, provides guidance, and serves as a role model. This is a temporary, in-person, part-time position for the school year from September through June, with potential rehire for the following school year. The role requires availability Monday through Friday from 2:00 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. The Mentor reports to the Program Director and is paid $22–$24 per hour, commensurate with experience and qualifications. South Asian Youth Action (SAYA) is an inclusive, South Asian-focused youth development organization providing holistic programming to New York City youth. Its services include leadership and identity development, academic support, college preparation, and activities that foster creativity and positive peer connections. SAYA emphasizes social and emotional learning, including belonging, confidence, and self-efficacy.

Requirements

Prior experience working with school-age children is required.
A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
Availability Monday through Friday from 2:00 p.m. to 5:45 p.m.
Ability to communicate effectively with youth, teachers, school administrators, parents, and staff, and to work collaboratively with the school community and other SAYA programs.
Ability to consider situations from multiple perspectives to avoid and manage conflict.
Flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances and work with youth from varied cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Compliance with School Age Child Care (SACC) requirements, including background check and medical clearance.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree or current college enrollment preferred.
Interest or experience in youth development, academic enrichment, and creating interactive educational or artistic activities.
Bilingual ability is a plus.
Enthusiasm for developing professional skills through training opportunities and field practice.

Responsibilities

Create a fun, safe, structured, and inclusive environment for youth, parents, staff, and stakeholders.
Plan, develop, and implement age-appropriate curricula, interactive activities, and games that support core competencies and social-emotional skills.
Manage the classroom and maintain a positive learning environment.
Assist with homework and encourage academic progress.
Monitor and engage youth during meals, transitions, field trips, clubs, program activities, recreation, and dismissal.
Provide guidance, facilitate problem-solving, and direct behavior modification.
Model professional language and behavior for youth.
Build positive, caring relationships with young people and their families.
Apply youth development principles to improve program quality and support youth growth.
Collaborate and communicate constructively with supervisory staff and team members.
Care for program spaces and materials, organize the room, and report misused or damaged materials to the Program Director.
Complete and submit program-related reports on time, including supply requests, lesson plans, incident reports, attendance, snack counts, and timesheets.
Participate enthusiastically in professional skills development through training and field practice.
Comply with School Age Child Care (SACC) requirements, including background checks and medical clearance.