School Arrival & Dismissal Support Specialist

Research Foundation of The City University of New York•New York, NY

9d•Onsite

About The Position

The CUNY Creative Arts Team (CAT) seeks a school year appointment for School Arrival & Dismissal Support Specialists — Credible Messengers for its school-based conflict prevention, student support, and positive youth development initiative in partnership with the NYC Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) and Office of Neighborhood Safety (ONS). This position supports students during designated arrival and dismissal periods at NYC public schools. Specialists help create a safe, welcoming environment through positive adult presence, relationship-building, observation, verbal engagement, conflict prevention and de-escalation, and connections to appropriate supports. As Credible Messengers, staff bring relevant community knowledge and experience and the ability to establish authentic, trusting relationships with young people. Each Credible Messenger works as the member of a two-person team with a conflict resolution-trained MSW Field Provider. The Credible Messenger leads arrival and dismissal activities, while the MSW Field Provider provides additional support and helps connect students to case management and other resources. Both work within established CAT, RFCUNY, school, and program procedures.

Requirements

Experience developing positive, trusting relationships with adolescents and young adults.
Commitment to required training, supervision, professional boundaries, and CAT/RFCUNY safety protocols.
Strong communication, listening, judgment, and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work collaboratively with social workers, school personnel, community partners, and program leadership.
Bachelor's degree required.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree preferred.
Relevant experience and/or community knowledge supporting effectiveness as a Credible Messenger.
Ability to remain calm, observant, and responsive in dynamic school and community environments.
Experience in youth development, mentoring, community-based prevention, community engagement, restorative practices, conflict resolution, or related work.
Familiarity with the community or communities being served is strongly preferred.
Relevant community knowledge, Credible Messenger experience, and demonstrated ability to establish meaningful relationships with young people are highly valued.

Responsibilities

Serve as a member of a two-person arrival and dismissal team with an assigned MSW Field Provider.
Maintain a consistent, visible, and approachable presence during designated school arrival and dismissal periods.
Build positive, trusting relationships with students and members of the school community.
Observe the school environment and recognize situations that may affect student safety and well-being.
Use appropriate, safe, and approved verbal engagement, redirection, conflict-resolution, and de-escalation strategies.
Encourage positive communication and help students make choices that support safe transitions to and from school.
Follow established safety and escalation procedures and communicate emerging concerns to appropriate school personnel and CAT supervisors.
Work with the MSW Field Provider to identify students who may benefit from additional support and connect them to CAT's case management and referral resources.
Develop familiarity with school and community resources for young people.
Participate in required planning, supervision, training, professional development, and program documentation.
Other duties as assigned.