Recreational Activity Specialist

Police Athletic League (PAL) is the largest independent youth organization in New York City that provides educational and recreational activities for children and young adults. PAL Inc. and The New York City Police Department work in partnership to provide communities with summer and after-school recreational and educational activities.

Location: Harlem Center — Police Athletic League, Inc.

We are looking for a part time Recreational Specialist who will be responsible for engaging youth, between the ages of 13 and 19, in a variety of pro-social activities. Implementing, leading, and/or supervising a broad range of recreational, social and educational activities that include but are not limited to organized sports, games, tournaments, competitions, social and special events, cultural arts and life skills. Under the direction of administrative staff, plan, organize and manage recreational activities and perform administrative duties that support and facilitate the above primary functions. Available positions are citywide.

Major Duties & Responsibilities

• Implement structured and unstructured indoor recreational programs for young people.
• Develop strong rapport with all youth based on strength-based perspective.
• Serve as an adult role model and engage youth using healthy behavioral modeling.
• Help youth to develop positive pro-social behaviors using sports and recreation as a vehicle.
• Work in conjunction with other specialists and volunteers to develop programming and offer a wide range of activities, relevant to the needs of the participants and center.
• Present ideas and suggestions for improving programs as often as possible.
• When presenting a problem or offering constructive criticism, also present an alternative solution.
• Build positive relationships with youth and adults and serve as a role model with respect to demeanor, communication, and behavior.
• Ensure that program areas are neat and clean; equipment and supplies stored securely.
• Quickly identify and seek to resolve conflicts and behavioral problems in consultation with the Program Manager.

Additional Responsibilities

• File incident reports (accidents, injuries, altercations, etc.) no later than the day of the incident.
• Submit weekly, monthly, written and verbal reports as requested.
• As assigned, maintain a program bulletin board announcing current and upcoming program events and displaying photographs of program participants.
• Sign daily attendance sheet and submit every week to administrative staff.
• When directed, attend meetings with staff, parents, volunteers and community residents as needed to assist in program delivery and promotion of programs.
• Interact with parents and keep open lines of communication to better understand and manage the children.

Skills/Knowledge Required

• A minimum of sixty credits towards a degree from an accredited college or university in Recreation, Psychology, Sociology, Education, Counseling, or a related field.
• A minimum of two years of work experience in a non-profit youth or social service agency.
• Demonstrated skills and competency in youth service and recreation.
• Demonstrated ability to engage high-risk adolescent youth
• Understanding of conflict resolution, mediation, and mentoring concepts.
• Good communication skills, both oral and written.
• Ability to speak professionally to staff, members, parents, groups and community residents.
• Familiarity with office protocols involving dress, demeanor, record keeping, confidentiality, staff meetings, visitors, and employee use of supplies and equipment.

Salary: $17.00 Per Hour