Arts Activity Specialist

The 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.

We are looking for a part-time Arts Specialist who will be responsible for developing and implementing a broad range of cultural and/or fine arts activities. Introduce participants to activities that promote creativity and self-expression for participants in the program. Direct and oversee all arts & crafts, creative and performance activities according to the curriculum and/or center needs, in preparation for displays and entertainment at the PAL Celebration events. Plan, organize, and manage arts programming that is cohesive within the scope of the program. Perform administrative duties that support the above primary functions.

Hours: Monday-Friday 2:00-5:00PM or 2:30pm-5:30pm

Major Duties & Responsibilities

• Model and uphold all Agency policies and procedures.
• Ensure that age-appropriate activities are implemented for youth in K-5th grades.
• Plan, organize, and oversee varied activities with the support of Center leadership staff, Group Leaders, volunteers, and other specialty staff.
• At all times, ensure safety, structure, and learning.
• Promote and stimulate interest and participation in all performing arts activities.
• Provide ideas and suggestions to the Assistant Director and Center Director 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.
• Provide direction to staff in a manner that ensures that program areas are neat and clean and that equipment and supplies are managed appropriately.
• Quickly identify and seek to resolve conflicts and behavioral problems in consultation with the Assistant Director  

Additional Responsibilities

• Plan and post-activity schedules and evidence of work in approved areas.
• Make periodic reports/announcements on program activities and evaluate participation, progress, and development of program youth.
• Responsible for the inventory, ordering, care, and maintenance of all related supplies and equipment.
• File incident reports (accidents, injuries, altercations) no later than the day of the incident. • 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 two years of academic preparation in fine arts or other equivalent training.
• A minimum of two years of work experience in a non-profit youth or social service agency with supervisory experience.
• Demonstrated skills and competency as an instructor and artist.
• Understanding conflict resolution, mediation, and mentoring concepts.
• Good communication skills, both oral and written.
• Ability to speak professionally to staff members, parents, community residents, visitors, NYPD officers, and PAL partner organizations.
• Familiarity with administrative protocols involving dress, demeanor, record keeping, reporting, confidentiality, visitors, use of supplies and equipment.

Salary: $18-00-$19.00 Per Hour

 Required Qualifications/Commitment: 

• Must have a High School Diploma or equivalent. 

• Be at least 18 years of age.  

• Available to work during the after-school hours, Monday-Friday, 15 hours per week 

• Available to attend all training sessions (in-person and online), and orientation 

Skills Needed:  

• Possess a desire to work directly with children.  

• Open to feedback with a desire to grow professionally.  

• Responsible, friendly, enthusiastic, patient, and actively engaged.  

• Able to follow directions and adhere to all policies and procedures.  

• Able to work collaboratively in a team environment.  

Work Environment & Physical Requirements:  

• May be required to go up and down stairs. 

• May have to lift or move objects, small furniture, or other program materials.  

• This role may require occasional engagement with community members and partners outside of the physical worksite, including attendance at off-site events, meetings, or outreach activities.  

 Pay & Benefits:  

• $18-00-$19.00 Per Hour

• Paid training opportunities and direct experience in youth development and program facilitation.  

Location: William J. Duncan Center — Police Athletic League, Inc.

At the time of offer and acceptance, this job requires safety and security clearances which may include fingerprinting done by the Department of Education and the Department of Health.  

At the Police Athletic League, we seek people who are talented, creative and passionate to help create a more inclusive city and better futures for our youth. We’re devoted to empowering communities and building the best places to work, and that goes for our own teams too.

The Police Athletic League is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected characteristic including, but not limited to, an individual’s sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy