Activity Specialist; PS - Ryer Avenue Elementary

The Police Athletic League (PAL) of New York City is an independent youth development nonprofit organization that has served as a bridge between police and communities across all five boroughs of the City since 1914. PAL offers a wide range of programs for children and youth, including Head Start, after‑school initiatives, summer day camps, Playstreets, evening teen centers, college readiness, youth employment, juvenile justice, and competitive and recreational sports.

We are looking for Part‑time Activity Specialists who will develop and implement a broad range of specialty activities such as SEL, dance, sports, STEAM, life‑skills development, literacy, leadership, performing arts, visual arts, and college and career readiness. Specialists will oversee their area of expertise while collaborating with all staff and site leadership. The role reports to the Program Director and is supported by the Content Specialist.

• Foster social and emotional competencies and mental and physical wellbeing in a safe, welcoming, inclusive, and nurturing environment.
• Teach participants the fundamentals of a specialized activity to build skill level and confidence.
• Coordinate and present a culminating performance at the end of the program cycle.
• Be aware of students with 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, such as suicide prevention, grief, and loss due to death or incarceration of a family member; 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, serving as a role model with respect to demeanor, communication, and behavior.
• Attend meetings with staff, caretakers, volunteers, and community residents as needed.
• Interact with caretakers and keep open lines of communication.

Able to work 15 hours a week (3 hours a day, 5 days a week). Able to attend 15 hours of orientation prior to the beginning of programming. Able to attend scheduled staff meetings and professional development throughout the year.

• Minimum High School Diploma / GED.
• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Minimum of two years’ work experience in a nonprofit agency working with youth.
• Excellent classroom management, behavior management, and facilitation skills.
• Must show experience and competency in the material they would like to teach; a sample lesson will be part of the interview process.
• Good communication skills and ability to work collaboratively. Bilingual in Spanish, French, or Chinese preferred.
• Open to learning and growing; all staff will receive training in mental health, SEL, and special needs inclusion skills.

The hourly rate for this role is $20–$25, depending on skills and experience.

PAL offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance, a flexible spending account, an employee assistance program, tuition reimbursement, pet insurance, life insurance, retirement savings options, a generous paid time‑off policy, training, and more.

PS 9 Ryer Avenue – 230 East 183rd Street, Bronx, NY 10458

September 7th, 2026

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.

Employment with PAL is contingent upon successful completion of all the Agency’s lawful pre‑employment checks, which may include a background check.