HEAF College & Career Specialist

Who we are: The Police Athletic League (PAL) of New York City is an independent youth development nonprofit organization and has been a vibrant and vital institution, serving as an effective, critical bridge between police and communities across all five boroughs of the City since 1914. PAL operates diverse programs for children as young as 2 years old to young adults. Programs include Head Start, after-school programs and summer day camps for elementary, middle and high school youth, and summer Playstreets. PAL also runs evening teen centers and college readiness programs, youth employment, and juvenile justice programs. Staying true to PALs roots, a cornerstone of our youth development strategy includes offering competitive and recreational sports for children of all ages. At PAL, were devoted to empowering communities and building the best places to work, and that goes for our own teams too.

Position Summary:

We are seeking part-time College & Career Specialist to provide academic support and enrichment to middle and high school students participating in the HEAF program at PAL's Harlem Center. Specialists provide individualized and small-group instruction in core academic subjects, helping students strengthen foundational skills, build academic confidence, and achieve their educational goals.

The College & Career Specialist also supports college readiness through study skills development, academic goal-setting, and SAT/ACT preparation for high school students. The position reports to the HEAF Program Director and works closely with the HEAF Content Specialist to deliver engaging, developmentally appropriate instruction in a supportive and inclusive learning environment.

Compensation: The range for this role is $40.00 an hour where the finalist falls in this range will be commensurate with skills and experience

Schedule: 10 hrs/week

What youll do:

Major Duties & Responsibilities

- Provide individualized and small-group academic support in core subjects, including English Language Arts, mathematics, science, and social studies, based on student needs and program priorities.

- Facilitate academic enrichment and college readiness activities, including SAT/ACT preparation, study skills, test-taking strategies, and academic goal-setting.

- Create a safe, welcoming, and inclusive learning environment that supports students' academic, social, and emotional development.

- Be aware of students with IEPs and medical conditions and follow established support plans and program guidance to help students participate successfully.

- Build positive relationships with students and serve as a positive role model through professional communication, behavior, and interactions.

- Recognize student concerns that may require additional support, including mental health or social-emotional needs, and communicate concerns to the HEAF Program Director and appropriate staff. Follow PAL procedures for referrals and additional support.

- Work collaboratively with the HEAF Content Specialist and other program staff to support curriculum implementation, student engagement, and instructional quality.

- Maintain open communication with families and participate in staff meetings, family meetings, and program activities as needed.

The Commitment

- Part-time schedule based on program needs and assigned instructional responsibilities.

- Attend scheduled staff meetings and professional development throughout the year.

- Participate in required program activities and collaborate with other staff to support student success.

Qualifications

What you bring:

- Bachelor's degree in Education or a related academic field required; New York State teaching certification or eligibility for certification strongly preferred.

- Minimum of two years of classroom teaching or academic tutoring experience with middle or high school-aged youth in an educational setting.

- Demonstrated knowledge of New York State Learning Standards and middle/high school curriculum.

- Ability to provide academic instruction in one or more core subject areas, including English Language Arts, mathematics, science, or social studies.

- Experience preparing students for standardized assessments, including the SAT and ACT, preferred.

- Strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with students, families, and program staff.

- Bilingual English/Spanish, French, or Chinese preferred.

- Openness to learning and applying strategies related to social-emotional learning, mental health awareness, and special needs inclusion.

- Commitment to supporting students from diverse backgrounds and helping young people reach their academic and personal goals.

Location: Harlem Center – 441 Manhattan Avenue, New York, NY

Start Date: November 2026

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. Were 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 individuals 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 Agencys lawful pre-employment checks, which may include a background check.