GiGi University Career Development Program Assistant – Volunteer

GiGi’s Playhouse NYC is the only organization in New York City solely dedicated to the development of individuals with Down syndrome of all ages, from birth through adulthood and at every phase of life. We provide therapeutic, educational, social, and creative arts programs and events year-round, at no cost to participants or their families. We empower our diverse participants to be included in the greater community, to be their whole selves as they truly belong, and to make the world a better place. GiGi’s NYC offers a supportive and nurturing environment that enables individuals, parents, expecting parents, and families to connect. Our vision is to see a world where individuals with Down syndrome have a voice, and are accepted and embraced in their families, schools, and communities, to help improve the world and make it a better place to live, work and prosper.

Job Summary:

GiGi University is a career development program for adults with Down syndrome, ages 18+. The goal of this program is to teach the foundational skills necessary for each individual to continue on their unique career development path. GiGi’s NYC is looking for dedicated volunteers to help instruct, assist and support participants in our GiGi U program. The main components of the curriculum are as follows: Fitness (GiGiFIT), Communication, Team Building, Nutrition/Healthy Eating, Preparing a Healthy Lunch 1x/Week, Math (money management, financial literacy).

This is an ideal volunteer opportunity for an individual pursuing a career in special education, nutrition, math education, life skills coaching, health coaching, physical education, adapted physical education, and/or social work.

Location:

Onsite at GiGi’s Playhouse NYC, located at 106 W. 117th Street, New York, NY 10026. This role is 100% in person.

Schedule/Hours:

The GiGi U Program will be held every Tuesday from 11AM-3PM & every Thursday from 1-5PM. Classes start on Tuesday, January 16^th and end on Thursday, June 6^th, for a total of 38 sessions. Note: GiGi U will not take place on February 20^th & February 22^nd or April 23^rd & April 25^th. Volunteers must commit to at least one day (Tuesday from 11AM-3PM and/or Thursday from 1-5PM). This is a semester-based program, so volunteers must be able to commit for the entirety of the semester, as consistency is necessary.

General Requirements:

All staff and volunteers are expected to be committed to the mission and values of GiGi’s NYC, communicate authentic sensitivity to and an understanding of the Down syndrome community, have a positive attitude, and possess a willingness and ability to thrive within a unique work environment.

Responsibilities Include:

·      Working collaboratively with the Special Educator of Adult Programs, as well as other program volunteers, to ensure the success of the GiGi U Program.

·      Assist Special Educator of Adult Programs with duties associated with GiGi U.

·      Opportunity to instruct, assist, and/or support individuals in various subjects and activities (including math, fitness, nutrition/healthy eating, communication, computer skills, and team building).

·      Showcase the skills and abilities of our adult participants, while supporting everyone’s efforts to succeed.

·      Must be open to teach lessons and take initiative during class time.

Requirements:

·      Ability to work collaboratively and professionally with GiGi’s NYC staff, other volunteers, and Board.

·      Contribute to building a positive team spirit.

·      Strong organizational and time management skills.

·      Ability to complete necessary training and pass background check.

·      Must be able to commit to full duration of the semester (January-June).

·      Position is 100% in person.

Submission:

All interested individuals should send an email to Megan Moore, Special Educator of Adult Programs, at mmoore@gigisplayhouse.org.