GiGi Prep Assistant (Career Development Program for people with Down syndrome)

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 Prep 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 a dedicated volunteer to help instruct, assist, and support participants in our GiGi Prep Program. The main components of the curriculum are as follows: Fitness (GiGiFIT), Communication, Team Building, Nutrition/Health Eating, preparing a healthy snack 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 Prep Program will be held every Tuesday & Thursday afternoon from 1-5pm, starting on September 19^th and ending on December 14^th, for a total of 23 sessions. Note: GiGi Prep will not take place on October 19^th, November 21^st or November 23^rd. Hours range anywhere from 2-8 hours per week. We are welcoming volunteers for full day opportunities (1-5pm) or partial day opportunities (with a minimum of 2.5 hours per day). This is a semester-based program, must be able to commit for the entirety of the fall semester, as consistency is necessary. For example, if you commit to 2.5 hours every Tuesday, you must be able to attend every Tuesday for 2.5 hours from 9/19-12/12.

Responsibilities Include:

·      Work collaboratively with the Special Educator of Adult Programs, Operations Manager, and Programs Coordinator.

·      Assist Special Educator of Adult Programs with duties such as making photocopies, classroom set-up and break down, taking attendance, putting together program materials, etc.

·      Always ensure the safety of all participants.

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

·      Act as a one-to-one support to participants during GiGi Prep, assisting them with various subject matter.

·      Help engage and re-direct participants as needed.

Requirements:

·      Must be 18+

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

·      Contribute to building a positive team spirit.

·      Strong organizational and time management skills.

·      Complete a background check and required consent forms.

·      Complete required trainings.

·      Must be able to commit to full duration of the fall semester (September-December).

·      Position is 100% in person.

Submission:

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