Program Associate I (PA-I)

Program Associate I (PA-I)

Reports To:

Director of Programs Program:

Nassau Team Status:

Part-Time, Non-Exempt Salary Range:

$20 - $25 per/hr (commensurate with experience)

Location:

Nassau County/Uniondale/ Hempstead Organizational Overview:

S.T.R.O.N.G.

Youth, Inc. was founded more than 25 years ago with a bold vision: to interrupt cycles of violence and expand opportunity for young people on Long Island. What began as a grassroots response to community violence grew into a trusted youth development organization rooted in mentorship, accountability, and hope. Over the years, STRONG has partnered with schools, families, community leaders, and public agencies to support young people as they navigate complex challenges. Through prevention-focused programming, credible mentorship, and community-based collaboration, STRONG works to keep youth safe, connected, and positioned for long-term success. Today, STRONG is entering its next chapter — strengthening internal infrastructure, embedding developmentally informed and trauma-responsive practices, and aligning programming with research on adolescent brain development, resilience, and risk reduction. Our work prioritizes early engagement, strong school and community partnerships, and sustainable systems change designed to reduce harm before it occurs and expand pathways to long-term stability and opportunity. Role Description Program Associate I is a prevention-focused practitioner responsible for delivering and supporting STRONG's school-based programming aligned with our MTSS Prevention Framework. This role operates across Tier 1 (universal prevention) and Tier 2 (targeted support), helping to strengthen emotional awareness, self-regulation, identity development, and student engagement. Program Associates serve as front-line facilitators of STRONG's NeuroQuest™, SEL, and after-school programming, while also supporting restorative and re-engagement efforts for students experiencing behavioral challenges. This includes assisting with structured reflection activities, small group support, and student engagement strategies designed to strengthen accountability and connection to school. This role is designed for early-career professionals developing skills in youth development, group facilitation, and school-based prevention practice within a supportive team environment. Core ResponsibilitiesProgram Management Maintain an active portfolio of 5-10 elementary youth, providing case management, outreach, and service coordination across two schools. Co-facilitate and deliver school-based programming (NeuroQuest™ and SEL workshops). Support classroom push-in sessions focused on emotional regulation, identity, and decision-making. Build positive relationships with students and staff to strengthen school climate and engagement. Deliver structured, evidence-informed skill-building interventions like Skills Training in Affective and Interpersonal Regulation (STAIR) training to parents and caregivers. Co-facilitate Beyond the Bell (afterschool) programming. Assist STRONG staff with outreach, referrals, and follow-up for high-need students. Support coordination with families, school staff, and external providers as needed. Represent STRONG in school-based meetings related to student support, behavior, and intervention planning. Participate in community-based events, trainings, or roundtables as needed. Collaboratively work with the STRONG Nassau Team Group Facilitation Support small group interventions for students at risk of disengagement or behavioral challenges. Assist in facilitating structured group sessions (e.g., emotional regulation, peer dynamics, conflict resolution). Monitor student participation and progress with guidance from STRONG supervisors and school staff. Program Quality, Data, & Compliance Assist with recruitment, outreach, and participant engagement. Track participant attendance, progress, outcomes, and service delivery metrics. Support data collection for NeuroQuest, SEL, and other program activities. Assist in logistical coordination of school-day and after-school materials, scheduling and communication. Ensure adherence to confidentiality, ethical standards, and organizational policies. Maintain accurate, timely case documentation aligned with funder and legal requirements and in collaboration with leadership. Required Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, or related field (Master's preferred). Minimum 1-3 years of experience in youth development, violence intervention, or community-based services. Demonstrated experience working with justice-involved or high-risk youth. Strong skills in crisis intervention, family engagement, and group facilitation. Ability to build rapport with youth while maintaining professional boundaries. Excellent organizational, documentation, and communication skills. Experience in group facilitation or after-school programming Bilingual (Spanish) strongly preferred. Valid NYS Driver's License and access to a vehicle.

Preferred:

Familiarity with Nassau/Suffolk County systems (schools, probation, courts). Exposure to SEL, trauma-informed, or neuroscience-informed approaches.

Skills:

Passion for supporting youth in making positive life choices and reducing recidivism rates. Ability to build rapport with youth, listen actively, and effectively communicate with diverse stakeholders. Ability to stay calm in response to emergencies and work in stressful situations. Strong mediation/de-escalation skills. Knowledge of urban youth issues, specifically youth violence and juvenile justice, and understanding of local resources, challenges, and social service networks. Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team. Ability to work well with diverse populations; awareness of cultural differences and ability to adapt approaches based on individual needs. Proactive, and demonstrates initiative, flexibility, and willingness to try new approaches. Punctual and extremely reliable. Organized, forward thinking and detail oriented. Other Requirements Individuals who are hired for this position will be required to maintain a valid New York Driver's License, valid insurance and DMV clearance throughout your time of employment. The ability to travel is required. Working Conditions Significant school, youth, family and community engagement work. Flexible schedule required (evenings and occasional weekends). Travel throughout Nassau and Suffolk Counties Disclaimer The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. This position may be required to perform other duties. If such work becomes a permanent and regular part of the job, a new description will be prepared. This is a grant-funded position subject to renewal based on funding availability. Equal Opportunity Employer STRONG is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate because of age, color, disability, ethnicity, marital or family status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, military veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We are committed to attracting, retaining and maximizing the performance of a diverse and inclusive workforce. All interested candidates must submit their résumé and cover letter to .

TEAM MEMBER BENEFIT SUMMARY 2026 STRONG

Youth offers a supportive work environment and a benefits package designed to support staff wellbeing.

The descriptions in this preview are a summary only. Our Employee Manual explains each benefit in more detail. Benefits may be modified, added or terminated at any time by the insurance company or benefit provider, per the terms of the plan, or by the Company, at its discretion.

Eligible team members may receive:

Team Member BenefitsHealth Insurance Full-time employees working 35 hours per week are eligible for health insurance through UnitedHealthcare, beginning on their first day of employment. STRONG contributes toward the monthly premium at 72%, with employees contributing the remaining portion through payroll deduction. 401(k) Retirement Plan Employees may enroll in STRONG Youth's 401(k) retirement savings plan through Paychex upon hire. Paid Time Off All employees accrue 10 PTO days beginning on their date of hire. Birthday Leave Employees receive one paid day off during their birthday month. Paid Holidays STRONG observes several national holidays including: New Year's Day Memorial Day Juneteenth Independence Day Labor Day Veterans Day Indigenous Peoples' Day Thanksgiving Weekend Presidents Day STRONG Youth also observes designated wellness closure periods during the last week of summer and the final week of the calendar year.

Pay:

$20.00 - $25.00 per hour

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Flexible schedule Health insurance Paid time off Retirement plan Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person