Group Leaders report to the Program Director and are responsible for the safe and attentive supervision of an assigned group of participants in a school-based after-school setting. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
● Provide attentive care and supervision to assigned group of students.
● Lead assigned group through daily procedures, including supervision during arrival, snack, transitions, activities, and dismissal.
● Develop an understanding of the COMPASS models, goals, and approaches to positive youth development.
● Ensure participants are properly supervised according to licensor regulations at all times.
● Take student attendance; ensure all assigned students are accounted for throughout program time.
● Lead dismissal of assigned students and ensure established site-based dismissal procedures are followed, including dismissing students only to approved adults, managing student sign-out sheets, and releasing students with permission to travel home independently according to procedure.
● Actively assist with activity facilitation for assigned group, according to Activity Specialist’s approved lesson plan.
● Support participants with individual learning and behavioral needs throughout activity periods.
● In the absence of an Activity Specialist, remain prepared to facilitate an activity for assigned group, utilizing a pre-approved lesson plan or group activity from NIA’s curriculum bank.
● Work collaboratively with co-workers in assigned classroom, including Activity Specialists, Teachers, or Youth Workers.
● Ensure assigned classroom/space is kept clean and school property is left undisturbed. Clean up fully after program activity is complete, and leave shared school spaces as they were found.
● Utilize only supplies, materials, and equipment provided directly by NIA or school items explicitly communicated as shared and available for program use.
● Maintain a professional demeanor and interact with program participants according to NIA’s employee requirements, ensuring appropriate boundaries are maintained and pre-approved behavior management techniques are used.
● Adhere to the program’s established mental health response and referral plan.
● Personally complete required Mental Health training, including Mental Health and Mental Illness, Engagement and De-Escalation Strategies, Referral and Crisis Management Protocols, and Mental Health Resources.
● Support on-site Inclusion efforts, working alongside program managers to identify and support student needs.
● Assist in ensuring that program operates safely, including maintaining safe spaces and program practices; adhering to requirements for scheduled fire drills and other safety drills; being vigilant of staff and student interaction, signs of child abuse/maltreatment/neglect, and signs of mental health emergencies.
● Respond according to established organization and site-based plan in the event of on-site injuries or medical emergencies.
● Assist in ensuring that the program operates in compliance with all DOH/licensing mandates.
● Support a strong sense of community which values respect, ensuring that all children and families feel welcome and a sense of belonging.
● Participate in ongoing professional development opportunities, including topics required to maintain organization compliance with funder and licensing requirements.
● Additional tasks as assigned to meet organizational goals
- ssist with positive behavior management in a professional manner
- Be flexible, demonstrate a positive attitude and willingness to help others
- Communicate clearly and positively with students, co-workers, and supervisors
- MUST be available, on-time, and prepared to work Monday-Friday afternoons, for three hours a day, between 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM (Exact hours vary depending upon location).
Qualifications:
● Must be 18 years or older, with at least 2 years of direct experience working with children.
● Associate’s degree preferred; high school diploma or equivalent required.
● College coursework in the areas of education, youth development, or a related field are a plus.
● Strong communication skills, attention to detail, and professionalism are required.
Skills Required
- At least 18 years old
- At least 2 years of direct experience working with children
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Associate's degree
- College coursework in education, youth development, or a related field
- Strong communication skills
- Attention to detail
- Professionalism
- Availability to work Monday through Friday afternoons, three hours per day, between 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM
What We Do
NIA Community Services Network is a non-profit organization dedicated to building strong children, families, and communities in New York City, serving over 30,000 individuals annually through various programs.
