Are you passionate about working with children and creating positive experiences that help them learn, grow, and thrive? Are you looking for a rewarding opportunity to make a difference in your community while building valuable leadership and youth development skills? If so, the YMCA of the North Shore may be the perfect fit for you.
We are seeking enthusiastic and caring Group Leaders to join our Out-of-School-Time team in Marblehead. In this role, you will help create a safe, engaging, and inclusive environment where children can build friendships, develop confidence, and have fun before and after school.
As a Group Leader, you will play an active role in planning activities, supporting children's development, and ensuring a high-quality program experience. Successful candidates are energetic, dependable, and committed to fostering a welcoming environment for children and families.
What You'll DoSupport Child Development- Create a positive and inclusive environment that supports children's social, emotional, physical, and cognitive growth
- Welcome and orient children and families to the program
- Build meaningful relationships with participants and encourage positive behavior
- Ensure all children feel safe, valued, and included
- Develop and implement age-appropriate activities and lesson plans
- Lead games, enrichment activities, creative projects, and group experiences
- Adapt activities to meet the diverse needs and interests of participants
- Provide weekly lesson plans to the Site Coordinator
- Maintain active supervision of children at all times
- Follow YMCA policies, licensing regulations, and safety procedures
- Respond appropriately to emergencies and incidents
- Maintain accurate attendance and program documentation
- Foster positive relationships with parents and guardians
- Communicate important information regarding participants with the Site Coordinator
- Work collaboratively with fellow staff members to create a successful program environment
- Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and professional development opportunities
- Help keep program spaces organized, safe, and welcoming
- Monitor equipment and facilities and report any concerns to the Site Coordinator
- Model the YMCA's core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility in all interactions
- Free YMCA membership and employee discounts on programs
- Paid training and professional development
- Opportunities for advancement across YMCA of the North Shore locations
- Retirement plan with a 12% employer contribution (once vested, no match required)
- Sick time accrual
- Supportive, mission-driven work environment
This position is ideal for individuals interested in education, child development, recreation, social work, psychology, or anyone who enjoys making a positive impact in the lives of children.
Join the YMCA of the North Shore and help create meaningful experiences for children every day.
Qualifications- Must be at least 18 years of age
- High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent required
- Must meet all licensing requirements for a Group Leader as established by the applicable licensing agency
- Demonstrated understanding of child growth and development, with the ability to apply developmentally appropriate practices when working with children
- Strong communication, leadership, and relationship-building skills
- Ability to create a positive, inclusive, and engaging environment for children and families
- Must successfully complete all required fingerprinting and background screening requirements prior to employment
- Must maintain all required documentation and certifications within the employee file as required by licensing agencies
- Must complete all required trainings, certifications, and program orientation in accordance with licensing regulations and YMCA of the North Shore standards
- Commitment to upholding YMCA policies, procedures, and core values
- Must be able to lift and carry up to 40 pounds
- Must be able to participate in indoor and outdoor program activities actively
- Requires frequent standing, walking, bending, reaching, and moving throughout the program space
- Must be able to respond quickly and appropriately to unexpected situations and emergencies
- Ability to maintain active supervision of children and ensure a safe environment at all times
- Must possess the physical and mental stamina necessary to support a fast-paced childcare environment
The YMCA is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination and equal opportunity for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religious creed, protected genetic information, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, or veteran's status.
Skills Required
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent
- Meet all licensing requirements for a Group Leader as established by the applicable licensing agency
- Demonstrated understanding of child growth and development and ability to apply developmentally appropriate practices
- Strong communication, leadership, and relationship-building skills
- Successful completion of required fingerprinting and background screening prior to employment
- Maintain required documentation and certifications in employee file as required by licensing agencies
- Complete required trainings, certifications, and program orientation per licensing regulations and YMCA standards
- Ability to lift and carry up to 40 pounds and participate in indoor/outdoor activities; physical stamina for fast-paced childcare environment
- Commitment to upholding YMCA policies, procedures, and core values
What We Do
The YMCA of the North Shore Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening communities, nurturing the potential of children, and promoting healthy living in spirit, mind, and body. As an inclusive association comprising several local YMCAs, it provides a wide range of programs, including fitness classes, youth development, and childcare services, to foster social responsibility and community wellness across its service area.
