After School Group Leader

The YWCA of the City of New York (YW-NYC) is on a mission to eliminate racism, empower women and promote peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. We are a social justice organization dedicated to addressing issues that emerge at the intersection of race, class and gender. Founded in 1858, the YW-NYC is the first YW in the United States and part of an international movement of YWs worldwide. We currently serve 1,500 New York City school children by providing leadership and advocacy training for young women through our high school Girls Initiatives and Out-of-School Time (OST) programs for elementary and middle school students in diverse communities in Manhattan and Brooklyn.

Under the leadership of the Program Director and Assistant Director, the Group Leader oversees the development and engagement of elementary and/or middle school students in the after-school program. The Group Leader is caring, creative, passionate about maintaining the safety and well-being of students, and ensures that all group interactions support the YW-NYC’s mission to eliminate racism and empower women and girls.

A successful Group Leader will: bring a positive youth development lens to the role; build meaningful relationships with program participants and families; support the academic, physical, social, and emotional development of students; manage administrative tasks in a timely and efficient manner; assist with the implementation of developmentally appropriate curricula in alignment with YW-NYC’s program standards; communicate and collaborate effectively with colleagues; and demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and anti-racism.

 A successful Group Leader will: bring a positive youth development lens to the role; build meaningful relationships with program participants and families; support the academic, physical, social, and emotional safety and development of students; manage administrative tasks in a timely and efficient manner; assist and deliver developmentally appropriate curricula in alignment with YW-NYC’s program standards; communicate and collaborate professionally and effectively with colleagues and stakeholders; and demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and anti-racism. 

Responsibilities:

Program Development & Relationship Building

• Utilize positive youth development principles to enhance program quality and support growth in young people
• Plan, facilitate and deliver purposeful engaging theme based academic, enrichment and recreational activities including but not limited to literacy, STEM, and the arts
• Contribute to the planning and presentation of culminating events and showcases
• Create and submit thoughtful lesson plans in alignment with the theme for assigned activities
• Assist and support specialists in program facilitation and facilitation of activities and lessons
• Plan, facilitate and deliver age-appropriate clubs and related activities
• Provide homework help to students daily
• Support Holiday Camp days through recruitment, facilitation, and delivery of theme-based activities, and/or attending scheduled trips and outings
• Maintain responsibility for program supplies and proper use of all facilities
• Reinforce YW-NYC philosophies within all interactions and programming

Supervision

• Oversee the day-to-day management and supervision of a group of no more than 20 students, maintaining SACC mandated ratio requirements
• Provide adequate supervision of participants while maintaining a physically and emotionally safe and nurturing environment
• Support arrival, dismissal, and snack process daily
• Ensure effective behavior management and a positive learning environment
• Ensure the engagement of students during activities
• Serve as a positive role model for participants by demonstrating professional language and behavior

Administration & Professional Development

• Perform other duties as assigned by Supervisor or YW staff as it pertains to the needs of the program and organization
• Complete a at least 15 hours of professional development training hours annually
• Attend and participate in YW and site-based staff meetings
• Communicate effectively and professionally with supervisor, colleagues, parents, school, stakeholders and YW staff
• Maintain accurate attendance records, student files and lesson plans

• Associate’s/bachelor’s degree preferred or commensurate experience
• 2+ years working in OST programs or other education/youth programs
• Effective behavioral management skills
• Knowledge of anti-racism and gender equity principles and practices
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills
• Strong capabilities in math, reading, and other general academic studies
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) a bonus
• Strong work ethic and professional values
• Commitment to promoting YW-NYC’s social justice mission and educational and youth development philosophy

This is a non-exempt hourly position with fluctuating hours of operation, hours during summer rising afterschool programming fluctuate from 8am to 6pm, with occasional evening and weekend hours required. Normal schedule will be a 3–4-hour workday, M-F. The Group Leader must be able to sit and stand for long stretches of time anduse a computer and phone to communicate with staff, students, and partners. Reasonable accommodations will be made if needed for candidates who can fulfil the essential functions of the job. The salary rate is commensurate with credentials and experience. The YWCA of the City of New York is an equal opportunity employer and contractor. We provide equal employment and contracting opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. The YWCA of New York City utilizes only job- related criteria in making decisions concerning applicants and employees. Moreover, we encourage applicants from historically underrepresented communities to apply.