Group Leader/AmeriCorps - Activity Specialist @ PS 516

JOB TITLE: Group Leader/AmeriCorps - Activity Specialist @ PS 516 

EXEMPTION: Non-Exempt

REPORTS TO: Program Director 

SUPERVISES: N/A

WHO WE ARE 

Center for Family Life in Sunset Park (CFL) (https://centerforfamilylife.org), is a nationally recognized social service organization. CFL's mission is to promote positive outcomes for children and adults in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, by providing a comprehensive range of neighborhood-based family and social services. 

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION: To create, implement, and facilitate age-appropriate literacy activities for after-school participants (K-5th) as part of a multidisciplinary team. 

I. SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES include, but are not limited to  

• Develop and implement engaging lessons that integrate literacy skills, social-emotional learning, and the arts
• Design activities that promote teamwork, communication, and experimentation in large and small group settings 
• Create interactive/hands-on activities to keep participants engaged
• Utilize thoughtful group-management skills (restorative processes instead of punitive discipline) in a non-traditional classroom setting 
• Contribute to the planning and execution of special events, staff development training, and other community-building activities 
• Attend weekly professional development meetings 
• Provide daily program support as needed, including but not limited to: supervising transitions, cleaning shared spaces, organizing materials, and assisting with administrative tasks. Create curriculum and lead age-appropriate gross motor and physical activities for elementary school-aged children in a NYC Public School after-school and summer camp-based program.
• Prepare and print up-to-date lesson plans for each activity.

II. QUALIFICATIONS  

• Bachelor’s Degree preferred
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred
• Experience creating and facilitating literacy-based lesson plans for elementary-aged students 
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills 
• Flexibility and ability to work well as a member of a team of different disciplines (artists, teachers, young adult staff)
• Interested in managing and creating positive experiences for groups of youth, including participants with special needs and challenging behaviors 
• Enthusiasm
• Demonstrated ability to maintain a high energy level

III. RELATIONSHIP WITH OTHERS   

• Build and maintain positive working relationships and daily interactions with participants, volunteers, co-workers, and supervisors
• Engage in discussions and training regarding receiving/providing information, discussing arising issues, explaining or interpreting guidelines/instructions, and instructing
• Have a strong sensitivity to cultural differences present among staff and clients within our organization.
• Possess a strong belief in people’s ability to grow and change
• Forge a mutually respectful partnership with persons served and their families.
• Maintain contact as needed with participants’ families, school personnel, and external community groups to co-exist in the same space
• Follow agency policies designed to promote personal/professional boundaries

IV. WORKING CONDITIONS  

• Be comfortable managing ongoing projects in addition to day-to-day tasks 
• Actively engage and interact with children each day
• May be required to be active by walking, bending, standing, squatting, or sitting on the floor with children
• May be required to transport equipment to set up activities
• Be comfortable performing multifaceted projects in conjunction with day-to-day activities.
• May be exposed to all weather conditions and might be required to work in various temperatures to facilitate activities in various locations inside and outside of the school building
• Adhere to agency dress code daily (CFL T-shirt and clothing/shoes that allow you to move comfortably)

V. BENEFITS  

• Participation in the Americorps program 
• Flexible Scheduling to complete 900 Americorps service hours in 36 weeks  
• The total annual Living Allowance is $18,000. Bi-weekly Living Allowance is $1000.00 before taxes.
• Receive the Segal Educational Award for national service upon successful completion of the program. The Educational Award for successful completion of a 900-hour term is $3,697.50