Group Leader (middle school)

Our Mission

We help children in poverty to succeed and thrive. We do this by providing comprehensive supports to children, youth, and their families in targeted high-needs New York City neighborhoods.

We believe all kids have limitless potential. But for those growing up surrounded by poverty, family instability, and physical or emotional stress, life is too often about survival, not possibility. It’s unacceptable that in New York, a city of historic opportunity, so many of our children face serious barriers to realizing their own promise.

Children’s Aid is a professional powerhouse of solutions for young people. We are teachers and social workers, coaches and health care providers. We know what it takes to ensure children grow up strong and healthy, and ready to thrive in school and life: excellent education and health care, social-emotional support, and strong, stable families.

$17.00 – $25.00 / hour 

Position Summary

The Group Leader (Middle School) supervises and engages middle school participants during afterschool and summer programs by providing academic support, social-emotional learning, and enrichment activities. Under the guidance of program leadership, the Group Leader creates a safe, respectful, and engaging environment and supports students’ academic growth through tutoring, structured activities, and positive mentorship. Must be available to work during designated afterschool and/or summer program hours. The incumbent will understand and promote the organization’s Mission, Vision, and Core Values to ensure alignment with the functions of the position.

Children’s Aid Mission

To help children in poverty to succeed and thrive. We do this by providing comprehensive support to children and their families in targeted high-needs New York City neighborhoods. Children’s Aid annually serves children and their families at over 40 sites in New York, as well as through three national program models.  Children’s Aid is concentrating its efforts on creating cradle-through-college pathways in high-need neighborhoods, with a focus on children’s health, family stability, education, and social and emotional development.

Culture and Values

We put children, youth, and families first: We listen to and incorporate the voices of children, youth and families in all that we do.

We seek equity and transformation in our communities: We courageously work within and outside systems to create opportunities for children, youth and families.

We strive for excellence: We hold ourselves to the highest standards and are committed to continuous learning and improvement.

We are powered by collaboration: Our work is stronger when we trust, partner, and respect each other and the communities we serve.

We are driven by compassion: We lead with kindness, care, and empathy and believe in the endless potential of the people we serve and our team.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Supervise and engage groups of 20–25 middle school participants.
• Implement academic enrichment, social-emotional learning, and recreational activities.
• Provide individual and small-group tutoring in reading, writing, mathematics, and study skills.
• Implement literacy-based curriculum and support additional instructional activities.
• Promote positive behavior and maintain a safe, respectful program environment.
• Serve as a positive role model by demonstrating professionalism and leadership.
• Collaborate with other staff members and provide guidance on daily activities as needed.
• Plan, organize, and supervise games, sports, arts, and special projects.
• Supervise participants during supper, transitions, program activities and off-site trips.
• Ensure program materials and equipment are properly signed out, cleaned, and returned.
• Communicate regularly with program staff and participate in staff meetings and trainings.
• Assist with program operations and special events as needed.
• Fulfill mandated reporter responsibilities.
• Responsible for completing mandated trainings and ongoing professional development opportunities that foster a growth mindset.
• Work cooperatively with other staff members in the program and schools.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Tier 1: High School Diploma or GED required and up to 2 years of experience working with children or youth.
• Tier 2: College degree preferred and 2 or more years of experience working with children or youth.

Key Competencies

• Work well in teams and in collaboration with other organizations and entities.
• Strong communication skills and well organized.
• Experience working with middle school–age youth in an afterschool, camp, or school-based programs.
• Coursework or field of study in Education, Social Work, or a related field preferred.
• Knowledge of trauma informed care practices, a plus.
• Experience in tutoring, teaching, or afterschool programming.
• Bilingual preferred.

It is the policy of Children’s Aid to provide equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment and is dedicated to maintaining a work environment that is free from harassment and discrimination. Children’s Aid will not tolerate discrimination, harassment, or retaliation on any basis, including race, creed, color, national origin, ethnicity, alienage or citizenship status, gender/sex (including pregnancy), disability, religion, source of income, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, familial status, caregiver status, military status, marital or partnership status, status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual violence or stalking, predisposing genetic characteristics, arrest or conviction record, credit history, unemployment status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. Children’s Aid is committed to complying with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Children’s Aid will conduct a prompt and thorough investigation of all allegations of discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or any violation of the Equal Employment Opportunity Policy in a confidential manner and will take appropriate corrective action, if and where warranted. Children’s Aid prohibits retaliation against employees who provide information about, complain about, or assist in the investigation of any complaint of discrimination or violation of the Equal Employment Opportunity Policy.

The incumbent is expected to work a schedule, whether in-person or hybrid, as determined by the department’s needs to facilitate effective collaboration with the team.  This flexibility is essential for maintaining seamless communication, fostering teamwork, and ensuring the smooth operation of the department’s processes.  The position’s requirements are subject to periodic review and adjustment based on organizational needs and changes in work dynamics.

To apply please visit our website: www.childrensaidnyc.org