Beacon Group Leader

Position Summary

The Group Leader (Beacon) supervises and engages Middle and High 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.

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

• Put children, youth, and families first
• Serve equity and transformation in our communities
• Strive for excellence
• Power our work with collaboration
• Drive our work with compassion

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Understand and promote the organization’s Mission, Vision, and Core Values to ensure alignment with organizational policies and procedures
• Supervise and engage groups of 20–25 middle and High School
• Implement academic enrichment, social-emotional learning, and recreational activities
• Provide individual and small-group academic enrichment in reading, writing, math, and science
• Create club lesson plans and facilitate clubs
• Promote positive behavior and maintain a safe, respectful program
• Serve as a positive role model by demonstrating professionalism and integrity
• Collaborate with other staff members and provide guidance on daily activities as needed
• Plan, organize, and supervise games, sports, arts, and special events
• Supervise participants during supper, transitions, program activities, and off-site
• Ensure program materials and equipment are properly signed out, cleaned, and stored
• 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
• Complete mandated trainings and ongoing professional development opportunities that foster a growth mindset

Minimum Qualifications

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

Key Competencies

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

Equal Employment Opportunity

Children’s Aid is committed to providing 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.