GAINS Group Leader I

About the role

The Group Leader I serves in a support role to the Corps Officers, under the direct supervision of the Program Directors. They are integrally involved in the daily operations of the School-Age Child Care program and the carrying out of its mission. The Group Leader I may oversee a designated group of children and specialized activities, as well as provide leadership to other assigned employees. They support Program Directors as needed and may assume greater leadership responsibility in their absence. The ideal candidate is teachable and committed to ongoing professional development.

Responsibilities

• Involvement in the total program with willingness to help in all areas as needed, including dining room, outdoor/indoor activities, children with problems, and daily assembly.
• Promote observance of the moral and ethical code affecting children and staff.
• Complete Orientation Sessions and attend all parent meetings.
• Attend and contribute to Program Leadership Meetings.
• Help plan and conduct General Staff Meetings.
• Share with the Program Director and/or Corps Officers all matters of mutual concern relating to the total welfare of the GAINS Program.
• Assist the Program Director in advancing the mission of The Salvation Army GAINS Program.
• Complete a Debrief at the end of the school year and summer camp session, including areas of concern for the following program year.

Specific Responsibilities as Instructor

• Assume leadership of the program in the absence of Program Directors, if necessary.
• Serve as the leader in all assigned areas under the direction of the Program Directors.
• Provide leadership and guidance to assigned children and supervision of assigned staff.
• Assume responsibility for the health, cleanliness, good habits, welfare, and happiness of all children and staff, especially those under direct supervision.
• Maintain a high level of interaction with children and staff; contribute constructively to the health, harmony, and happiness of the program.
• Coordinate daily assembly as assigned by the Program Director.
• Voice criticisms to the Program Directors first and respond positively to their directives.
• Identify and physically respond appropriately and quickly to emergency situations.
• Assist participants and staff in emergencies.
• Organize and administer assigned activities for children ages 5–13.
• Assume responsibility for assigned areas, proper use of supplies, maintenance of inventory, and requesting additional supplies as needed.
• Coordinate programs with other activities and plans; provide support as needed.
• Write, facilitate, and submit lesson plans for assigned classes to the Program Director.
• Communicate privately and promptly with the Program Director regarding staff actions that put the health and safety of participants at risk.
• Report all incidents, minor or major.
• Communicate and work with groups of various ages and skill levels; provide necessary instruction to participants and/or staff.
• Plan and conduct activities that achieve participant development objectives.
• Organize, direct, and instruct assigned activity programs for all ages, interests, and abilities.
• Display creativity and innovation in programming.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent; Associate’s Degree preferred.
• At least 3 years of experience in youth or camp programming and/or group work.
• Leadership experience with peers and in organized/specialized programming.
• Current CPR and First Aid Certifications.
• Availability for the entire duration of program hours (2:15–6 PM during the school year; 8 AM–6 PM on school holidays and summer months).

Schedule

2:15–6 PM during the school year; 8 AM–6 PM on school holidays and summer months.