Group Leader-Brownsville Cornerstone

Flatbush Development Corporation is a dynamic and community-focused organization dedicated to providing high-quality afterschool programs for youth in Brooklyn. Our commitment to youth development and enrichment is at the core of everything we do, and we are proud to be a partner of the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD), Department of Health (DOH), and The Office of Children Services (OCFS).

About the role

The Group Leader plays a critical role in creating a safe, engaging, and supportive afterschool environment for participants in grades K–8. As the primary staff member responsible for daily group supervision, the Group Leader facilitates and supports activities, builds positive relationships, and ensures that all program components are delivered in alignment with DYCD, DOH, and NYCDOE guidelines. This position promotes youth development by fostering academic enrichment, social-emotional growth, and positive behavior, while maintaining a structured and nurturing atmosphere.

Responsibilities

• Supervise program participants at all times during program operation, in all locations where the program operates, including off-site trips.
• Assist in the safe and proper pick-up and delivery of participants from community schools, as assigned by the program director.
• Provide active homework assistance to ensure that all participants are engaged and supported during homework time.
• Plan and implement engaging academic enrichment and recreation activities that incorporate elements of literacy, STEAM, youth development, and community service.
• Prepare daily lesson plans and unit outlines, and use curricular material provided to facilitate activities.
• Initiate guidance and support sessions with appropriate staff if materials are not clear.
• Gather all supplies and prepare the activity space.
• Assist teachers and activity specialists in the facilitation of lessons/activities by actively participating and encouraging participant involvement.
• Create and maintain a supportive and safe environment by ensuring activity spaces are clean and organized.
• Follow the program schedule and ensure that all participants follow their schedules, unless told otherwise by the program supervisor.
• Utilize principles of positive youth development through behavior management and discipline techniques that foster social, emotional, and cognitive growth, and build self-esteem and responsibility in all participants.
• Build positive relationships with and among participants and act as a role model.
• Participate in meetings and workshops that enhance professional skills, including a minimum of 15 hours of training per year.
• Work with Program Director, staff developers, and educational specialists to develop professional skills.
• Apply skills and knowledge acquired in trainings to improve program quality.
• Adhere to site-specific memoranda and program staff manual, including staff and program-specific requirements as prescribed by the NYS Child School Aged Child Care (SACC) Programs regulation.
• Proactively make the provision of quality services and the safety and care of all children the primary focus.
• Notify supervisors of any behaviors that impede the provision of quality services and the safety of participants and staff, including proactive reporting of incidents involving physical injury or emotional/social harm.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED required; some college or coursework in education or youth development strongly preferred.
• Experience working with school-age children (K–8) in afterschool, camp, or youth development settings.
• Ability to lead activities, manage groups, and engage youth with diverse needs and backgrounds.
• Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Must pass all required background checks, fingerprinting, and DOE clearance.

Pay

$17 per hour

Schedule

• 20 hours per week
• 5 days per week, Monday – Friday, 6:00 PM–10:00 PM