Summer Rising Group Leader - Elementary and Middle School

Overview
Join us as a Summer Rising Group Leader, where you will play a vital role in creating a dynamic, engaging, and supportive environment for elementary and middle school students during the summer months. This paid position offers an exciting opportunity to inspire young learners through innovative activities, foster positive behavior, and promote personal growth. As a Group Leader, you will be at the forefront of delivering enriching educational experiences while ensuring safety and inclusivity for all participants. Your energy, creativity, and dedication will help shape memorable summer moments that empower children to thrive academically and socially.

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise groups of elementary and middle school students in educational activities, recreational games, arts and crafts, and team-building exercises.
• Implement classroom management strategies to maintain a positive, respectful environment conducive to learning and fun.
• Ensure student safety by adhering to all health and safety protocols, including basic first aid procedures when necessary.
• Collaborate with fellow staff to plan engaging curriculum activities aligned with program goals.
• Support children with diverse needs by applying principles of special education, behavior management, and childhood development.
• Foster an inclusive atmosphere that encourages participation, kindness, and respect among students.
• Communicate effectively with parents, guardians, and team members regarding student progress or concerns.

Requirements

• Prior experience working with children in settings such as camps, daycare centers, tutoring programs, or after-school activities.
• Strong classroom management skills combined with the ability to handle behavioral challenges positively.
• Knowledge of child development principles and early childhood education best practices.
• Certifications in first aid and CPR are preferred but not required; training can be provided if necessary.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team environment while demonstrating leadership qualities.
• Passion for working with children and fostering their growth through creative and nurturing approaches. This paid summer position is an excellent opportunity for energetic individuals eager to make a meaningful impact on young learners’ lives while gaining valuable experience in education and youth development. Join us to help create a vibrant summer program filled with learning, fun, and unforgettable memories!

Position Overview

ASPIRA currently administers more than 20 programs in NYC public schools, serving nearly 6000 students, the majority of which come from low-to-moderate income households. ASPIRA is hiring part-time Group Leaders for several program sites located in the Bronx. Group Leaders provide academic support and facilitate enrichment activities to develop or enhance skills that will help students in and out of school. Group Leaders assist in developing and implementing program activities such as homework assistance, recreational activities, and cultural exploration. This role may include any or all of the following and similar responsibilities described below, as well as other tasks deemed necessary by the Program Director.

Responsibilities

• Lead homework help time and provide homework assistance to students as well as help prepare students for academic exams; provide extra educational guidance as needed.
• Lead clubs, recreational and enrichment group activities; provide engaging opportunities for students to explore new interests and ideas.
• Record and maintain student attendance, performance, and activity records; positively communicate student progress to students, parents, and the Program Director.
• Encourage a positive environment that fosters mutual support and the desire to learn, grow, and develop; serve as a positive role model for students by demonstrating professional language and behavior.
• Supervise transition times to maintain order and safety; assist program staff in maintaining cleanliness and quality of program materials and worksite environment.
• Maintain program rules and regulations as well as adhere to schoolwide procedures while always keeping the student’s need as the highest priority.
• Communicate day-to-day programmatic difficulties, problems, and concerns professionally and appropriately.
• Attend all staff meetings and professional development training sessions; participate in bi-weekly staff development meetings.
• Perform other duties and tasks as deemed necessary by the Program Director.

Requirements

• Some college and 1-2yrs experience in a youth development role required; Associate’s

Degree or higher preferred.

• Must have previous experience working with elementary, middle, or high school students in an academic or recreation setting.
• 2-3yrs experience working in a youth development program such as tutoring, afterschool program, summer camp, mentoring, etc. highly desired.
• Dedicated to ASPIRA of NY’s programs' educational and youth development goals.
• Knowledge of students’ backgrounds, cultures, and communities and possess the ability to integrate this knowledge into service delivery.
• Willingness to be trained in the following areas including, but not limited to, youth development, conflict resolution, youth safety, services for youth with disabilities, and cultural diversity.
• Possess strong written and verbal communication, interpersonal and organizational skills; possess strong classroom and behavior management skills, and demonstrate effective problem- solving techniques.
• Possess the ability to work amongst a multi-level program staff and in a team environment; ability to work cohesively, collaboratively, and take direction.

Must pass a pre-employment background investigation including but not limited to employment history and criminal background check

· Must be adaptable to the work environment such as hybrid program model availability: onsite and remote including the ability to work from home or other non-school site location readily and throughout the day.

· Must be remote access prepared which includes: including web/internet/broadband accessibility and reliable cell phone devices equipped for texting and talking.

· Must possess and be able to maintain throughout the assignment; the technology (hardware, software, internet access, and working cell phone) required to perform the duties of the position including communications with the supervisor and other staff members.

· Physical requirements including the ability to climb stairs, perform CPR, communicate by voice, monitor and evaluate events visually and aurally.

· As an essential worker, it is expected at this time, that you have schedule flexibility based on State, Local and Federal pandemic management conditions and requirements (e.g., school closures, training, emergency orders)

Preferred Requirements

· Bilingual: Fluent in Spanish highly preferred

·Certifications and credentials in respective skill-based activity highly preferred

·Demonstrated school program delivery experience preferred

·Online/virtual programming experience preferred

·Demonstrable experience with presenting material and/or lessons on a Zoom or other school-based video conference platform highly preferred

·Exhibits creativity and resourcefulness, enthusiasm and passion, and commitment, and patience in working with youth

·Must be available for all hours of the program on a daily basis

·Must pass pre-employment background investigation including but not limited to employment history and criminal background check

Please submit a cover letter and resume

Salary and Working Hours:

• $17/hour

Summer Schedule:

• On Boarding/Required Training: June 17th, June 18th, June 22nd and June 23rd
• Part-Time Seasonal (July 1st – August 14th)

At time of offer and acceptance, the job requires safety and security clearances through the Department of Education and Department of Health.

ASPIRA of NY is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.

Disclaimer: The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the employee in this position. These statements are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of a person in this position.

Pay: $17.00 per hour

Expected hours: 20.0 – 35.0 per week

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location: In person