Group Leader

The YMCA of Greater New York is a renowned nonprofit organization committed to empowering youth, improving health, and strengthening communities across the New York metropolitan area. Established in 1852, the YMCA has built a rich legacy of serving more than half a million residents annually through its extensive network of 24 branches. The organization offers diverse programs and services designed to help individuals learn, grow, and thrive. The YMCA places a strong emphasis on creating welcoming and inclusive environments that build connections among community members. Its mission encapsulates a people-first philosophy that fosters leadership, collaboration, and personal growth through the LEAP framework, which stands for Leadership, Empowerment, Accountability, and Personal Growth. This framework supports the YMCA's commitment to nurturing trust, inclusivity, and ongoing development for all staff and participants.

As part of this mission-driven organization, the YMCA of Greater New York is seeking Group Leaders for its Dodge YMCA Afterschool program. This position plays a crucial role in ensuring that the afterschool programs provide safe, enriching, and supportive environments for school-age children. The Group Leader works under the supervision of the Program Director and is responsible for overseeing children during afterschool hours and holiday camps. The role requires delivering a wide range of age-appropriate, creative activities and academic support that complement school-day learning. Group Leaders have a unique opportunity to positively impact the developmental and social growth of children, helping to cultivate essential skills through diverse activities such as homework assistance, tutoring, enrichment games, social-emotional learning, STEAM, literacy, and leadership development.

In addition to fostering a nurturing environment, Group Leaders collaborate with content specialists and other YMCA staff to plan and execute engaging lesson plans and special events. They are tasked with preparing the learning environment and materials, ensuring the safety and well-being of all participants, and creating an inclusive atmosphere that respects diversity and embraces the unique needs of each child. This includes working with the Inclusion Coordinator to support children with learning or behavioral differences.

The Group Leader also serves as a role model and mentor, establishing positive relationships with children, their families, and caregivers through consistent communication about the participants' progress and areas for growth. The role demands meticulous record-keeping, adherence to regulatory standards from Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) and Department of Health (DOH), and alignment with the YMCA's core values and program objectives.

This position offers a meaningful career path for individuals passionate about youth development and community engagement. The hourly wage is $17.17, reflecting the YMCA's commitment to providing competitive compensation while delivering valuable leadership and interpersonal experience. The work schedule is Monday through Friday, from 2:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., including school breaks, making it ideal for those interested in part-time roles that have a significant positive influence on children's lives. Being a Group Leader at the YMCA of Greater New York means joining a dynamic team dedicated to building stronger communities through empowering programs and supportive relationships.