Group Leader

Hyde Park Neighborhood Club; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 23,000 - 29,000; Part time

Job summary

Hyde Park Neighborhood Club in Chicago seeks a Group Leader to supervise and engage school-aged children (5–14) under the Director of Programs. Plan enrichment activities, follow the master schedule, and foster a safe, nurturing environment centered on positive youth development.

Responsibilities include ensuring safety, guiding behavior, coordinating with parents, tracking attendance and trainings, and collaborating with other group leaders on lesson plans.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Must pass a background check.
• Part-time during the school year; up to full-time in summer.
• MS Office proficiency preferred.

Responsibilities

• Keep youth safe and engaged during activities and transitions.
• Collaborate with other Group Leaders to plan lessons and activities.
• Track attendance, complete required trainings, and respond to emails.
• Build relationships with parents and communicate program information.
• Maintain organized spaces and equipment and manage program materials.

Skills

Personable

Hardworking

Organized

Self-motivated

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

6 college credits in Education/Child Development/Youth Development/Recreation or Early Childhood Education

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Organization Description:

Hyde Park Neighborhood Club was founded in 1909 in response to the needs of local youth. In the century since then, HPNC has grown and evolved. Our mission is to bring people together to strengthen the health, vitality, and sustainability of our diverse local community through programs and partnerships, with a particular focus on child and youth development. We value social and racial justice, environmental stewardship, equity, inclusion, and excellence in program quality.

Job Description:

Under the direct supervision of the Director of Programs and in collaboration with the OST Program Manager and other group leaders, the Group Leader is responsible for the safety and well-being, as well as supervision and engagement of school-aged children (ages 5-14 years). The Group Leader will plan and implement engaging enrichment activities, follow the structured program Schedule, and create a safe and nurturing environment with children at the center. The Group Leader will set positive examples and lead with maturity and wisdom to encourage pro-social youth development.

Performance Dimensions and Tasks:

Delivery

• Keep youth physically, socially, and emotionally safe at all times.
• Manage a cohort youth through activities, program transitions, enrichments, and keep pace with master program schedule.
• During free-play, remain highly attentive and aware of group dynamics and safety risks, and assist with conflict resolution while engaging students in play.
• Maintain behavioral expectations of students through established methods and procedures, including positive behavior and guidance techniques.
• Build relationships with parents/guardians by checking in regularly as students are picked up.
• Assist in conflict resolution with children, parents, families, and staff.
• Distribute program information and publications and provide information and parent support.
• Maintain a positive, safe, and productive work environment by ensuring that spaces, materials, and equipment remain neat, clean, and organized.
• Other duties as assigned.

Planning, Reporting & Administration

• Collaborate with other Group Leaders to develop lesson plans, activities, and projects.
• Participate thoughtfully in staff and parent meetings, program trainings and staff development, and complete required online training on or before deadlines.
• Track and input attendance, administer surveys, and track and record other metrics as required.
• Check email daily and respond to company emails within 1-business day of receipt.

Performance Enhancements

• Promote Core Values of social and racial justice, environmental stewardship, equity and inclusion, and a commitment to excellence.
• Dedicate yourself to enhancing each child’s physical, intellectual, social, and emotional development.
• Cooperate with the purposes and services of agency programs.
• Sustain physical and mental health that do not interfere with childcare responsibilities.
• Bring creativity, flexibility, understanding and patience.
• Listen attentively and provide emotional availability and responsiveness to children.
• Understand school-age children, including their developmental stages and characteristics.
• Create a warm environment in which children feel comfortable, relaxed, safe, happy and involved in play, recreation and other activities.
• Be sensitive to children’s socioeconomic, cultural, ethnic, and religious backgrounds, individual needs, and capabilities.

Job Specifications & Mandatory Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Part-time during the school year (2:30pm-6:30pm M-F; 12:00pm-6:30pm Tu) and up to full-time hours in the summer.
• Must successfully pass a background check.

Preferred qualifications:

Individuals must be personable, hardworking, organized, and self-motivated. Knowledge of MS Office preferred. Other skills, talents and interests welcomed, such as art, athletics, music, dance, cheer, cooking, graphic design, video-editing, gardening, math, science, etc. May come from any academic discipline. Bring your whole self! At least 6 college credits in Education, Child Development, Youth Development, Recreation or Early Childhood Education are a plus.

Desired Start Date: ASAP

Hourly Rate: $17.05-$21/hr (depending on experience)

Location: Chicago (Hyde Park)