Job Description

Job DetailsJob Location: Stanley M. Isaacs- Education Workforce - New York, NY 10128Salary Range: $19.00 - $19.00 HourlyIntro/Program Description: Goddard Riverside is a well-established Manhattan community-based agency with an annual operating budget of approximately $ 50 million.  Goddard Riverside is one of New York City’s leading human service organizations meeting the basic needs of children, youth and families, homeless people, and older adults across Manhattan and New York City.
Purpose of Position: The Teen Expansion Group Leader is responsible for the direct supervision, guidance, and safety of youth participants while fostering a welcoming, engaging, and intellectually stimulating program environment. Group Leaders build positive relationships with participants and support their social, emotional, and academic development through structured activities and meaningful interactions through a mentorship lens.
The Teen Group Leader will facilitate daily programming, support program specialists, and ensure participants are actively engaged in program activities. This role also provides leadership and guidance to program assistants and volunteers as needed.
Schedule: Sunday-Saturday (Varies), 19 hours per week (Seasonal)
Hourly Rate: $19
Roles, Responsibilities, and Essential Duties Roles, Responsibilities, and Essential Duties
Youth Supervision and Engagement
Supervise and coordinate the daily activities of a group of 10–21 teen participants in a safe and supportive environment.
Build strong rapport with youth through positive interactions, mentorship, and active participation in program activities.
Foster an inclusive environment that supports the needs of a diverse, co-ed group of teens.
Provide guidance, conflict resolution, and problem-solving support to participants when needed.
Activity Facilitation
Plan, implement, and facilitate age-appropriate curriculum, activities, and games that promote learning, teamwork, creativity, and leadership.
Support and participate in both indoor and outdoor activities, including recreational, educational, and enrichment programming.
Encourage youth participation and help maintain a positive group dynamic.
Program Operations
Assist with daily program setup and cleanup, ensuring spaces are organized and safe for participants.
Support participant transitions, transportation coordination, and activity logistics as needed.
Maintain the proper care of program materials and equipment; report any damaged or missing items to the Program Director.
Behavior Management and Safety
Utilize positive youth development and behavior management strategies to address and de-escalate challenging behaviors.
Document and communicate behavioral incidents or concerns with the Program Director or supervisory staff as appropriate.
Ensure compliance with all program safety policies and procedures.
Team Collaboration
Provide leadership and support to program assistants, interns, and volunteers.
Participate in staff meetings and mandatory professional development trainings.
Collaborate with program staff to ensure high-quality programming and a positive participant experience.
Additional Responsibilities
Perform other duties as assigned to support program operations and participant success.
Educational Requirements and Qualifications
Previous experience working with youth in afterschool programs, summer camps, education, or youth development settings preferred.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build positive relationships with teens.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic program environment.
Highly organized with the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
Pursuit or attainment of an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Education, Youth Development, Social Services, or a related field preferred.
First Aid and CPR certification preferred (or willingness to obtain).
Knowledge, Skill and Abilities
Experience facilitating group activities or youth programming.
Ability to manage group dynamics and implement positive behavior support strategies.
Cultural competency and experience working with diverse youth populations.
Enthusiasm for mentoring and supporting teen development.
Basic understanding of word processors (Microsoft Word, Google Docs),
Physical Requirements/Working Conditions
Ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time during program activities and supervision.
Ability to lift, carry, or move materials and supplies up to 25 pounds (sports equipment, program supplies, activity materials).
Ability to participate in indoor and outdoor recreational activities with youth.
Ability to bend, kneel, crouch, or reach when assisting participants or setting up program spaces.
Ability to maintain active supervision of youth participants across multiple program areas.
Ability to quickly respond to emergencies or safety concerns involving participants.
Work is primarily conducted in a community center or program facility environment.
Staff may supervise youth in classrooms, recreational spaces, kitchens, outdoor areas, and common areas.
Position requires evening and weekend work, consistent with program hours.
Staff may occasionally be exposed to moderate noise levels typical of youth programming environments.
Requires frequent interaction with youth participants, families, and program staff.
Staff must maintain professional conduct and positive engagement with youth at all times.
Work may involve occasional travel within the facility, nearby program areas, and off-site to support activities and supervision.
We are committed to building an inclusive workplace community grounded in respect for differences. We support hiring a broadly diverse team of qualified individuals who will contribute to our organizations.
Goddard Riverside and Isaacs Center provide equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.
The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of duties and responsibilities that will be required of this position and title and shall not be construed as a declaration of the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Employees may be requested to perform job related task other than those specifically presented in this description. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.