Job Description

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT:

The Department of Human Service Programs (DHSP) creates and coordinates services that enhance the quality of life for Cambridge residents. Driven by the needs of residents, DHSP’s extensive services and programs touch almost every sector in the city: from newborns to senior citizens, from school-aged children to homeless families, from non-profit organizations to local employers.

ABOUT THE ROLE:

The Group Leader position is directly responsible, in partnership with Lead Youth Workers and Program Director, for a small cohort of high school teens between ages of 14-19, including: team building, curricular development, behavior management, improving performance and maintaining culture consistent with Cambridge Youth Program’s values. The Group Leader will work with the Lead Youth Worker, Program Director, and Youth Center Director to lead a diverse group of teens through programmed activities, service projects, civic engagement, and leadership development. The overall goal for the Group Leader is to provide direct supervision, mentorship, and support to their cohort (small group) and families throughout their engagement at our centers. Cambridge Youth Programs (CYP) Summer Work and Learning sites offer participants a valuable educational and employment experience using the community’s resources to expose youth to potential educational or career paths.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manage cohort activities and behaviors during center activities inside and outside of building.
• Support Youth Workers’ daily activities.
• Assist the Lead Youth Workers and Program Director to oversee the implementation of policies and procedures at the Youth Center as they relate to youth members in our programs.
• Inform the Program Director of specific Youth Center member needs or concerns that are brought to their attention.
• Plan, design, organize, and implement age-appropriate Youth Center programs and activities for cohort and program, Teens between the ages of 14-19.
• Provide a safe, structured, and stimulating environment for Youth Center members and volunteers.
• Attend and participate fully in staff meetings, planning sessions, other meetings, staff development and training programs and activities as directed. Group Leaders will conduct regular cohort meetings.
• Be a positive role model to and develop meaningful relationships with Youth Center members.
• Actively engaging in and supporting the Department’s Race and Equity Initiative.

Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Education and Experience

• Two years’ experience working with youth in an academic, recreational, or athletic setting.
• HS Diploma/GED required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Group management skills and facilitation skills.
• Conflict resolution and an understanding of restorative justice.
• Understanding of positive youth development.
• Effective communication skills with youth and adults.
• Interest and ability to engage and support families.
• Ability to create and support curricular/activity design and implementation.
• The City of Cambridge’s workforce, like the community it serves, is diverse. Applicants must have the ability to work and interact effectively with individuals and groups with a variety of identities, cultures, backgrounds, and ideologies.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Familiarity with Cambridge neighborhoods preferred.
• Some post-secondary education preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS, WORKING CONDITIONS, WORK FLEXIBILITY AND ACCOMODATIONS:

• Main work environment is a busy, often very noisy Youth Center. Youth Centers include classroom like settings, open environments & gymnasium.
• Must be able to lift fifty pounds and participate in various sport and recreational activities that require physical exertion.
• Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

This position is subject to Background Records check which can include: Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check, Sexual Offender Record Information (SORI) check, Department of Children and Families (DCF) check, and fingerprinting. A copy of a recent physical is required.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:

Please upload the below documents to complete your application:

• Resume
• Cover Letter