2024-25 Afterschool Programs Group Leader

Summary

Immigrant Social Services, Inc. (ISS) seeks motivated, enthusiastic, creative, and reliable individuals with a strong commitment to youth development and/or out-of-school time education for the position of Afterschool Programs Group Leader to help deliver an engaging learning experience for participants (Pre-K through 8th Grade) in our afterschool programs.

ISS Afterschool Programs Group Leaders are an invaluable part of our team and work collaboratively with the program site team to create a youth-centered, interest-driven, enriched learning environment that allows students to pursue their curiosity and interests through meaningful learning experiences.

The ideal candidate is committed to nurturing children and youth through positive youth development and the whole-child approach. Previous experience working with children/youth in a group setting is required such as facilitating activities in schools,  afterschools, camps, and/or museums.  

About ISS

Founded in 1972, Immigrant Social Services, Inc. (ISS) is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the conditions of underserved immigrants in Chinatown/Lower East Side, New York City. The majority of immigrant families we serve are from low-income, monolingual Chinese-speaking multigenerational households.  Through programs and services centered on care, education, prevention, and community, we nurture and empower immigrant children/youth, young adults, seniors, and families to develop and restore their agency to strengthen the wellbeing of their communities. For more information, visit  www.issnyc.org.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled or some college; B.A./B.S. preferred.
• Prior experience facilitating activities with children in a group setting is required. 
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Strong social-emotional competencies and behavior management skills.
• Ability to problem solve and adapt quickly.
• Willingness to receive feedback and be coached or trained.
• Proficiency in Chinese (Mandarin, Cantonese, Fujianese) or Spanish, a plus.
• Knowledge of and sensitivity to underserved immigrant and Asian American communities is a plus.

Hours and Commitment: 

This is a part-time/contract position for the 2024-25 school year that follows the NYC DOE academic calendar. Must be available during afterschool hours, Monday–Friday, 2:00 pm/2:30 pm – 5:45 pm/6:00 pm (start and end times depend on location). Flexible days, but five days a week is preferred. Must be available for orientation in late August or early September 2024. 
 

Location:

Our afterschool programs operate at public school sites in the Lower East Side/Chinatown neighborhood.

Duties

• Responsible for day-to-day guidance, care, and safety of a group of children/youth in an afterschool environment.
• Help and support students with their homework.
• Plan, develop, and implement enrichment activities and/or theme-based projects that are engaging, purposeful, developmentally appropriate, and aligned with our program. These will include existing ISS-developed curricula and lesson ideas as well as group leader-developed activities. Guidance and assessment will be provided.
• Demonstrate confidence, assertiveness, and a willingness to speak in front of a group of children. This includes the ability to engage with students, deliver instructions clearly, and facilitate group activities effectively.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with youth participants of diverse backgrounds and needs.
• Assist in mentoring assistant group leaders who are gaining experience working with children and youth.
• Proactively communicate regularly with program site leadership staff about any issues, including but not limited to behavioral challenges, scheduling, and curricula.
• Attend professional development and training sessions, as well as designated meetings, as required.
• Ensure that afterschool youth programs align with the organization’s mission, values, and approach.