Teen Group Leader

Posting Date:


8/26/26

Department:


DHSP - Youth Programs

Job Code:


X806 (ID# 1834)

Salary Plan/Grade:


Number of Hours Per Week:


19.5

Additional Work Hours Information:


Monday-Friday. 2:00 pm-6:00 pm or 6:30-9:30 pm

Union Affiliation:


Non Union

# of openings:


3

Type of Employment:


Regular

Civil Service Type:


None

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.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:


The Group Leader position is directly responsible, in partnership with the Program Director, for a small cohort of high school teens between the 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 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 goals for the Group Leader are to provide direct supervision, mentorship, and support to their cohort (small group) and families throughout their engagement at our centers. Specifically, the Group Leader will:

• Manage cohort activities and behaviors during center activities inside and outside of building.
• Assist the Program Director in overseeing 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 members' needs or concerns that are brought to their attention.
• Plan, design, organize, and implement age-appropriate Youth Center programs, paid internships and activities for cohorts and programs for 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 and develop meaningful relationships with Youth Center members.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Experience and Education

• Two years' experience working with youth in an academic, recreational, or athletic setting.
• HS Diploma/GED required; some post-secondary education preferred.

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.
• Familiarity with Cambridge neighborhoods preferred
• 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.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS, WORKING CONDITIONS, WORK FLEXIBILITY AND ACCOMODATIONS:

• Main work environment is busy Youth Center. The noise level can be very loud. Youth Centers include classroom-like settings, open environments, and gymnasiums.
• Must be able to lift fifty pounds and participate in activities that require physical exertion

Reasonable accommodation will be provided 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.

SUMMARY OF BENEFITS:

• Eligible for part-time sick leave accrual
• City employee commuter benefits (T-Pass reimbursement, Bluebikes membership, EZRide Shuttle membership)
• Eligible for Tuition Reimbursement/Advancement
• Paid Professional Development
• Employee Assistance Program

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:

Please upload the following documents to complete your application:

• Resume
• Cover Letter

COMPENSATION PHILOSOPHY

The City of Cambridge is committed to providing fair, transparent, and competitive compensation to all employees. The salary range listed in this job posting reflects the full range for this position's pay grade (Steps 1-10). New employees joining the organization are hired within the hiring range, Steps 1 through 5, with placement at the midpoint reserved for the most qualified candidates. Starting placement is based on directly related education and experience relative to the minimum qualifications of the position, required licenses or certifications, internal equity with current employees, and relevant labor market factors. Employees progress through the 10 steps over time through the City's established step and pay progression policies.

This compensation philosophy applies to non-union positions. For union positions, please refer to the applicable collective bargaining agreement.

Current City employees applying to another position should refer to the Compensation & Classification Manual for the policies governing promotions, lateral transfers, and other internal salary changes.

ABOUT THE CITY OF CAMBRIDGE

The City of Cambridge is a diverse and vibrant community that 120,000 residents of different ethnic, racial, religious, U.S. nationals and other backgrounds call home. We take pride in our City's diversity and strive to create a workplace that is reflective of the community we serve -- one in which all employees can thrive. The City is also deeply committed to creating an environment in which all our employees are treated equitably and feel included. In joining our team, you would work in a workplace environment that advances and values antiracism, diversity, equity, and inclusion (ADEI), and that is committed to embedding ADEI best practices and tenets in all aspects of our work. City of Cambridge residents are especially encouraged to apply to job openings.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY / AFFIRMATIVE ACTION

The City of Cambridge is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, disability, or any other protected category. Women, minorities, veterans, members of the LGBTQ+ Community, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. The City is committed to advancing a workforce culture of antiracism, diversity, equity, and inclusion. Auxiliary aids and services, written materials in alternative formats, and reasonable modifications in policies and procedures will be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities free of charge, upon request by contacting Human Resources at View email address on click.appcast.io.