Group Leader

OBJECTIVES: Reporting to the Manager of the Compass/After-School Program - The Group Leader will foster a safe, engaging, and supportive environment for students through structured enrichment activities, SEL facilitation, and restorative behavior practices. This position aims to build strong relationships with students and help youths grow academically, socially, and emotionally. The Group Leader will contribute to a collaborative program team by creating structured, supportive, and developmentally appropriate experiences for students.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES :

1. Support daily instruction for a cohort of ~15 students by maintaining a structured, inclusive learning environment that encourages participation and promotes positive classroom culture.
2. Lead small-group SEL activities that enhance students' communication, emotional regulation, teamwork, and conflict-resolution skills.
3. Facilitate homework help and individualized academic support, reinforcing classroom lessons and strengthening students' comprehension, organization, and study habits.
4. Assist with literacy, STEAM, arts, and physical activity lessons, implementing engaging, developmentally appropriate learning experiences.
5. Apply trauma-informed and restorative behavior strategies to reinforce expectations, redirect behaviors, and promote self-management.
6. Maintain consistent communication with families and collaborate with teachers and staff to ensure cohesive academic and social-emotional support for students.
7. Monitored attendance, engagement, and well-being, documenting concerns and reporting them promptly to program leadership.
8. Support daily routines-including transitions, closing activities, and dismissal-to ensure smooth classroom operations and student safety.

SPECIFIC SKILLS :

• Demonstrated patience, flexibility, and enthusiasm with a strong commitment to positive youth development.
• Ability to implement consistent and compassionate behavior-guidance strategies, including restorative and trauma-informed approaches.
• Homework assistance across elementary subject areas, reinforcing classroom learning.

• Ability to learn and implement structured program curricula.
• Strong relationship-building, mentoring, and classroom-management abilities.
• Critical thinker, analytical, creative, strategic, and detail-and results oriented.

CORE COMPETENCIES:

• Excellent work ethic
• Commitment to working in a mission-driven organization.
• Demonstrated personal ethics and values.
• Cross-team collaboration and cooperation
• Team player who works well with a diverse group of people

QUALIFICATIONS :

• High school diploma or equivalent; some college coursework or related youth-development experience preferred
• Experience working with elementary-aged children in educational, after-school, or youth-development settings
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build rapport with students from diverse backgrounds
• Valid or willingness to obtain required certifications: CPR/First Aid, Mandated Reporter, and Food Handler
• Bilingual in English and Spanish (preferred).

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Salary commensurate with experience. Northside offers a competitive salary and benefits package. Salary range: $18-$22

ABOUT NORTHSIDE

Northside Center for Child Development serves more than 5,500 children and families across New York City each year through high-quality, outcome-driven behavioral health, early childhood education, and enrichment services. With over $34 million in annual funding, Northside provides the comprehensive support children and families need to overcome adversity, build resilience, and pursue their dreams.

Founded in 1946 in Harlem, Northside has been a cornerstone of the community for eight decades, leading the way in integrating education and mental health to support children's development. Several of Northside's innovative programs were the first of their kind in Harlem, setting standards of care that continue to influence social service agencies throughout the United States today.

Northside's founders, Drs. Kenneth B. and Mamie Phipps Clark, were renowned, pioneering psychologists whose groundbreaking research was instrumental in the 1954 Brown v. Board of Education landmark Supreme Court decision that declared school segregation unconstitutional. Their belief in the worth, dignity, and potential of every child continues to guide Northside's mission and inspire its work today. Northside is driven by its vision and principle, "Each Child...First Chance."

For more information on Northside Center for Child Development, please visit