GROUP LEADER

Job Description

Job Description

The Group Leader is responsible for providing direct supervision, support, and guidance to a designated group of participants enrolled in the DYCD-funded COMPASS Program. The Group Leader serves as the primary point of contact for participants throughout the program day and plays a critical role in creating a safe, engaging, and supportive environment that promotes positive youth development.

Working collaboratively with Activity Specialists and program leadership, the Group Leader supports participant engagement, attendance, behavior management, transitions, and overall program operations while fostering positive relationships with youth and families.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Participant Supervision & Youth Development

• Supervise and actively engage a designated group of participants throughout program activities.
• Build positive and supportive relationships with participants.
• Serve as a positive role model and mentor for youth.
• Promote positive behavior, respect, responsibility, and teamwork.
• Foster a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment where participants feel valued and supported.
• Encourage youth participation, leadership, and personal growth.

Program Operations & Activity Support

• Support the implementation of educational, recreational, leadership, and enrichment activities.
• Assist Activity Specialists with activity facilitation and classroom management.
• Ensure smooth participant transitions between activities and program components.
• Monitor participant attendance and participation.
• Assist with special events, family engagement activities, and field trips.
• Support daily program setup, cleanup, and organization.

Participant Engagement & Behavior Support

• Monitor participant behavior and implement positive behavior management strategies.
• Address minor conflicts and behavioral concerns using appropriate intervention techniques.
• Communicate participant concerns and needs to program leadership.
• Support participant engagement and encourage active involvement in all program activities.
• Assist in implementing accommodations and support strategies as directed by program leadership.

Compliance & Administrative Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate attendance records and participant documentation as assigned.
• Follow organizational policies, procedures, and DYCD requirements.
• Report incidents, accidents, safety concerns, or behavioral issues to program leadership in a timely manner.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding participant and family information.
• Participate in program assessments, observations, and quality improvement efforts.

Family & Community Engagement

• Build positive relationships with families and caregivers.
• Support communication between program staff and families.
• Participate in family engagement activities and community events.
• Serve as a positive representative of Hands That Make A Difference.
• Promote a welcoming and family-friendly environment.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• College coursework in Education, Youth Development, Human Services, Social Work, Recreation, or a related field preferred.

Experience

• Minimum of one (1) year of experience working with children or youth in educational, recreational, after-school, summer camp, or community-based settings preferred.
• Experience facilitating group activities and managing youth groups preferred.
• Experience working with diverse youth populations and families preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of positive youth development principles and practices.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to build positive relationships with youth and families.
• Ability to supervise groups effectively and maintain a safe environment.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.
• Ability to maintain professionalism and confidentiality.

Core Competencies

• Youth Development
• Participant Engagement
• Relationship Building
• Communication
• Teamwork & Collaboration
• Cultural Responsiveness
• Conflict Resolution
• Accountability
• Problem Solving
• Leadership

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and actively participate in program activities.
• Ability to supervise indoor and outdoor activities.
• Ability to lift and transport materials of up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to participate in recreational, athletic, and enrichment activities as needed.

Required Certifications & Clearances

• Background Check
• Mandated Reporter Training
• Completion of all required DYCD trainings
• Additional clearances as required by organizational policies

Accountability Measures (KPIs)

• Participant attendance, engagement, and retention
• Effective supervision and safety of assigned participant groups.
• Positive youth development and relationship-building outcomes.
• Compliance with program policies, procedures, and documentation requirements.
• Quality of participant support and behavior management.
• Contribution to overall program quality and participant experience.
• Support of organizational and program goals.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Hands That Make A Difference is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an environment where all employees, participants, and families are treated with dignity, respect, and fairness.