Group Leader - Afterschool Program

Job Description

Job Description

Group Leader -  Afterschool Program

We hire for this position in Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx and Manhattan.

Openings vary across 30+ sites throughout the school year. Our complete list is at   nyjtl.org/aces-sites  

About New York Junior Tennis & Learning

For over fifty years, New York Junior Tennis & Learning (NYJTL) has honored its founder Arthur Ashe’s legacy by celebrating the diversity of children, encouraging them to reach their highest potential through free tennis and academic programs. NYJTL is the largest provider of youth tennis and education programs in the nation, providing services in 100 unique sites across all five boroughs while reaching nearly 90,000 kids. In addition, NYJTL designed, funded (with NYC), built and operates the Cary Leeds Center for Tennis & Learning in the South Bronx. All NYJTL community tennis and after school programs are offered at no cost to its participants. 

The mission of NYJTL is to develop the character of young people through tennis and education for a lifetime of success on and off the court. It believes life skills gained through tennis, academics, healthy living, and character development are a catalyst for long-term achievement.  

Position Summary

The Group Leader is the primary frontline staff responsible for supervising and engaging a group of children or youth in a DYCD-funded after-school program. The Group Leader ensures safety, leads activities, supports homework time, and builds positive relationships with participants and families. 

School Year Program Dates
September 2026 – June 2027

(Mandatory orientation and training sessions will take place during the last two weeks of August.)

Schedule: Monday through Friday
Shifts scheduled between 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
(Start and end times may vary based on site assignment.)

Up to 20 hours per week.

Availability during these hours is required.

Selected candidates are expected to work the full school year from September 2026 through June 2027.

Core Responsibilities 

Supervision & Safety 

• Provide active supervision of assigned group(typically 15–20 participants), maintaining required ratios at all times.
• Oversee transitions, bathroom breaks, trips, and dismissal according to program safety procedures.
• Implement emergency procedures and complete incident reports as required.

Program Delivery & Youth Engagement 

• Lead or co-lead activities including homework help, enrichment, recreation, and SEL activities, using lesson plans provided by the Education Specialist/Activity Specialists.
• Create a welcoming, inclusive group environment that supports positive youth development.
• Use positive behavior management strategies, restorative approaches, and de-escalation techniques.
• Encourage youth voice, leadership, and teamwork.

Communication & Relationships 

• Build supportive, respectful relationships with youth and serve as a positive role model.
• Communicate with parents/guardians during pick-up and as directed by program leadership.
• Share observations and concerns about youth behavior, attendance, or academic needs with supervisors.
• Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and planning sessions.

Documentation & Compliance 

• Take accurate daily attendance and assist with sign-in/sign-out procedures.
• Support maintenance of organized group binders, behavior logs, and other program documentation.
• Follow all program, agency, and DYCD policies regarding safety, confidentiality, and mandated reporting.

Qualifications 

Required: 

• High school diploma or GED.
• Available during after-school hours, 2:00pm - 6:00pm, (20 hours per week not inclusive of meetings); Monday-Friday during the school year and some school holidays
• 1+years' experience working with school-age children or youth (after-school, camp, school, or community setting).
• Ability to manage and engage a group independently.
• Reliable, punctual, and able to follow directions and procedures.
• Strong communication skills and commitment to equity and inclusion.

Preferred: 

• Some college coursework, especially in Education, Youth Development, or related fields.
• Experience in a DYCD-funded COMPASS/SONYC or similar NYC after-school program.
• Bilingual language skills.

Job Type

• Part Time
• Monday - Friday, 2:00pm - 6:00pm

Salary

• $20/hr

Please click " Apply " below, or visit our careers page at nyjtl.org to complete an application. Thank you! 

NYJTL values the diversity of the people we hire and inspire. Diversity at our organization means fostering a workplace in which individual differences are recognized, appreciated, respected, and responded to in ways that fully develop and utilize each person’s talents and strengths without regard to race, color, religion, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation/affectional preference, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We center equity in all our work and in our hiring practices.