After-School Group Leader - SEL & Performing Arts

Job Description

Job Description

• We are seeking dependable, energetic, and caring adults to serve as After-School Group Leaders at Covert Public Schools.
  A Group Leader serves as the primary adult leader for a group of approximately 15 students. You will be responsible for creating a safe and structured environment, delivering Thread of Hope's provided curriculum, leading activities, managing student behavior, and helping students prepare for performances and special program events.
  Students range from Kindergarten through 8th grade. Group Leaders will typically be assigned to one grade-level group but should be comfortable assisting or covering another group when needed.
  A teaching certificate is not required, and you do not need to be an expert in music, dance, drama, or sports.
  We are looking for people who are willing to participate, learn, lead by example, and encourage students to do the same. In our program, effort matters.
  Thread of Hope provides the curriculum, lesson plans, materials, and training in our SEL approach. At the same time, we value creativity. Group Leaders are encouraged to contribute ideas and suggest activities that will make the experience even more engaging for students.
  What You'll Do
  What We're Looking For
  Required:
  Preferred, but not required:
  No teaching certificate or specific degree is required.
  Important Expectations
  Consistency matters. Our students build relationships with their Group Leaders and depend on them being present. Because this program meets only four afternoons per week, reliable attendance and punctuality are essential to this position.
  Group Leaders are also expected to be active participants. You don't have to be a singer, dancer, actor, athlete, or teacher. You do need to be willing to try. We ask our students to step outside their comfort zones, and we expect our leaders to model that same willingness.
  Group Leaders report student and program concerns to the Program Supervisor. Communication with parents and guardians is handled by Thread of Hope leadership.
  Opportunity Beyond This Program
  Thread of Hope Records is growing. Strong Group Leaders may be considered for additional opportunities as they become available, including future school programs, summer programming, special events, expanded community programming, and future Thread of Hope locations.
  Continued or additional employment is not guaranteed and will depend on program needs, funding, and performance.
  Work Location: In person
  --
  -Ms. Barb
  Barbara Marcelo-King
  Site Supervisor
  Thread of Hope Records
  Covert Public Schools
  35323 M-140
  Covert, MI 49043
  "When a flower does not bloom you fix the environment in which it grows, not the flower"
  -Alexander Den Heijer 
• • Lead a consistent group of approximately 15 students.
  • Deliver Thread of Hope's provided SEL and enrichment curriculum.
  • Lead age-appropriate music, performing arts, creative, and physical activities.
  • Create a positive, safe, structured, and engaging environment.
  • Build positive relationships with students while maintaining appropriate boundaries and expectations.
  • Manage student behavior using Thread of Hope's SEL/PBIS-based approach.
  • Encourage teamwork, confidence, self-expression, healthy decision-making, and personal responsibility.
  • Prepare and guide students for performances, showcases, special events, and other program activities.
  • Direct and supervise the youth Mentor assigned to your group.
  • Monitor students during activities, transitions, meals/snacks, and other program periods.
  • Communicate student concerns, behavioral issues, successes, and program needs to the Program Supervisor.
  • Follow Thread of Hope Records and Covert Public Schools safety procedures and program expectations.
  • Assist another grade-level group when program needs require it.
  • Participate actively alongside students—even when an activity is outside your comfort zone.
  • Maintain reliable and consistent attendance throughout the program.
• • At least 18 years old.
  • Able to work Monday–Thursday from 2:30 PM–5:15 PM.
  • Available for paid training on October 1, 2026.
  • Dependable and committed to consistent attendance.
  • Comfortable leading and supervising a group of children.
  • Willing to lead SEL, music, performing arts, creative, and physical activities.
  • Able to communicate effectively and work as part of a team.
  • Patient, responsible, positive, and able to maintain appropriate boundaries with youth.
  • Willing to follow provided curriculum while bringing creativity and enthusiasm to activities.
  • Able to successfully complete the required background check.
• • Previous experience working with children or youth.
  • Experience or interest in music, dance, drama, performing arts, recreation, sports, coaching, mentoring, youth development, or education.
  • Familiarity with Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) or positive behavior-support approaches.
  • Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply.