Summer Group Leader

Educational Alliance brings together and partners with diverse communities in Lower Manhattan, offering individuals and families high-quality, multi-generational programs and services that enhance their well-being and socioeconomic opportunities. We are a place where everyone is welcome and where progress is powered one relationship at a time. We are proud of our legacy as a Jewish organization and we provide high-quality, transformational services and programs to all New Yorkers through our network of community centers on Manhattan’s Lower East Side and East Village. As we have for 130 years, we offer best-in-class programming–now across 15 sites—focusing on a mix of education, health and wellness, arts and culture, and civic engagement.

Educational Alliance’s Community Schools & Youth Development (CSYD) program delivers high-quality youth development programs throughout the Lower East Side. These services are integrated into the school day, after school programs, and summer enrichment opportunities. Partnering with several NYC public schools, CSYD collaborates with the NYC Department of Youth & Community Development (DYCD), NYC Office of Community Schools (OCS), The Boys and Girls Clubs of America (BGCA), and local school communities to meet the needs of young people and their families in all circumstances. Our team of social workers ensures social-emotional learning is embedded in our work, providing individualized care and attention when needed.

We are seeking Summer Group Leaders who will coach and mentor school-aged youth by enhancing social skills and supporting character development. Using a mentor model, we will assist youth from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds on the Lower East Side of Manhattan. We are dedicated to providing educational support through a social-emotional approach.

Responsibilities

• Lead the way in empowering young people through effective mentoring relationships.
• Support youth growth through programs in academics, health and wellness, sports, and the arts.
• Act as positive role models by enhancing self-esteem, motivation, and emotional strength.
• Build strong connections with participants and their parents while ensuring safety and confidentiality.
• Create and submit lesson plans, and guide student activities.
• Interact with participants during program hours, prioritizing their safety and nurturing positive connections.
• Keep track of daily attendance, attend regular supervision meetings, and engage in program evaluations.
• Help plan and run special events, psycho-educational sessions, youth development activities, and academic workshops.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma with one year of professional experience working with youth required; some college preferred.
• Previous experience in youth programming or summer camp is a plus.
• A desire to build one-on-one relationships with youth in the program community and participate in various activities.
• Passionate about working with culturally diverse youth; flexible team player with the ability to think on my feet.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work collaboratively with co-group mentors or team members.
• Able to affirm and value the diversity of ethnicity, language, religion, sexual identity, and gender among our youth.
• Capable of handling stressful situations professionally, courteously, and kindly.
• Possesses a great sense of humor
• Inspired by creativity and able to bring these talents to the work site.
• Demonstrates high emotional intelligence
• Bilingual in Spanish, Portuguese, French, or Russian is a plus.