Group Leaders provide high-quality direct instruction and enrichment activities in STEM, arts, and literacy for students in afterschool programs. They are responsible for maintaining student safety, managing attendance, and collaborating with staff to implement trauma-informed educational programming.
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Posted Job Title UACS Group Leader Job Profile Title Temporary Employee - Non-Exempt
Summary Founded in 1992, the Barbara and Edward Netter Center for Community Partnerships is the University's primary vehicle for advancing civic and community engagement at Penn. It brings together the resources and assets of both the University and the wider community to help solve universal problems such as poverty, health inequities, environmental sustainability, and inadequate, unequal education as they are manifested in the University's local geographic area of West Philadelphia and Philadelphia at large. The Netter Center develops and helps implement democratic, mutually transformative, place-based partnerships between Penn and West Philadelphia that advance research, teaching, learning, practice, and service and improve the quality of life on campus and in the community. The Netter Center works with and serves as a model for other higher education institutions across the United States and around the world.
The Netter Center’s university-assisted community schools (UACS) is a strategy to educate, engage, empower, and serve all members of the community in which the school is located and engage students (K-16+) in real world, community problem solving learning. UACS collaborates with partners to advance teaching, research, learning and service, as well as the civic development of their students.
Group Leaders are required to provide high-quality direct instruction/service to students enrolled in either the UACS K-8 and/or High School afterschool/OST enrichment programs. Group Leaders lead and implement fun, educational, problem-solving learning activities in STEM, arts, literacy and career exploration areas; participate in reflective practice with students and staff; cultivate strong relationships with students, and assist with management of necessary data collection (like student attendance and participation). Group Leaders work alongside Penn students, SDP Teacher-Partners, community partners and others to deliver high-quality programs. The position reports to the Site Director or Program Manager. Required Qualifications: Education: High school diploma required, College degree preferred in early childhood education, education or social service fields. MUST PROVIDE DOCUMENTATION OF EDUCATION (official and unofficial transcripts accepted) Experience: minimum of 3 years work experience with elementary-aged children and/or high school youth development programming Ability to be excited and actively and constructively engage youth in a variety of activities Knowledge of grade-level content, activities and curricula for students Completion and passing of funder-required compliance documentation and all Federal and State background checks/clearances. You may be required to renew your clearances, before beginning work. Clearances include: PATCH – PA Criminal History Search PA Child Abuse Search FBI Criminal History Search (PA Dept. of Human Services) National Sex Offender Registry (NSOR) Mandated Reporter Act 168 Completion The University of Pennsylvania does not accept PATCH or PA Child Abuse documents issued by other organizations. We can accept the FBI Criminal History Search, only if it was processed by the PA Dept.of Human Services Experience with working in School District of Philadelphia, urban settings and diverse student populations Ability to be flexible and work on a team Excellent interpersonal, organization and communication skills Punctual and regular attendance
BE POSITIVE, PHYSICALLY ENGAGED, HIGH ENERGY AND FUN!! Work collaboratively as a part of a team Use trauma-informed care practices Ensure that students are safe at all times. This includes reinforcement of safety precautions Plan and implement enrichment activities alongside other staff with students Attend all Netter UACS staff training and meetings Take attendance, assist with student sign in/sign out process, and manage required paperwork as directed Support the delivery of academic instruction and curricula as assigned Play and engage with students in outdoor and indoor spaces during assigned times Assist with set-up and clean-up of materials, supplies and equipment including preparing and securing instructional spaces (classrooms etc.) Supervise and direct students according to site-specific and UACS rules and guidance Be familiar with and strive to be in compliance with the Netter Center University-Assisted Community Schools Expectations and School Dist. Of Phila. Core Standards for Youth Programs Other duties as assigned Schedule: Varies - some average of 20 hours/week Monday - Friday 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM There may be in-person and virtual orientation sessions in August and early September, as schedules allow. The UACS academic year afterschool/OST enrichment programs typically run seasonally from Monday - Friday 9/9/2026 - 6/11/2027 Fall 2026 appointments will be issued from 8/31/26 - 12/24/2026 Spring 2027 appointments will be issued from 1/4/27 - 6/11/2027 Punctual and consistent attendance is required for this program. Individual schedules may vary (ie: Hamilton Elementary staff must be available at 2PM; Paul Robeson HS program schedule is Monday through Thursday) There is typically no work on SDP school closure days, however staff training may be scheduled on such dates.
Penn offers generous retirement plans to help you save for your future. Penn’s Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans allow you to save for retirement on a pre-tax or Roth basis. Choose from a wide variety of investment options through TIAA and Vanguard. Please note that benefit eligibility is determined/based on ACA guidelines.
Candidates must have a high school diploma and at least 3 years of experience working with elementary or high school youth. Applicants are required to pass comprehensive Federal and State background checks and clearances.