Youth Center Group Leader-Pre-Teen & Middle School

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICE PROGRAMS:

The Department of Human Service Programs (DHSP) creates and coordinates services that enhance the quality of life for Cambridge residents. Driven by the needs of residents, DHSP's extensive services and programs touch almost every sector in the city: from newborns to senior citizens, from school-aged children to homeless families, from non-profit organizations to local employers.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

The Group Leader position is directly responsible, in partnership with the Program Director, for a small cohort of Preteen/Middle School members between the ages of 9-13, including team building, curricular development, behavior management, improving performance, and maintaining culture consistent with Cambridge Youth Program's values. The Group Leader will work with the Program Director and Youth Center Director to lead a diverse group of pre-teens and middle schoolers through programmed activities, service projects, civic engagement, and leadership development. The overall goals for the Group Leader are to provide direct supervision, mentorship, and support to their cohort (small group) and families throughout their engagement at our centers. Specifically, the Group Leader will:

• Manage cohort activities and behaviors during center activities inside and outside of the building.
• Support Youth Worker's daily activities.
• Assist the Lead Youth Workers and Program Director to oversee the implementation of policies and procedures at the Youth Center as they relate to youth members in our programs.
• Inform the Program Director of specific Youth Center member needs or concerns that are brought to their attention.
• Plan, design, organize, and implement age-appropriate Youth Center programs and activities for cohort and program, for Pre-Teens and Middle Schoolers between the ages of 9-13.
• Provide a safe, structured, and stimulating environment for Youth Center members and volunteers.
• Attend and participate fully in staff meetings, planning sessions, other meetings, staff development, and training programs and activities as directed. Group Leaders will conduct regular cohort meetings.
• Be a positive role model to and develop meaningful relationships with Youth Center members.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Experience and Education:

• Two years experience working with youth in an academic, recreational, or athletic setting.
• HS Diploma/GED required; some post-secondary education preferred. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Group management skills and facilitation skills.
• Conflict resolution and an understanding of restorative justice.
• Understanding of positive youth development.
• Effective communication skills with youth and adults.
• Interest and ability to engage and support families.
• Ability to create and support curricular/activity design and implementation.
• Familiarity with Cambridge neighborhoods preferred
• The City of Cambridge’s workforce, like the community it serves, is diverse.  Applicants must have the ability to work and interact effectively with individuals and groups with a variety of identities, cultures, backgrounds, and ideologies.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS, WORKING CONDITIONS, WORK FLEXIBILITY AND ACCOMODATIONS:

• Main work environment is busy Youth Center. The noise level can be very loud. Youth Centers include classroom like settings, open environments, and gymnasium. 
• Must be able to lift fifty pounds and participate in activities that require physical exertion

Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.