Group Leaders are vital to the success of COA programs. They work directly with our youth - running activities, teaching life skills, and having fun! It can be a demanding job, but it will always be incredibly rewarding and fulfilling. They will learn from you, but you will also learn from them.

The Riverwest Youth Development program program runs Monday through Friday from 2:30 to 6:00 p.m. These are part-time (15-20 hours per week) positions based on the school year and not eligible for benefits.

Main Job Responsibilities

Program

Lead activities and groups. Actively participate at all times, even when there is an outside facilitator. Develop creative and innovative daily/weekly lessons plans, either for a self-created program or to supplement an existing curriculum. Organize space and supplies. Maintain clean and safe program areas, cleaning-up as needed.

Administrative

Accurately record activity attendance promptly at beginning of each activity. Submit attendance daily to designated staff responsible for data. Write thorough incident reports promptly and submit immediately to Site Coordinator.

Relationships

Actively engage with youth at all times, walking around during activity to ensure participation and understanding. Manage youth behavior through positive reinforcement, redirection, and progressive discipline.

Communicate with parents in a timely manner regarding positive remarks, behavior concerns, and incidents in a calm and professional manner.

Qualifications

Education/Knowledge/Experience

o CPR / First Aid certification (must be obtained within six months of hire)

o Must be computer literate: able to use Word to create, edit and format documents and flyers as well as Excel to enter in and manipulate data

o At least 80 full days or 120 half days of experience as an assistant child care teacher in a licensed child care center or other approved setting.

o Prior to beginning work, have one of the following:

o Two noncredit dept. approved ECE courses

o Two credit ECE courses

o Registry certificate indicating person is qualified as a child care teacher

o 48 college credits with at least three credits in ECE or equivalent

o One-year child care diploma

o Associate's Degree in ECE

o Child development associate credential issued by the Council of Early Childhood Professional Recognition

o Certificate for Montessori teacher

o Bachelor's Degree in Education or licensed teacher

o Certificate from the Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards as a child development specialist

o OR, substitute department approved experience, credits, or approved courses in elementary education, physical education, child guidance, recreation, or other department-approved training.

Skills/Personal Qualities/Attitude

o Strong youth management skills

o Creativity in program delivery

o Flexibility to work in different program areas and age groups. Is a team player.

o Works well independently and under pressure

o Patience, positive attitude, and cultural competency

Physical Requirements

The physical requirements are the ability to sit and stand for long periods of time and the ability to move/run, i.e. to physically engage with the youth and actively participate in programming.