Group Leader (21st Century) - Mountain View Elementary

YMCA of Catawba Valley•Morganton, NC

23h

About The Position

The Group Leader leads and supervises a group of children in before- and after-school and summer programs. The role includes maintaining the program environment, assisting the program coordinator with daily tasks, implementing engaging activities, ensuring a safe and supportive setting, and fostering positive relationships with children, parents, and program staff. The Group Leader contributes to daily program operations and the achievement of program objectives. The Group Leader plans and delivers educational, recreational, and enrichment activities; adapts them for different ages and individual needs; and supports participation and community among children. The role includes supervising children, enforcing program rules, addressing behavioral issues, maintaining records, reporting concerns, coordinating with program staff, and helping manage program materials and spaces. YMCA staff are expected to create a safe, inclusive environment by following abuse-prevention policies, promptly reporting concerns or incidents, and maintaining appropriate boundaries with youth and members. The position also involves participating in required training and monthly staff meetings, supporting less experienced staff, and representing and promoting YMCA programs. Physical requirements include walking, stooping, carrying and lifting at least 50 pounds, sitting, standing, pushing, climbing, kneeling, and crouching.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required.
Understanding of child development principles and best practices for working with children.
Knowledge of program safety and behavior-management techniques.
Strong organizational and time-management skills.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to plan and implement engaging, educational activities.
Basic computer skills, such as email and word processing.
Ability to manage a group of children and ensure their safety and well-being.
Ability to adapt activities and approaches to the needs of diverse participants.
Strong problem-solving skills and ability to address conflicts or issues effectively.
Ability to work collaboratively with staff and program stakeholders.
Patience, empathy, reliability, punctuality, and a strong work ethic; enthusiasm and commitment to children’s well-being and development.
Ability to maneuver freely around grounds and facilities and to walk, stoop, carry and lift at least 50 pounds, sit, stand, push, climb, kneel, and crouch.

Nice To Haves

EDU 119; BSAC.
Prior experience working with children in a group setting.

Responsibilities

Plan and deliver educational, recreational, and enrichment activities for children.
Adapt activities to accommodate different age groups and individual needs, ensuring activities are engaging, age-appropriate, and aligned with program goals.
Supervise children at all times and implement program rules and procedures to maintain their safety and well-being.
Address behavioral issues and conflicts promptly and effectively.
Follow YMCA policies and procedures related to abuse prevention, report concerns or incidents immediately, and maintain appropriate boundaries with youth and members.
Build positive relationships with children and foster a supportive, inclusive atmosphere, participation, and teamwork.
Communicate with the program coordinator about children’s participation and progress.
Collaborate with tutors, coordinators, and other staff to support cohesive program delivery.
Provide feedback and suggestions to improve program activities and operations; promote YMCA programs.
Maintain accurate attendance, incident, and other relevant records; report concerns to supervisors and assist with reports and documentation.
Assist with setup and cleanup of program materials and spaces; manage and distribute supplies, use resources effectively, and report replenishment needs.
Participate in required training, professional development, and monthly staff meetings.
Support and mentor new or less experienced staff members as needed.