Group Leader

Summary/Objective: 

The SoZo Teen Center Group Leader is responsible for implementing engaging and developmentally appropriate programming for teens, fostering a safe and inclusive environment, and building positive relationships with youth, families, and community members. The Group Leader will collaborate with the After School Programs Administrator and After School Programs Site Supervisor to coordinate meal services, oversee incident reporting, ensure compliance with all policies and training requirements, and contribute to the overall success of the Center's mission. This role requires creativity, dependability, organizational skills, and enthusiasm for youth development.

Essential Functions:

The Group Leader will perform a variety of duties to ensure a positive and enriching experience for all participants, including:

Daily Operations and Safety:

1. Conduct daily facility walkthroughs to ensure cleanliness, safety, and readiness for programming.

2. Oversee meal/snack preparation and serve youth at designated times.

3. Work closely with the Site Supervisor and other Group Leaders to plan and document weekly meals and activities. 

4. Coordinate the setup and execution of planned activities and programming tailored to the needs and interests of the teens at SoZo. This includes The Arts, Health & Well Being, Sprots & Recreation, Leadership & Service, STEM, and Education & Career Development. Activities should align with the program's goals, encourage participation and skill building, and be adaptable to meet the needs of different grade levels and youth.

5. Ensure academic support is prioritized during programming, providing access to technology as needed.

6. Maintain accurate logs of daily attendance, incident reports, and require data collection.

7. Conduct end-of-day cleaning to maintain facility standards.

8. Complete all training requirements and regularly review progress to meet compliance with deadlines.

9. Actively contributes to a structured and productive environment by addressing any behaviors concerns promptly and professionally. Group Leaders are encouraged to support their peers by sharing insights and strategies with constructive feedback.

Youth Engagement and Support:

1. Welcome new members, review membership forms, and ensure youth understand the Code of Conduct and Corrective Action Policy.

2. Establish positive relationships with youth, modeling respect, safety, and dignity so all youth feel valued and welcomed.

3. Collaborate with youth to encourage participation in meal preparation, programming, and skill building activities that promote personal growth, teamwork, and creativity.

4. Address behavior concerns with professionalism and a focus on de-escalation techniques.

5. Build positive relationships with guardians, school staff, and external partners to support CHJC and SoZo program objectives.

6. Represent the SoZo Teen Center at assigned community events and foster awareness of its mission and programs.

7. Document all incidents with appropriate forms and communication with guardians and management as necessary. All significant incidents must be reported to OMH or OASAS, ensuring compliance with mandated reporting requirements.

Work Environment:

This role involves direct interaction with teens, participation in active programming, and administrative tasks. The Group Leader must be comfortable working in a dynamic environment and maintaining a balance between structured activities and flexibility. Office and classroom environment that will require occasional travel to events, conferences and/or meetings. Works in an office setting with a controlled temperature environment.  Occasional exposure to inclement weather conditions may occur depending upon assignments. This position is required to maintain a working knowledge of related office equipment including personal computers and printers, audio-visual equipment, telephone systems, copiers, fax machines, etc.  

Physical Demands:

Must be able to sit, stand, walk, lift, carry, push/pull, climb, bend, and stoop. Must be able to perform fine motor skills, read, and type. Must be able to sit for long periods of time. Must be able to be on your feet for long periods of time. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Encouraged to participate in various physical/recreational activities with the youth.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

This is a part-time, hourly position based on program needs. Flexibility in hours is required. The successful candidate must be available to work onsite Monday through Friday from 2:15 PM to 7:45 PM EST during the school year, in alignment with the Watertown School District calendar. Hours may vary during school breaks or special events. Remote work may be authorized during school breaks or cancellations and outside of regular program hours.

Travel:

Some local travel required.

Requirements

Skills/Abilities/Knowledge: 

Group Leaders must possess strong interpersonal and communication skills, demonstrating the ability to relate to teens from diverse backgrounds. Creativity and adaptability are essential for planning and leading activities that engage youth effectively. Dependability and effective time management skills are crucial for ensuring the smooth operation of daily responsibilities. A basic understanding of behavior management and youth development principles supports the creation of a positive and inclusive environment. The role requires the ability to handle privileged information ethically and without bias, as well as excellent oral and written communication skills. Group Leaders should work cooperatively with others, demonstrating self-direction, tact, diplomacy, and professionalism. Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite or similar tools is important for documentation and communication tasks. Additionally, Group Leaders must be able to adapt to change productively and perform other duties as assigned.

Required Education and Experience: 

A minimum of a High School Diploma is required. Prior experience working with children, specifically youth from a disadvantaged background, is preferred. Strong personal and engagement skills. Must possess the ability to understand/identify individual needs and physical capabilities of youth, to include likes and dislikes. Demonstrates self-motivation skills, the ability to operate in a high intense environment, and the ability to manage several operational tasks simultaneously.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications:

Must maintain privacy of confidential information. Successful completion of routine pre-employment requirements as mandated by the New York State Department of Health, Office of Mental Health, and Office of Children and Family Services, along with ongoing clearances and exclusion checks. These requirements are to include employment health requirements, reference checks, criminal background checks/fingerprinting, State Central Registry clearance and eligibility to work in the United States. A valid NYS driver's license is required. Corporate Compliance, HIPAA Privacy Security, and Workplace Harassment and Discrimination Training and Nonviolent Crisis Intervention, First Aid and CPR will be required following date of hire. Must successfully complete specific training to deliver identified evidence-based programming.