LEAP (Learning Through an Expanded Arts Program) is currently seeking Groups Leaders for various Elementary, Middle and High Schools located in New York City for the upcoming school year in the fall.

Group Leaders are dynamic youth workers committed to working with the program team to deliver high quality academically aligned arts, performance arts, sports, and/or STEM instruction to elementary, middle, or high school youth from the framework of positive youth development and social emotional literacy. This is a great opportunity if you love working with children, in afterschool programs, summer programs and special projects.

At LEAP we believe in the transformational power of the arts. We started as a grassroots movement with just four schools. Today, our teaching artists serve 25,000 youth across the city in over 140 New York City public schools. Every day, our educational arts programs inspire diverse school communities to be more engaged in learning and build critical skills. Our quality educational arts programs promote access and equity for New York City students underserved in the arts.

Group Leaders assist Teaching Artists and Activity Specialists in all areas of programming from helping to maintain the safety and security of the children during program time, assisting in facilitating groups, following lesson plans, to following program administrative procedures and policies. Act as support to staff in the helping to ensure a safe, positive, and organized environment for youth participants, but not limited to the following:

• Program setup
• Child supervision and safety
• Specialized instruction
• Build a positive relationship with each after-school participant and foster positive connections between participants
• Actively engage with children with the goal of fostering the positive development of each child and the group
• Contribute to the cohesive and effective functioning of the staff team in assigned group and the program
• Attend regular staff meetings and trainings and work cooperatively with other staff members in the program
• Adhere to policies and procedures in a proactive manner, making the safety and care of children your primary focus.
• Conduct oneself as a professional and representative of the agency with school staff, parents, children, and anyone else with whom you come into contact in your role
• Works with site leadership to identify participants who may require additional assistance
• Available to meet mandated training hours outside of programming hours
• Follow schedule provided by program administrators

The successful candidate will have the following Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or its equivalent
• Minimum 1 year of experience working with children and/or youth in a professional setting
• Strong ability to form and maintain positive, professional relationships with children, youth, families, and other stakeholders
• Responsible; organized & demonstrate positive communication skills
• Able to set an example in all areas, including timeliness, attendance, and professionalism
• Ability to relate to officials, staff and public in a courteous manner

LEAP provides equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to age, citizenship, color, disability status, gender identity or expression, marital status, national origin, pregnancy, protected veteran status, race, religion, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.