Afterschool Leader

Brief Description

Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of middle school students? Do you have a knack for sparking curiosity and excitement about learning outside the classroom? If so, we want YOU to join our team! We are launching an innovative Afterschool Enrichment Program at Bain Middle School in Cranston designed to inspire and engage students in hands-on, minds-on activities that extend beyond the school day. Our program focuses on fostering creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration through diverse activities ranging from STEM challenges to art, music, and community service projects. We believe that learning happens everywhere, and we're committed to creating a safe, supportive, and fun environment where students can thrive.

What You’ll Do

• Lead Dynamic Activities: Facilitate engaging, hands-on enrichment activities that inspire middle schoolers to explore new interests and develop critical skills.
• Mentor and Guide: Serve as a positive role model, offering encouragement and support to students as they navigate their middle school years.
• Create a Safe Environment: Ensure that all students feel safe, respected, and included in all activities.
• Collaborate: Work closely with other staff, volunteers, and community partners to deliver a well-rounded program that meets the diverse needs of our students.
• Build Relationships: Establish strong, trusting relationships with students, families, and school staff to foster a supportive community atmosphere.
  
  

What We’re Looking For

• Enthusiastic Educators: You love working with middle school students and have a talent for making learning fun and engaging.
• Creative Thinkers: You’re not afraid to think outside the box and bring fresh ideas to the table.
• Effective Communicators: You can connect with students, parents, and team members, ensuring everyone is on the same page.
• Team Players: You thrive in a collaborative environment and are excited to work with others to create something amazing.
• Flexible and Adaptable: You can roll with the punches and adapt to the changing needs of students and the program.
  
  

Position Summary

This position is responsible for assisting the Program Director in program development and implementation, supervision of children and working as a member of a team. Afterschool Leaders are responsible for assisting in the delivery of high-quality, academically aligned after-school activities. They are responsible for ensuring children’s social-emotional development and physical safety in the program.

Our Culture

Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger, beginning with you.

Essential Functions

• Collaborate with the Program Director in planning and leading a high-quality, creative program that is age-appropriate for school-age children. Assist in planning daily and monthly activities for the program that are academically aligned and support skill building and social-emotional development.
• Supervise and be actively involved with children assigned to your activity area. You are responsible for the health and safety of children at all times.
• Provide leadership for activities. Both small and large group activities (i.e., sign-in, out/circle time/community time/enrichment activities/asset development/games & crafts).
• Continually promote the values of inclusion and equity among all participants.
• Assist Program Director in creating and planning special events, including parent & family-oriented programs. Attend parent or family events related to the program.
• Attend and participate fully in monthly staff meetings. Meetings may include recommended or mandatory training programs.
• Care for and help with maintenance of equipment and site appearance. Includes daily clean-up of activities and site, as well as scheduled site maintenance.
• Provide daily snacks and/or meals in accordance with federally funded child nutrition program requirements including; serving meals, conducting point of service meal counts, and any cleaning protocol associated with food service.
• Treat all children with dignity and respect. Follow discipline procedures as outlined by YMCA Code of Conduct and the Program Director.
• Continued pursuit of professional development through reading and further education.
• Help supervise program in Coordinators absence.
• Engage in behavior conducive to team building with other staff. Open communication, encouragement, support and tolerance for each other are all essential.
• Participate in the YMCA annual fund-raising campaign. Campaigns may include site event fundraisers and Y fundraising events.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Act as a professional role model. Maintain good public relations with parents and school personnel and understand that you represent the YMCA and maintain a positive disposition, demeanor and attire.
  
  

Leadership Competencies

Engaging Community-Builds bridges with others in the community to ensure the Y’s work is community-focused and welcoming of all, providing community benefit.

Inclusion-Values all people for their unique talents and takes an active role in promoting practices that support diversity, equity and inclusion, as well as cultural competence.

Communication & Influence-Listens and expresses self effectively and in a way that engages, inspires, and builds commitment to the Y’s cause.

Critical Thinking & Decision Making-Makes informed decisions based on logic, data, and sound judgment.

Program Management-Ensures programs or project goals are met and intended impact occurs.

Emotional Maturity-Demonstrates ability to understand and manage emotions effectively in all situations.

Developing Self & Others-Demonstrates ability to understand and manage emotions effectively in all situations.

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years old and have a high-school diploma or equivalent.
• Certifications required before working with children: Child Abuse Prevention Training, New Employee Orientation, all RI DHS and MA EEC requirements.
• Certifications required within the first 60 days of hire: YMCA approved basic lifesaving skills such as CPR, First Aid, AED, and Emergency Oxygen, RI DHS Pre-service Health & Safety Training. This position must have the ability to respond to safety and emergency situations.
  
  

Working Conditions

• Work is performed in a fast-paced school environment. Position requires attending meetings at different off-site locations.
• Sufficient strength, agility and mobility to perform essential functions of position and to safely supervise children’s activities.
• Visual acuity is required for reading computer screens and/or documents and making changes as necessary/required.
• This job requires high levels of alertness and concentration. This position requires analytical abilities and multitasking in order to identify problems and recommend solutions.
• This job requires accuracy and attention to detail, organizational, and time management skills, while maintaining high levels of initiative in order to work within deadlines.
• Occasional stooping and bending with regular lifting of up to 20 pounds is required.
• The incumbent must be able to sit and stand for long periods of time, and the ability to manipulate keyboards, telephone keypads, and writing utensils is essential.