Summer - Middle School Group Leader

Job Summary

Program Description: East End House’s Middle School Program is nationally accredited, highly awarded, and seeks to be a leader in the field at all times. Summer Program is from July 6th-August 14th. If hired, onboarding would begin on Monday, June 15th.

Position Summary:

Summer Group Leader Role: Group Leaders support all functions of the Middle School Program with a willingness to be flexible and have a "do whatever it takes" attitude. In addition to the primary responsibilities of leading activities and mentoring a small group of students, the Group Leader also carry out all activities necessary for a smooth program including preparing food, cleaning, and preparing supplies.

Working Relationships: The Middle School Program Group Leader reports to the Middle School Program Director.

Ideal Candidate Traits: As a group leader, you will be in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment. We have found that effective Group Leaders have the ability to be clear and direct in their communication, with both students and co-workers. They see possible issues before they arise and what adjustments need to be made to avoid problems and can clearly and directly communicate this information. They feel comfortable making decisions independently but also work well on a collaborative team. Group Leaders will be working directly with young people in our afterschool program, designing and running activities and supporting them with homework. It is essential that the Group Leader genuinely enjoy working with kids and that the young people feel connected to the group leader.

Responsibilities and Duties

All responsibilities are carried out with a proactive mindset, anticipating needs and opportunities rather than only responding when challenges arise.

Curriculum & Youth Development

• Develop and teach enrichment classes with a well-rounded curriculum that integrates youth input, academic support, STEAM activities, creative expression, and service learning.
• Partner with school-day teachers to proactively provide targeted academic support to youth in core subjects.
• Create and sustain a positive, student-centered culture grounded in a “high support, high expectations” philosophy.

Relationships & Communication

• Establish and foster strong, meaningful connections with students and staff in the program, co-creating a safe and autonomous community experience.
• Build open and encouraging relationships with parents, caregivers, and CPSD Faculty to strengthen wrap around support for each student.

Operations & Program Management

• Anticipate challenges and effectively problem-solve daily Middle School Program operations, stepping in when the Site Coordinator or Director is unavailable.
• Engage in proactive behavior management strategies that prioritize prevention, consistency, and growth.
• Assist with program recruitment and retention through ongoing outreach and relationship-building efforts.

Growth & Flexibility

• Identify and pursue opportunities for program development and the integration of mental/emotional/cognitive health research.
• Serve as support staff in School Age & Child Care Programs when staffing needs arise and Middle School Program capacity allows.

Expectations

• Grow and demonstrate your passion for maintaining a safe, educational, and inclusive environment for youth.
• Genuine enthusiasm for working with and enriching the lives of middle school students.
• Strong ability to utilize planning time effectively and consistently produce high-quality activity plans.
• Strong ability to effectively facilitate activities with students using appropriate behavior management strategies.
• Creative problem-solving skills with the ability to balance multiple tasks and responsibilities.
• Commitment to continually practice and learn safe, autonomous, and effective classroom management.
• Active and engaged participation in all mandatory meetings, trainings, and events.
• Commitment to completing at least ten hours of professional development training each year.

Physical Requirements

· Be agile in their movements; moving quickly from sitting on the floor to standing, to kneeling to be at the child’s eye level. Employees may have to run after youth, both in play and to respond to an emergency.

· Be able to hear children who speak in a soft voice or mumble words when distressed.

· Be able to use their hands and arms to move, reach, handle, and manipulate objects in the spaces.

· Vision abilities are required for the supervision of children.

· The noise level in work environment is moderately to very loud. The work environment includes classroom and outdoor playgrounds and occasional field trips.

Qualifications

· Have a Bachelor's or Associate's degree and three months of experience working with elementary, middle, and/or high school youth

· Have a high school diploma or equivalent, and six months of experience working with elementary, middle, and/or high school youth, including three months of supervised experience at a youth program that serves similar ages.

· Additional qualifications include certification in CPR/First Aid within the first six months of employment.

· Cambridge residents are strongly encouraged to apply, and we value lived experience and understanding of diverse communities. East End House is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building an inclusive and anti-racist community.

Pay: $20.00 - $21.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance

Ability to Relocate:

• Cambridge, MA 02139: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $20 - $21