Youth Program Team Leader

Cambridge Preschool Program; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A local youth community center in Cambridge seeks a Team Leader to supervise and mentor a cohort of pre-teen members in their afterschool program. The role involves managing activities, developing programs, and maintaining communication with families. Candidates should possess a high school diploma or GED and have two years of experience working with youth. This position offers a variety of benefits, including health insurance and paid holidays.

Benefits

Competitive health, dental, and vision insurance

Vacation and Sick leave

Paid parental leave

Management allowance, $2,520/year

City employee commuter benefits

Qualifications

• Two years' experience working with youth in an academic, recreational, or athletic setting.
• Ability to create and support curricular/activity design and implementation.
• Understanding of restorative justice.

Responsibilities

• Manage cohort activities and behaviors during center activities.
• Plan, design, and implement age-appropriate programs for pre-teens.
• Maintain communication with families about participants' progress.

Skills

Group management skills

Effective communication skills

Conflict resolution

Understanding of positive youth development

Ability to engage and support families

Education

High School Diploma/GED

Job description

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICE PROGRAMS:

The Department of Human Service Programs (DHSP) creates and coordinates services that enhance the quality of life for Cambridge residents. Driven by the needs of residents, DHSP's extensive services and programs touch almost every sector in the city: from newborns to senior citizens, from school‑aged children to homeless families, from non‑profit organizations to local employers.

ABOUT THE ROLE:

In partnership with the Youth Center Director and Program Director, the Team Leader is responsible for leading a cohort of Preteen/Middle School members between the ages of 9‑13 as part of the Youth Center's licensed afterschool program, including team building, curriculum, behavior management, improving performance and maintaining culture consistent with Cambridge Youth Program's values. Reporting to the Program Director, the Team Leader will lead a diverse group of pre‑teens through programmed activities, service projects, civic engagement, and leadership development. The overall goals for the Team Leader are to provide direct supervision, mentorship, and support to their cohort (small group) and families throughout their engagement at our Youth Centers.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Specifically, the Team Leader will:

• Manage cohort activities and behaviors during center activities inside and outside of building.
• Support Youth Workers' and Group Leaders' daily activities.
• Assist the Program Director to oversee the implementation of policies and procedures at the Youth Center as they relate to youth members in our programs.
• Inform the Program Director of specific Youth Center member needs or concerns that are brought to their attention.
• Plan, design, organize, and implement age‑appropriate Youth Center programs and activities for cohort and program, for Pre‑Teens between the ages of 9‑13.
• Provide a safe, structured, and stimulating environment for Youth Center members and volunteers.
• Attend and participate fully in staff meetings, planning sessions, other meetings, staff development, and training programs and activities as directed.
• Conduct regular cohort meetings.
• Be a positive role model and develop meaningful relationships with Youth Center members.
• Maintain an open, friendly, on‑going communication with families and schools about the progress of participants.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Two years' experience working with youth in an academic, recreational, or athletic setting.
• HS Diploma/GED required.
• Group management skills and facilitation skills.
• Conflict resolution and an understanding of restorative justice.
• Understanding of positive youth development.
• Effective communication skills with youth and adults.
• Interest and ability to engage and support families.
• Ability to create and support curricular/activity design and implementation.
• The City of Cambridge's workforce, like the community it serves, is diverse. Applicants must have the ability to work and interact effectively with individuals and groups with a variety of identities, cultures, backgrounds, and ideologies.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Familiarity with Cambridge neighborhoods preferred.
• Some post‑secondary education preferred.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) and EEC fingerprint background check required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS, WORKING CONDITIONS, WORK FLEXIBILITY AND ACCOMMODATIONS:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, walk, talk, and hear. The employee is occasionally required to run, during play or responding to an emergency. Employees are frequently required to use their hands and arms to handle and manipulate objects as well as reach. The employee must be able to lift fifty pounds and participate in activities that require physical exertion. Main work environment is a busy Youth Center. The noise level can be very loud. Youth Centers include classroom‑like settings, open environments, and gymnasiums. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

SUMMARY OF BENEFITS:

• Competitive health, dental, and vision insurance
• Vacation and Sick leave eligible
• Paid parental leave
• Sick Incentive Pay Eligible
• 3 Personal days
• 14 Paid Holidays
• Management Allowance, $2,520/year
• City employee commuter benefits (T-Pass reimbursement Bluebikes membership, EZRide Shuttle membership)

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:

Please upload the following documents to complete your application.

• Resume
• Cover Letter