Description POSITION SUMMARY: This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit charitable organization committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. The Group leader maintains a supportive, positive atmosphere that welcomes and respects all individuals, promotes the potential of all youth, and provides a quality experience to both youth and their families. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: • Supervises a group of children and program activities • Follows all policies, procedures, and standards as established by the law or the Y (i.e. safety or emergency procedures, behavior guidance strategies, child abuse prevention policies); makes ADA accommodations where appropriate; maintains the program site, equipment, and required program records. • Nurtures children through purposeful programming; plans activities that are intended to achieve program goals and outcomes that are culturally relevant, are developmentally appropriate, and are consistent with the Y’s values. • Creates a positive rapport and shared interest with all youth; models relationship-building skills in all interactions. • Provides opportunities for youth to lead, problem solve, and make decisions and choices within the program and provides daily opportunities for youth to reflect on and respond to their experiences. • Provides and welcomes ongoing dialogue with parents and caregivers about their child’s needs and progress; connects families to the Y. • Attends and participates in family nights, program activities, staff meetings, and staff training. • Performs other duties as assigned. • Demonstrate YMCA core values. This position is for our Holyoke site. Requirements QUALIFICATIONS: • Previous experience with children in an afterschool setting preferred. • Previous experience working with diverse populations. • Meets minimum age standards as established by state law and/or the Y. • CPR, First Aid, and AED certification required. • Complete the Early Education and Care (EEC) required training within first 30 days of hire. • Ability to develop positive, authentic relationships with people from different backgrounds. • YMCA Leader Certification within 6 months WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. • Ability to plan, lead, and participate in program activities in a variety of indoor and/or outdoor settings