Group Leader I (GAINS/Multiple Locations)

Overview

The Group Leader I will serve in a support role under the direct supervision of the Program Director.  They will be intimately and integrally involved in the daily operations of the school-Age Child Care program and the carrying out of its mission. 

The Group Leader I will have oversight responsibility for a designated group of children and a specialized activity, as assigned by the Program Director.  They will also be responsible for exercising a measure of leadership over other employees assigned to them.

The Group Leader I will be required to provide support to the Program Director, when necessary.  The Group Leader I should be experienced and qualified to assume greater leadership responsibility, in absence of the Program Director, when necessary.

The ideal candidate will remain teachable and interested in their ongoing professional development. 

Responsibilities

• Involvement in the total program with willingness to help in all areas as needed, including dining room, outdoor/indoor activities, children with problems, daily assembly, etc.
• Promote observance of the moral and ethical code affecting children and staff.
• Responsible for completing Orientation Sessions and attending all parental meetings.
• Attend and contribute to Program Leadership Meetings.
• Help plan and conduct General Staff Meetings.
• Responsible for sharing with the Program Director and/or Corps Officers all matters of mutual concern relating to the total welfare of the GAINS Program.
• Assists Program Director, in advancing the mission of The Salvation Army GAINS Program.
• Complete a Debrief at the end of the school year & summer camp session to include areas of concern for the following program year. 

Specific Responsibilities as Instructor: 

• Must be prepared to assume leadership of program, in the absence of Program Directors, if necessary.
• Serve as the leader in all assigned areas, under the direction of the Program Directors.
• Responsible for the leadership and guidance of assigned children and the supervision of assigned staff.
• Assume responsibility for the health, cleanliness, good habits, welfare and happiness of all children and staff, but especially those under your direct supervision.
• Maintain a high level of interaction with children and staff; also, be a constructive member of the Leadership contributing in every possible way to the health, harmony and happiness of the Brownsville Corps family.
• Coordinate daily assembly assigned by the Program Director.
• Voice criticisms to the Program Directors first and respond positively to their directives, thereafter.
• Ability to identify and physically respond appropriately and quickly to emergency situations, as needed. Must be able to assist participants and staff in emergencies.
• Responsible for the organization and administration of assigned activities for children ages 5 -13.
• Assume responsibility for all areas assigned, proper use of supplies, maintenance of inventory, requesting additional supplies as needed.
• Coordinate program(s) with other program activities and plans. Help and support as needed.
• Write, facilitate and submit to the Program Director, lesson plans for assigned classes.
• Communicate with the Program Director, as soon as possible (in private), regarding the actions of staff members that put the health and safety of participants at risk. Report all incidents minor or major.
• Ability to communicate and work with groups of various ages and skill levels and provide necessary instruction to program participants and/or staff.
• Physical ability to respond appropriately and quickly to situations requiring first aid.
• Cognitive and communicative abilities to plan and conduct activities that achieve participant development objectives.
• Organize, direct and instruct assigned activity program geared to all ages, interest and abilities of the participants, both male and female. Display creativity and innovation in programming. 

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent; Associate degree preferred
• At least 3 Years’ Experience in Youth or Camp Programming and the ability to teach and enthuse others preferred
• Leadership experience with peers and experience in leadership of organized/specialized programming
• Current CPR & First Aid Certifications
• Available to work part-time hours on School Days and full-time hours on Non-School Days (School Holidays & Summer)