Group Leader (Performing Arts Camp)

Organization Overview: The Goddard Riverside Community Center (Goddard Riverside) and the Stanley M. Isaacs Neighborhood Center (Isaacs Center) are well-established Manhattan community-based agencies that support services to approximately 30,000 New Yorkers. We are two of New York City’s leading human services organizations meeting the needs of children, youth and families, homeless individuals, and older adults through-out Manhattan and New York City. We work every day for a fair and just society where all people have the opportunity to make choices that lead to better lives for themselves and their families. The Isaacs Center focuses primarily on the needs of children and low-income families, out-of-school and out-of-work youth, and aging New Yorkers. We operate at community centers located in the neighborhoods of East Harlem and Yorkville, and seek to deliver programs that are impactful, innovative, and intergenerational.

Intro/Program Description: PAC introduces and cultivates a love of performing arts in participants aged 8 to 14 by emphasizing dedication, discipline, and enjoyment. Participants receive quality instruction in dance (ballet, jazz, hip hop, modern and contemporary), stage presence, vocal technique, ensemble work, and musical theater. Over the course of seven weeks each summer, participants of all skill levels are exposed to a multidisciplinary arts education while building our three core values of confidence, character, and community in a safe, nurturing, and fun-filled environment. Participants also have opportunities to experience the rich artistic vibrancy of their city on local field trips.

Purpose of Position: Group Leaders are assigned to fully lead and work with a group of co-ed children and staff. Groups are divided into four groups: Dance, Voice, Acting or Ensemble, following a curriculum of arts enrichment. Group Leaders work in unison with Senior Counselors and PAC Co-Artistic Directors. Together and through Group Work practice, our staff works to provide a positive and creative environment for the social and intellectual development of all participants.

Schedule: Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm or 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. Program runs from June 26, 2023 through August 18, 2023.

Hourly Rate: $25.00 to $28.00

• Demonstrate professionalism & leadership – be a leader and team member.
• Supervise youth and participate in all activities by building positive relationships with youth and peers, serving as a role model with respect to demeanor, communication, behavior and the organization’s mission, philosophy, and goals.
• Teach and supervise organized games and assist the activity leaders, escort groups to and from activity areas and field trips and carry out other tasks as directed by PAC Program Director and Program Coordinator.
• Foster a learning environment that stimulates children’s creative growth and development.
• Enforce program rules, identify & respond to participant behavior issues, and carry out corrective action when needed by identifying and seeking to resolve conflicts and behavioral problems.
• Communicate with parents about participant’s experiences and report concerns to PAC Program Director.
• Other duties as required and assigned by PAC Program Director and Co-Artistic Directors.
• Deliver educational programs collaborating with DOE teachers.
• Fulfill administrative requirements (Submitting plans, reports, budget requests, attendance records and incident report).
• Deliver recreational and cultural programs to develop community and explore the summer theme through art, games, and a performance project.
• Maintain sound supervision and ensuring the safety of program participants at all times.
• Know and enforce ALL emergency procedures and follow all safety guidelines associated with all program areas. This includes but is not limited to being responsible for your children’s safety and their whereabouts at all times.
• Supervising Senior Counselors and other supportive staff.
• Work with children on developmental and emotional issues; encourage program participation and social skills development.
• Attend staff training and additional meetings.

Qualifications/Educational Requirements

• Passion and experience in the performing arts
• CPR/First Aid Certification a plus
• Must be able to pass background check including a Fingerprint Screen, Sex Offender Registry and be physically able to work with children (via a doctor’s signed consent including TB screening)
• At least four years of experience working with children in groups
• Must be at least 21 years of age
• Must have ability to work collaboratively
• At least one year in supervisory role
• High School Diploma/GED; Some college preferred
• Must have a sense of humor and a passion for youth development

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

• Effectively supervise Senior Counselors and additional staff
• Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office Word & Excel
• Effectively supervise children
• Able to create and implement plans for group participation and support the advancement of student technique in Dance, Voice, or Acting
• Access to an email address
• Write necessary group reports for activities and youth

Physical Requirements

• Frequent bending, kneeling, walking

Work Environment:

• Indoors, Outdoors (infrequent)

Goddard Riverside and Isaacs Center are equal opportunity employers and considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of duties and responsibilities that will be required of this position and title and shall not be construed as a declaration of the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Employees may be requested to perform job related task other than those specifically presented in this description. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.