After-School Group Leader - AYS in Andover, Massachusetts at Town of Andover

Join a welcoming team, make a difference in your community, and build valuable experience in youth development, recreation, leadership, and program planning!

Andover Youth Services’ After School @ AYS program provides a safe, fun, and engaging drop-in experience for middle school students at the Cormier Youth Center. The program gives students opportunities to connect with friends, explore new interests, build leadership skills, and participate in sports and fitness, STEM and enrichment, arts, cooking, community service, and other activities. Group Leaders supervise and engage youth, lead daily activities, support program operations, and help create an environment where every participant feels welcomed, respected, and included.

This is an ideal opportunity for someone interested in youth development, education, recreation, athletics, or community programming, as well as those looking to strengthen their leadership, group-management, and program-planning skills.

Work Schedule

• Hours are generally available Monday through Friday from school dismissal until approximately 6:00 p.m.
• Additional hours may be available for early-release days, family-engagement activities, special events, school vacations, and summer programming.
• Specific schedules are based on program needs and employee availability.

• Supervise and actively engage middle school students in a safe, supportive, and inclusive drop-in environment.
• Plan and lead developmentally appropriate sports, games, STEM and enrichment activities, arts, cooking, leadership opportunities, community service, and other programming.
• Build positive relationships with youth and maintain active supervision throughout the program.
• Promote positive behavior and apply AYS expectations and facility rules consistently and respectfully.
• Help coordinate daily staff coverage and maintain appropriate supervision throughout the building.
• Provide day-to-day guidance and support to Assistant Group Leaders and communicate relevant program updates to AYS full-time staff.
• Support participant arrival and departure, including check-in and check-out procedures.
• Provide front-desk coverage, answer routine phone calls, assist with MyRec functions, and make program announcements over the PA system as assigned.
• Assist with snack service, the AYS concession stand, daily setup, cleanup, organization, and closing procedures.
• Respond to injuries, incidents, behavioral concerns, and emergencies in accordance with established procedures and complete or assist with required documentation.
• Build and maintain positive, professional relationships with youth, families, coworkers, school personnel, and Town partners.
• Communicate regularly with AYS full-time staff regarding participant needs, family concerns, staffing, incidents, and overall program operations.
• Participate in required meetings and training and contribute to a collaborative team culture.
• Support early-release days, family-engagement activities, special events, and other AYS programs as assigned.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

• Be at least 17 years old
• Experience working with middle school-age youth through employment, volunteering, coaching, tutoring, camps, mentoring, school activities, recreation, education, childcare, or a similar setting is strongly preferred.
• Ability to lead activities, exercise sound judgment, provide clear direction, and respond appropriately in a busy drop-in environment.
• Dependable, responsible, and able to work effectively as part of a team.
• Ability to communicate positively and appropriately with youth, families, and coworkers from different backgrounds.
• Ability to maintain appropriate professional boundaries and protect confidential participant information.
• CPR and First Aid certification preferred, or willingness and ability to obtain certification if required.
• Must successfully complete all applicable pre-employment requirements and required program training.

Physical Requirements

The essential functions of this position require the ability to:

• Remain active and move throughout the program area for extended periods.
• Participate in and supervise indoor and outdoor activities, as appropriate.
• Bend, reach, and move between activity areas while supervising children.
• Occasionally lift and carry program supplies, materials, and equipment weighing up to 25 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Observe children and respond promptly to safety concerns and emergency situations.
• Communicate clearly and effectively with children, families, and staff.

The Town of Andover is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, minorities, veterans, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. The Town is committed to advancing its workforce culture of antiracism, diversity, equity, and inclusion.