Youth Worker (Beacon)

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.

Program Description: Goddard Riverside is working in collaboration with the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development to alleviate the effects of poverty and provide opportunities by operating a Beacon Community Center on the Upper Westside. Beacon Community Centers are in public schools throughout New York City and serve youth from kindergarten through age 21 and adults ages 22 and older, including Older Adults. Beacons operate year-round on non-school hours, weekdays, evenings, weekends and in the summer as a resource to the entire community by offering integrated programming tailored to local needs. During the summer, Beacons collaborate with the New York City Public Schools for the Summer Rising initiative.

Purpose of Position: Youth Workers are assigned to assist with a group of co-ed children (grades K-5). Groups are divided into grade groups (kindergarten through eighth grade), for reading enrichment, project-based learning, group games, social-emotional competencies, and field trips. Youth Workers are engaged with participants in all their daily activities. 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 2:30pm to 6:00pm (hours may vary), maximum 20 hours per week. Seasonal, program ends June 2025.

Hourly Rate: $16.00-$18.00

Candidates must have the required qualifications to be considered for the position. The salary offer will be based on the candidate’s number of years experience in the exact or comparable position and additional preferred qualifications will be taken into account.

Roles, Responsibilities, and Essential Duties

• Fostering a learning environment that stimulates children’s creative growth and development.
• Demonstrate professionalism & leadership – be a team member of a group of staff and a group of 15-25 youth in grades K-8.
• Maintain sound supervision and always ensuring the safety of program participants.
• Supervise youth and participate in all activities.
• 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.
• Working with children on developmental and emotional issues
• Encourage program participation and development of social skills.
• Teach and supervise organized games and assist the activity specialist, escort groups to and from activity areas and field trips and carry out other tasks as directed by Group Leader.
• Assist in planning and leading activities and events.
• Enforce program rules, identify, and respond to participant behavior issues, and carry out corrective action when needed by identifying and seeking to resolve conflicts and behavioral problems.).
• Know and enforce ALL emergency procedures and follow safety guidelines associated with all program areas. This includes but is not limited to being responsible for your children’s safety and whereabouts at all times.
• Attend staff training, weekly meetings, case conferences, and supervision meetings.
• Other duties as required and assigned by Program Director and Vice President for Youth Servies.

Qualifications/Educational Requirements

• Must be at least 16 years of age.
• High interest in working with school age youth.
• High School Diploma/GED; some college preferred.
• Must have ability to work collaboratively.
• Must have a sense of humor and a passion for youth development.
• Must submit information for DYCD required background checks including a Fingerprint Screening.
• Must be physically able to work with children via a doctor’s signed consent including TB screening.
• CPR/First Aid Certification a plus.

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

• Create and able to implement plans for group.
• Effectively supervise children.

Physical Requirements

• Frequent bending, kneeling, and walking.

Work Environment:

• Outdoors/Indoors
• Supervision in water during swimming activities

We are committed to building an inclusive workplace community grounded in respect for differences. We support hiring a broadly diverse team of qualified individuals who will contribute to our organizations.

Goddard Riverside and Isaacs Center provide equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

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.