Group Leader Jobs

BRING THE ENERGY. INSPIRE YOUNG MINDS. MAKE EVERY AFTERNOON COUNT.

NOW HIRING: AFTER SCHOOL GROUP LEADERS

YMCA Y Scholars Program

Pay: $24 per hour

Job Type: Part-Time, Non-Exempt

Start Date: Immediate

End Date: June 2027
(Spring and summer break employment opportunities may be available.)

Typical Schedule: Monday–Friday, 5 days/week

Typical Shift: 1:00 PM–6:30 PM
(Wednesdays begin at 12:45 PM)

Hours: 26–28 hours/week

Locations: Assigned to one elementary or middle school program site in Richmond, El Sobrante, Pinole, San Pablo, El Cerrito, or Oakland.

Map of Program Sites: http://map.ymcayscholars.org

POSITION BENEFITS

• Free YMCA gym membership
• Ongoing professional training and leadership development
• Hands-on experience in education and youth development
• Coaching and support from experienced program leaders
• Priority consideration for spring and summer break positions
• Opportunities for career growth and advancement within the YMCA

HELP MAKE AFTER SCHOOL THE BEST PART OF A STUDENT'S DAY.

Think back to an adult who made a difference in your childhood.

Maybe they encouraged you when something felt difficult. Maybe they helped you discover something you loved. Or maybe they simply made you feel seen, valued, and capable.

Now imagine being that person for someone else.

The YMCA of the East Bay is looking for energetic, creative, and dependable Group Leaders to join our Y Scholars Program and create exceptional afterschool experiences for elementary and middle school students.

As a Group Leader, you'll do much more than supervise students. You'll lead engaging activities, inspire curiosity, encourage positive behavior, and build meaningful relationships that help young people grow.

One afternoon, you might lead a hands-on science experiment. Another day, you could organize a sports tournament, guide an art project, or help a student overcome a challenge.

You'll have opportunities to bring your ideas to life, develop your leadership skills, and see the difference you make in students' lives.

We're not looking for people who simply watch students. We're looking for people who make things happen.

If you enjoy working with young people, bring positive energy to your work, and want a meaningful part-time job where you can grow, we want to meet you!

OUR VISION AND MISSION

At the YMCA Y Scholars Program, we envision a world where every student discovers their purpose and achieves their full potential.

Each day, we elevate youth voice by offering enrichment opportunities that foster leadership, learning, and healthy habits.

We believe students thrive when they are encouraged to explore their interests, develop confidence, build meaningful relationships, and discover new possibilities.

Our goal is to create afterschool experiences where every student feels welcomed, challenged, supported, and inspired to grow.

Does your mission align with ours?

ABOUT THE YMCA Y SCHOLARS PROGRAM

The YMCA Y Scholars Program is part of the YMCA of the East Bay. We partner with schools throughout West Contra Costa and Oakland to provide engaging before- and afterschool programs that support the academic, social, emotional, and physical development of young people.

Our programs are built around three core enrichment pillars:

• Physical Play: Helping students stay active, develop healthy habits, practice teamwork, and discover the joy of movement through sports, games, and fitness activities.
• Academic Achievement: Supporting homework, literacy, STEAM, and hands-on learning experiences that build academic skills and confidence.
• Creative Curiosity: Encouraging imagination, creativity, innovation, and self-expression through arts, exploration, and exciting projects.

Together, these experiences help students discover their strengths, build important life skills, and develop the confidence to succeed in school and beyond.

But exceptional programs don't happen by accident.

They're created by great people who care about students, take pride in their work, and bring their best every day.

That's where you come in.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

As a Group Leader, you'll be responsible for guiding a group of elementary or middle school students through an afternoon of engaging activities, meaningful learning experiences, and positive interactions.

Your role is active, hands-on, and full of opportunities to make a difference.

Some days, you'll be facilitating a creative project, organizing a team-building game, or helping students work through a challenging homework assignment.

Other days, you'll be encouraging a shy student to participate, supporting a student through a difficult moment, or working with your team to make an activity even better.

You'll be expected to come prepared, stay actively engaged with students, lead activities with enthusiasm, and take ownership of your responsibilities.

YOUR KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead Engaging Student Experiences: Actively supervise and guide a group of students while creating a safe, welcoming, and positive environment.
• Bring Activities to Life: Plan, prepare, and facilitate enrichment activities such as sports, STEAM challenges, creative arts, literacy, and team-building games.
• Support Academic Achievement: Help students with homework, learning activities, and opportunities to strengthen their academic confidence and skills.
• Build Meaningful Relationships: Connect with students, families, and teammates to foster trust, respect, inclusion, and a strong sense of belonging.
• Promote Positive Behavior: Establish clear expectations, model appropriate behavior, and use positive, age-appropriate strategies to support student growth.
• Encourage Student Voice and Leadership: Give students opportunities to share ideas, make decisions, take on responsibilities, and develop confidence.
• Maintain Safety and Program Standards: Follow supervision procedures, maintain accurate attendance records, organize materials, and ensure program spaces remain safe and welcoming.
• Collaborate With Your Team: Work closely with your Site Coordinator and fellow team members to plan activities, address challenges, and deliver excellent programming.
• Take Ownership of Your Work: Arrive prepared, follow through on responsibilities, communicate proactively, and contribute to the success of your program.
• Grow Through Coaching and Training: Participate in professional development, welcome feedback, and continuously strengthen your skills.
• Support Program Events and Activities: Help organize and facilitate special events, family engagement opportunities, and other program activities.

WHO WE'RE LOOKING FOR

We're looking for people who genuinely enjoy working with young people and want to make their afternoons meaningful.

You don't need years of professional teaching experience or know how to lead every type of activity.

But you do need to bring enthusiasm, reliability, curiosity, and a willingness to learn.

We're looking for someone who doesn't just stand on the sidelines but actively participates, encourages students, and helps create an environment where everyone feels included.

Someone who can be patient when students struggle, creative when activities need a new approach, and dependable when teammates need support.

Someone who understands that working with young people comes with important responsibilities—and takes those responsibilities seriously.

Someone who welcomes feedback, takes initiative, and wants to keep getting better.

Most importantly, we're looking for people who believe in the potential of every student and want to help them discover what they're capable of achieving.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Must have completed at least 48 college semester units or received a passing score on the Instructional Aide Exam.
• Don't have 48 college units? We can support you through the process of taking the exam.
• Must successfully clear required DOJ/FBI background checks.
• Must obtain CPR, First Aid, and AED certification within 30 days of hire.
• Certification training is provided at no cost to you.

YOU MAY BE A GREAT FIT IF YOU…

• Bring Positive Energy: You enjoy working with young people and know how to make activities fun, engaging, and meaningful.
• Take Initiative: You recognize what needs to be done, step up to help, and don't always wait to be asked.
• Lead by Example: You understand that your attitude, actions, and professionalism influence the students around you.
• Build Strong Relationships: You communicate respectfully, connect with students, and contribute to a positive team environment.
• Think Creatively: You enjoy coming up with new ideas, trying different approaches, and finding ways to make learning exciting.
• Stay Patient and Adaptable: You can remain calm, flexible, and solution-focused when plans change or challenges arise.
• Demonstrate Reliability: You show up on time, come prepared, and consistently follow through on your responsibilities.
• Embrace Feedback and Growth: You want to learn, improve your skills, and become more effective in your work.
• Take Accountability: You own your decisions, learn from mistakes, and take responsibility for doing your part.
• Value Teamwork: You collaborate, communicate, and support your colleagues to help the entire program succeed.
• Believe Every Student Can Grow: You approach young people with encouragement, respect, and a commitment to helping them succeed.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described below represent those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

• Sufficient strength, agility, and mobility to perform essential job functions and supervise program activities.
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 30 pounds.
• Frequent standing, walking, bending, and physical movement.
• Ability to walk and remain active for extended periods.
• Visual ability to effectively supervise students in indoor and outdoor environments.
• Ability to respond quickly and appropriately during emergencies.

WHY JOIN THE YMCA Y SCHOLARS PROGRAM?

Make an impact today. Build the skills to lead tomorrow.

Working with the YMCA Y Scholars Program is more than an opportunity to earn a paycheck. It's a chance to develop valuable professional skills, discover your strengths, and make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people.

You'll see your impact when a student finally understands something they've been struggling with.

You'll see it when a shy student starts participating and making new friends.

You'll see it when an activity you planned becomes something students talk about for days.

And you'll see it when students look forward to coming to program because of the environment you and your teammates have created.

Whether you're a college student exploring a career in education, someone passionate about youth development, or simply looking for rewarding part-time work, this position offers the opportunity to learn, grow, and make an impact.

READY TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE?

Your energy can make learning exciting.

Your encouragement can build confidence.

Your presence can make a lasting difference.

If you're ready to bring your enthusiasm, creativity, and commitment to a role where your work truly matters, we encourage you to apply.

Pay: $24.00 - $25.00 per hour

Expected hours: 26.0 – 28.0 per week

Benefits:

• Employee discount

Work Location: In person