Group Leader - GAINS

Overview

The Group Leader III will serve in a support role to the Corps Officers, under the direct supervision of the Program Directors.  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 III may be assigned to a designated group of children and/or a specialized activity, as determined by the Program Directors. 

The Group Leader III will be required to provide support to the Program Directors, when necessary.

The Group Leader III may be assigned to assist with a group or activity, under the leadership of another Group Leader.  The Group Leader III should be prepared, experienced and qualified to assume greater leadership responsibility, if 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 parent 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.
• Responsible for the leadership and guidance of assigned children and your 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 as assigned by the Program Director.
• Voice criticisms to the Program Directors first and respond positively to their directives, thereafter.
• Communicate with the Program Director, as soon as possible (in private), for actions of staff members that put the health and safety of children 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 children and/or staff.
• Ability to identify and physically respond appropriately and quickly to emergency situations, as needed.

If assigned to lead an activity:

• Responsible for the organization and administration of assigned activity 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.  Offer assistance and support as needed.
• Submit to the program office lesson plans for assigned classes.
• 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 (Experience may substitute for Diploma, as permitted by State regulations)
• At least 6 months Experience in Youth or Camp Programming and the ability to teach and enthuse others
• Interest in leadership with peers or leadership of organized 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)