COMPASS Group Leader

COMPASS Group Leader (Elementary & Middle School)

Center for Educational Innovation (CEI)

Position Title: COMPASS Group Leader

Reports To: COMPASS Program Director

Employment Status: Part-Time (on average 15 hours per week; additional hours during school break/DOE closures)

Hourly Rate: $25.00 per hour

Work Schedule:

Monday–Friday (School Days) in the Bronx.

This position is funded through a multi-year DYCD COMPASS grant and offers the opportunity for long-term part-time employment, professional growth, and advancement within CEI. Work schedules are determined by the assigned school's after-school program hours and operational needs. Program hours are between 2:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday and additional full day hours during school breaks/DOE closures. Employees may also be required to attend occasional staff meetings, professional development sessions, family engagement events, and other program-related activities as scheduled by the Program Director.

About CEI

The Center for Educational Innovation (CEI) is a nationally recognized nonprofit organization that partners with schools to deliver innovative educational programs that empower students, educators, and families. Through its DYCD-funded COMPASS After-School Program, CEI provides high-quality academic enrichment and youth development experiences that inspire learning, leadership, creativity, and social-emotional growth.

Position Summary

The COMPASS Group Leader is responsible for creating a safe, inclusive, and engaging after-school environment for elementary or middle school students. Under the supervision of the Program Director and in collaboration with Activity Specialists, the Group Leader supervises an assigned group of students while supporting the delivery of high-quality academic enrichment and youth development activities. As a positive role model, the Group Leader promotes Positive Youth Development (PYD), Social and Emotional Learning (SEL), and youth leadership by maintaining active supervision, ensuring required staff-to-student ratios, supporting positive behavior, and fostering a welcoming environment where every student feels safe, respected, and empowered to succeed.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Student Supervision & Safety

• Supervise an assigned group of students at all times while maintaining required DYCD staff-to-student ratios.
• Ensure the health, safety, and well-being of all participants through active supervision.
• Conduct attendance and head counts during arrival, dismissal, and all program transitions.
• Monitor student behavior and implement positive behavior management strategies.
• Escort students safely during transitions throughout the school building.
• Immediately report accidents, injuries, behavioral concerns, or safety issues to the Program Director.
• Follow all CEI Child Supervision, Emergency Response, and Incident Reporting policies.

Program Implementation

• Support the delivery of daily academic enrichment and youth development activities under the direction of the Program Director and Activity Specialists.
• Assist in implementing engaging project-based learning experiences in areas such as:
• Coding & Robotics
• Esports
• Arts Ed
• Dance
• Literacy Book Club
• Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
• Encourage student participation through positive reinforcement and relationship-building.
• Differentiate support to meet the diverse needs of participants.
• Foster creativity, collaboration, leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Positive Youth Development

• Build positive, respectful relationships with students.
• Promote student voice, choice, and leadership opportunities.
• Implement restorative practices and trauma-informed approaches.
• Create a welcoming and inclusive environment that values diversity, equity, and belonging.
• Model professionalism, integrity, and respect in all interactions.

Administrative Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate daily attendance records.
• Assist with student sign-in and dismissal procedures.
• Complete required incident reports, behavior reports, and other program documentation.
• Support family communication as directed by the Program Director.
• Assist with preparing classrooms, organizing materials, and maintaining a clean, safe learning environment.
• Participate in staff meetings, coaching sessions, and professional development.

Qualifications/ Minimum Requirements

• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Education, Youth Development, Human Services, Recreation, or a related field preferred.
• Experience working with elementary and/or middle school-aged youth in educational, recreation, camp, after-school, or community-based settings preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to positively engage and motivate children.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with school staff, families, and CEI personnel.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities – Successful candidates will demonstrate knowledge of:

• Positive Youth Development (PYD)
• Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
• Child development
• Classroom and behavior management
• Active supervision practices
• Restorative practices
• Cultural responsiveness and inclusive practices
• Student engagement strategies
• Team collaboration
• Basic technology and digital literacy

Professional Expectations – Group Leaders are expected to:

• Arrive on time and prepared each day.
• Maintain professionalism and confidentiality.
• Dress appropriately in accordance with CEI policies.
• Demonstrate flexibility and a positive attitude.
• Participate in all required training and meetings.
• Support CEI's mission and organizational values.
• Maintain a safe and respectful environment for all participants.

Training Requirements – Prior to and throughout employment, Group Leaders must successfully complete all required CEI and DYCD professional development, including:

• New Employee Orientation
• COMPASS Orientation
• Child Supervision
• Active Supervision
• Mandated Reporter Training
• Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
• Positive Youth Development (PYD)
• Trauma-Informed Practices
• Restorative Practices
• Emergency Procedures
• Behavior Management
• CPR/First Aid (if required)
• Technology and Data Privacy
• Additional DYCD-required trainings

Background Screening – Employment is contingent upon successfully completing all required pre-employment screenings, including:

• Criminal background investigation
• Fingerprinting
• Reference verification
• Employment eligibility verification
• Any additional screenings required by DYCD, the New York City Department of Education, or the assigned school partner

Only staff who have successfully completed all required clearances may supervise students independently.

Work Environment – This position requires the ability to:

• Supervise and actively engage groups of children throughout the program day.
• Move throughout classrooms, cafeterias, gyms, playgrounds, and other school facilities.
• Lift and carry instructional materials and supplies up to 25 pounds.
• Participate in indoor and outdoor program activities.

Compensation & Benefits

• Starting hourly rate: $25.00 per hour
• Paid training opportunities
• Professional development and coaching
• Opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and families
• Potential opportunities for advancement within CEI

Application Process – Interested candidates should submit:

• Resume
• Cover Letter (Optional)

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until positions are filled.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The Center for Educational Innovation (CEI) is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an environment where all employees and participants feel valued, respected, and empowered. We encourage individuals of all backgrounds—including people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, veterans, multilingual candidates, and members of historically underrepresented communities—to apply.

Join CEI and help inspire the next generation of learners, leaders, and innovators through the COMPASS After-School Program.

Please Contract: [email protected] for any questions

Pay: $25.00 per hour

Work Location: In person