Group Leader - COMPASS After School Program

Group Leader - RISE Academy

Paths to Success • Far Rockaway, Queens, NY • Part-Time, Per-Diem

Posted: October 20, 2026 | Application Deadline: November 30, 2026

Department:

Paths to Success

Reports To:

Program Supervisor

Location:

26-01 Mott Avenue, Far Rockaway, Queens, NY 11691

Hourly Rate:

$18.50 per hour

Employment Type:

Part-Time, Per-Diem

About Us

Founded as an orphanage in 1831, Rising Ground has been at the forefront of evolving community needs. Driven by the belief that each of us can thrive when life has hope and opportunity, Rising Ground provides caring support and proven paths to positive change, helping children, adults, and families rise above adversity, and each year, Rising Ground is a positive force in the lives of more than 72,000 individuals annually. We do this through 101 programs across 138 sites, throughout New York City and Westchester. Our strong belief and commitment to diversity is shown not just through our work with supported persons but is integral to the building of a strong staff that reflects the communities we serve. Rising Ground is headquartered in New York City.

Role Overview

As a Group Leader at RISE Academy, the COMPASS Afterschool Program, you will supervise and engage an assigned group of children and support their overall well-being. You will lead daily activities and create a safe, structured environment where children can explore new interests, develop social-emotional skills, and build positive relationships.

Working with the Program Director, Program Supervisor, and Activity Specialist, you will help deliver youth development programming aligned with DYCD COMPASS standards. RISE Academy operates after school, on select school holidays, and during the summer. This position is based on site in Far Rockaway, Queens, and requires in-person attendance.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead an assigned group of children and maintain active supervision during activities, transitions, meals and snacks, restroom breaks, dismissal, field trips, and special events.
• Create and implement age-appropriate activities under the guidance of the Content Specialist or Activity Specialist/Instructor, and assist with lessons, materials, group management, and participant engagement.
• Support required COMPASS content areas: social and emotional learning; physical activity and healthy living; academic support; STEAM and literacy; introduction to college and careers; and life skills development.
• Promote positive behavior, conflict resolution, teamwork, youth voice, and supportive peer relationships.
• Create a safe, welcoming, culturally responsive, inclusive, strengths-based environment for all participants.
• Communicate participant needs, behavioral concerns, incidents, and program updates to the Content Specialist or Program Director.
• Maintain accurate attendance, activity records, incident reports, and other required documentation.
• Build positive relationships with children, families, school staff, program staff, and community partners.
• Provide program support during seven weeks of summer programming.

Perform other related duties as assigned by the supervisor. This description does not cover every activity, duty, or responsibility required for this position. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.

Required Qualifications

Required

• At least 18 years of age.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• At least two years of direct experience working with children under age 13.
• Experience working with school-age children in an afterschool, childcare, school, recreation, camp, or community-based setting.
• Ability to lead and supervise groups of children safely and in an engaging, developmentally appropriate manner.
• Ability to create and implement activities under the guidance of an Activity Specialist/Instructor or Content Specialist.
• Strong communication, teamwork, organization, and group management skills.
• Content knowledge, experience, and skills needed to effectively support program activities.

Preferred

• Associate's degree.

Supervisory Responsibility

• No staff supervisory responsibilities. This role directly supervises an assigned group of children.

Work Environment

• On-site program and field settings in Far Rockaway, Queens.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This is a part-time, per-diem, non-exempt position, Monday through Friday, with weekends as needed, at the assigned location. Regular work hours are 2-5:30 p.m. The role also requires support for seven weeks of summer programming.

On the following school closure days, staff are assigned five- to seven-hour shifts between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.:

• 2026: Election Day, November 3; Veterans Day, November 11.
• 2027: Midwinter Break, February 15-19; Eid al-Fitr, March 9; Eid al-Adha, May 17.
• 2027: Clerical Day, June 8; Anniversary Day, June 10.

Additional Requirements

• Authorization to work in the U.S.
• Ability to work in person in New York City.
• Ability to travel to other Rising Ground sites, if required.

Equal Employment Opportunity

It is the policy of Rising Ground that the Agency wholly complies with equal treatment of all employees and applicants for employment without unlawful discrimination as to an individual's perceived or actual race, creed, color, national origin, alienate, citizenship status, gender, age, disability, marital status, partnership status, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion, or veteran status in all employment decisions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, compensation, training and apprenticeship, promotion, upgrading, demotion, downgrading, transfer, layoff and termination and all other terms and conditions of employment