Receptionist

Position: Receptionist

Location: Williamsburg, Brooklyn

Compensation: $18/hr

Who we are:

Founded in 1982, El Puente is a youth-centered organization that uses the arts and education to advance social and environmental justice.  Its mission is to inspire and nurture leadership for peace and justice, working as a human rights institution in NYC and Puerto Rico with national and international impact. El Puente creates community-led movements of self-determination through a holistic leadership and membership program model, as a high-impact youth and community development organization.  As a staff member of El Puente, the Receptionist is expected to uphold and work within the mission, philosophy, and principles of the organization. 

El Puente integrates its activities and community campaigns within its six Youth Leadership Centers and its nationally recognized public high school, the El Puente Academy for Peace and Justice. Organizing in North Brooklyn, Puerto Rico, and beyond, El Puente is at the forefront of community & youth development, and as such, initiates social policy locally and nationally.

Position Overview:

El Puente seeks a dedicated, socially conscious, and community-centered Receptionist to join our Cornerstone Team. This role is more than a front desk position — it is an opportunity to be a steady, welcoming presence in a vibrant youth leadership space where young people and families feel seen, supported, and safe.

The Receptionist serves as the welcoming face of our Cornerstone After School Program. This person plays a key role in shaping the daily experience of our youth, families, staff, and community members by creating a warm, organized, and supportive front office environment.

In this role, you will help ensure that each afternoon runs smoothly — greeting children and caregivers with care, answering questions, maintaining accurate attendance records, and supporting the program team with administrative needs. You will contribute to a safe and positive atmosphere where young people can thrive and families feel confident that their children are in good hands.

This position is ideal for someone who is dependable, calm under pressure, detail-oriented, and genuinely enjoys working in a youth-centered environment.

What You’ll Do

• Welcome youth, families, staff, and visitors with professionalism and warmth
• A warm, welcoming presence, someone who brings positive energy, patience, and even a little humor to the space when appropriate
• Help maintain a safe and secure entrance by following program protocols
• Respond to phone calls and inquiries with clarity and courtesy
• Support accurate attendance tracking and daily sign-in/sign-out procedures
• Share important program information, forms, and communications with families
• Keep the front desk and lobby area organized, inviting, and reflective of our values
• Assist program staff with administrative and clerical tasks as needed
• Help prepare materials or spaces for special events and activities
• Maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with integrity
• Communicate any concerns related to youth safety or behavior to site leadership in a timely manner

Required Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or GED
• Ability to successfully complete a background check and fingerprinting in accordance with DYCD or other relevant agency requirements

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in customer service, administrative support, or front desk operations
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage youth, families, and staff respectfully
• Bilingual skills (English/Spanish)
• Comfort using basic computer programs such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and email
• Ability to stay organized, multitask, and remain calm in a fast-paced afterschool setting
• A genuine commitment to youth development and working within diverse, community-based spaces
• Ability to assist with light physical tasks, such as lifting up to 25 lbs or helping set up for program events

Schedule:

This is generally a Monday through Friday position. Typical hours are 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM, with occasional adjustments based on program needs.

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El Puente is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building a staff that reflects the communities we serve. We strongly encourage and seek applications from women, people of color, DREAMers, and members of the LGBTQIA+ communities.

If you are looking to contribute to meaningful youth work in a supportive, justice-centered environment, we encourage you to apply.