Cornerstone Group Leader

Position: Cornerstone Group Leader

Location: Williamsburg Brooklyn

Compensation: $18/hr

About El Puente

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 Group Leader 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 energetic Group Leader to join our Cornerstone team. This role is more than supervising an afterschool group, it is about mentoring, inspiring, and building community with young people every single day.

Our Group Leaders help create an environment filled with learning, laughter, structure, and growth. You will serve as a trusted adult, a role model, and a steady presence for youth in grades K–8. This is a space where fun and accountability go hand in hand, where young people feel safe to be themselves, explore their creativity, and build confidence.

The ideal candidate thrives in a dynamic, team-oriented environment and approaches challenges with flexibility, patience, and a sense of humor. You believe in youth leadership, understand the power of community-building, and are excited to co-learn alongside young people and families.

This position reports directly to the Program Director and Assistant Program Director.

What You’ll Do:

• Safely escort youth from local schools to the program site and ensure smooth daily transitions
• Lead and mentor a consistent cohort of youth, supporting their academic, social-emotional, and personal growth
• Create engaging, age-appropriate lesson plans and enrichment activities that spark curiosity and creativity
• Foster a structured but joyful classroom culture rooted in respect, teamwork, and positive reinforcement
• Support homework completion and academic confidence
• Manage daily attendance, snack distribution, activity transitions, and dismissal procedures with care and organization
• Maintain open communication with families, helping build trust and partnership
• Participate in weekly team meetings, check-ins, and collaborative planning spaces
• Contribute to ongoing program reflection and continuous improvement efforts
• Help bring energy, creativity, and fun to recreational and enrichment activities

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 working in after-school programs, classrooms, or youth development settings
• Knowledge of youth development principles and academic standards (including Common Core familiarity)
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to model responsibility and structure for young people
• Creativity, flexibility, and adaptability in a fast-paced environment
• Clear communication and relationship-building skills with youth, families, and colleagues
• A positive attitude and the ability to approach challenges with patience, problem-solving, and a sense of humor
• Passion for social justice and belief in youth leadership and voice
• Bilingual English/Spanish skills are a plus
• Willingness to complete fingerprinting and provide required medical clearance for school-age child care

Schedule:

This is a part-time position based in Brooklyn, NY. Generally Monday through Friday, 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.