[Summer 2025] Group Leader

Originally founded in 1991 as Harlem RBI, DREAM has grown to annually serve more than 2,500 youth across East Harlem and the South Bronx through a network of seven PreK-12, extended-day, extended-year DREAM Charter Schools and community sports-based youth development programs. Through our commitment to rigorous academics, social-emotional learning, deep family and community engagement, and health and wellness, we create lifelong learners who are equipped to fulfill their vision of success in and out of the classroom. We dream big, as well, with an aggressive five-year plan to expand to serve 3,500 students across seven schools—growing our organization’s impact and leveling the playing field for all children. To learn more, visit wearedream.org.

Youth Workers lead groups of 18-20 students daily in activities including sports, social-emotional learning, enrichment, and academic support programming in our elementary (REAL Kids) and middle school (DREAM University) summer program in East Harlem and the South Bronx.

Youth Workers will have the opportunity to participate in professional development, in addition to receiving regular feedback and support. This is an excellent opportunity to build your youth development and teaching skills while working with a passionate and supportive team. Successful Youth Workers have the opportunity to apply for the DREAM Teaching Fellowship, through which they earn a Masters degree and become full-time teachers at DREAM.

• Lead a group of up to 28 youth in daily activities including sports, social-emotional learning, enrichment, academic support, and off-site enrichment field trips;
• Facilitate or co-facilitate lessons to help youth build their social-emotional skills;
• Collaborate with a team to plan & facilitate various enrichment activities;
• Support the Summer Teacher, helping to implement daily literacy and math activities; 
• Coach sports teams;
• Model and encourage positive participation in all daily activities, with a focus on teambuilding; 
• Model professionalism through consistent attendance, timeliness and preparation; 

• Supervise and manage youth behavior at all times using positive youth development strategies; 
• Participate in professional development and daily staff meetings in addition to formal feedback and coaching;
• Lead off-site field trips to pre-arranged destinations in New York City (one day per week);
• Implement all health and safety protocols as required.

• 18 years of age or older by June 30, 2025 required;
• High school diploma or equivalent by June 30, 2025, required;
• Experience working successfully with groups of children or adolescents in a classroom or other youth development setting, strongly preferred;
• Experience with behavior management, including positive youth development, preferred;
• Exhibits high energy, warmth, enthusiasm and patience in working with youth;
• Ability to quickly problem-solve in the moment; 
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team setting; 
• Ability to communicate effectively with families; 
• Eagerness to grow professionally, including openness to receiving and implementing feedback;
• Willing and able to shift tasks and priorities as needed;
• Ability to work in-person during the program hours at the assigned program site;
• A strong belief in the mission and values of DREAM, including the desire to make a difference in the lives of our students, families, and community.

• Start date: 6/20/25
• End date: 8/01/25
• Days & hours: Monday-Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:15 PM
• Dates and hours are subject to change

• DREAM Charter School East Harlem Elementary - 1991 Second Avenue, New York, NY
• DREAM Charter School Highbridge Elementary - 1162 River Ave, Bronx, NY
• DREAM Charter School Mott Haven Elementary - 20 Bruckner Boulevard, Bronx, NY
• DREAM University (Middle School) - 20 Bruckner Boulevard, Bronx, NY

• DREAM offers competitive compensation commensurate with relevant experience with the potential for a seasonal increase. The rate for this position for incoming staff is between $17.50 and $18.00 per hour, which is based on youth-facing experience.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

At DREAM, diversity, equity, and inclusion are a matter of mission. 

From our schools to our playing fields, DREAM is committed to building a team where each individual can bring their full identity and experience to work because representation matters—it enriches our team culture, enhances our ability to innovate, and strengthens our impact in and out of the classroom. DREAM engages staff that represent and appreciate the diversity of our majority Black and Hispanic student body, while working to ensure that our practices are equitable, welcoming, and productive. We are dedicated to creating a world where youth, especially youth of color, have permission to dream—along with the tools and opportunities to make their dreams reality.

Come dream with us.

DREAM Maxims 

All Kids Can. This Kid Can.

DREAM is Family.

Fun is a Serious Value.

Teamwork Makes the DREAM Work.

Fail. Persist. Exceed.

DREAM Big.

Applying to DREAM

We know applying for a new job can be a daunting process. In addition, studies have shown that historically underrepresented individuals often only apply to roles if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We encourage all applications! You may be just the person we need. If you have any questions about your application or interview process, do not hesitate to ask your recruiter; we are here to help!

DREAM provides reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and applicable state and local laws. If accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact your recruiter.