Summer Program Group Leader

Position:           Summer Program Group Leader
Program:           NATIVE Youth Summer Program
Location:          The NATIVE Project, Spokane, WA
Duration:          7 weeks (June 22nd - August 7th)
Schedule:         Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Pay:                   $22.00 per hour

Job Summary

The NATIVE Project is seeking enthusiastic individuals eager to assume the role of Summer Program Group Leaders. Ideal candidates must have experience in Native American traditions and cultural practices, as well as a proven record of engaging with people from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. As a Group Leader, you will be instrumental in creating a nurturing and safe environment for our summer program participants. Responsibilities will encompass a diverse range of activities which include the implementation of daily lesson plans that offer a rich variety of activities. These range from cultural enrichment and physical education to fostering teamwork, and from enhancing literacy and numeracy skills to delving into STEM subjects and organizing educational excursions. Furthermore, you will be expected to provide attentive supervision to all participants, working in tandem with the program’s goals set by our instructors and the Children & Youth Services Director. Beyond these duties, you will also act as a guiding mentor to our Native youth interns from grades 9-12, collaborating with them to manage the summer program’s activities and enriching the overall experience for everyone involved.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Provide Sacred Hospitality, ensuring the safety and welfare of participants.
• Mentor grades 1st through 8th in activities, projects, and events.
• Offer guidance and job experience to Native youth coworkers.
• Lead classroom activities in culture, prevention, reading, math, and STEM.
• Engage participants actively to minimize downtime.
• Report to the Summer Program Director regarding any incidents.
• Assist with activities set by instructors and guest speakers.
• Manage attendance, first aid supplies, and participant healthcare plans.

Expectations

• Timely response to assignments from the Program Director.
• Effective communication with coworkers and staff.
• Uphold respect and dignity for all youth & team members.
• Flexibility and willingness to cross-train and assist as needed.
• Contribute positively as a team member across departments or external agencies, always conveying and presenting ones self in a courteous and professional manner and treating ALL with "sacred hospitality."

Qualifications

• High school diploma required.
• Experience in social services or youth environments.
• Demonstrate multicultural competency.
• Able to pass a Washington state background check and UA/BA drug/alcohol screening.
• Swimming ability and comfort with outdoor activities no less than 50% of the time.
• Support a tobacco-free workplace and demonstrate a healthy drug and alcohol-free lifestyle.

Working Environment

This position works in a fast-paced youth program environment that includes classroom, office, outdoor, recreational, cultural, and community-based settings. The role requires active supervision of youth throughout the day, including during group activities, meals, field trips, outdoor play, swimming activities, and educational excursions. Group Leaders must be comfortable working outdoors no less than 50% of the time and may be exposed to varying weather conditions, uneven walking surfaces, water activities, and physically active programming.

This position requires standing, walking, bending, lifting, carrying supplies, setting up and cleaning activity areas, and actively engaging with youth for extended periods. The role may involve supporting youth with different behavioral, emotional, social, and learning needs. Group Leaders are expected to maintain a calm, respectful, and professional presence while ensuring participant safety, modeling positive behavior, and supporting a healthy, tobacco-free, drug-free, and alcohol-free program environment.

EEO STATEMENT

The NATIVE Project provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, The NATIVE Project complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, and transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. Under Title VII of EEOC, Indian Preference will be given to applicants who meet all minimum qualifications.