Holistic Receptionist Jobs in Ridgewood, NJ (NOW HIRING)

The Opportunity

El Puente is seeking a warm, dependable, and community-centered Receptionist to support the daily operations of one of its Youth Leadership Centers during the school year.

This is an opportunity to be part of a vibrant youth-centered environment where young people, families, and community members walk through the doors each day looking for support, connection, safety, and care. The Receptionist plays an important role in shaping that experience by serving as a welcoming and organized presence at the front desk while helping ensure that programming runs smoothly and safely each afternoon.

Working closely with site leadership and program staff, this role will support front desk operations, family communication, attendance procedures, and the overall flow of the Cornerstone After School Program. This position is ideal for someone who enjoys working with people, brings positive energy into shared spaces, and values creating environments where youth and families feel seen and supported.

About El Puente

Founded in 1982, El Puente is a youth-centered human rights organization rooted in Brooklyn, New York and Puerto Rico, using the arts, education, and environmental justice as tools to inspire and nurture leadership for peace and justice.

For over four decades, El Puente has been building community-led movements grounded in self-determination, where young people, families, and communities are not only participants, but leaders shaping the future of their neighborhoods and beyond. Through a holistic leadership and membership model, the organization creates spaces where culture, identity, and activism intersect.

El Puente’s work spans Youth Leadership Centers across Brooklyn, a nationally recognized public high school, environmental justice initiatives, and organizing efforts that place community voice at the center of change. From local neighborhoods to global conversations, the organization continues to stand at the forefront of movements for equity, climate justice, and human rights.

At its core, El Puente is deeply relational, intergenerational, and community-rooted. The work is dynamic and responsive, grounded in the lived experiences of the communities it serves. Through its afterschool and youth development programming, El Puente creates safe and empowering spaces where young people are encouraged to grow academically, socially, creatively, and emotionally.

The Role

The Receptionist will serve as the welcoming face of the Cornerstone After School Program throughout the school year. This role supports the daily operations of the site by helping maintain a safe, organized, and positive front office environment for youth, families, staff, and visitors.

The Receptionist will assist with attendance tracking, sign-in and sign-out procedures, family communication, phone inquiries, and general administrative support. They will help create an atmosphere where young people and families feel comfortable, supported, and connected from the moment they enter the building.

This is both a people-centered and operational role, ideal for someone who can balance organization and professionalism with warmth, patience, and care in a youth-focused environment.

Key Responsibilities

Front Desk & Family Engagement

• Welcome youth, families, staff, and visitors with professionalism, warmth, and positive energy
• Help create a front office environment that feels organized, supportive, and community-centered
• Answer phone calls and respond to questions with courtesy and clarity
• Share important program information, forms, and updates with families and caregivers
• Support a safe and secure entrance by following site protocols and procedures

Program Operations & Administrative Support

• Support accurate attendance tracking and daily sign-in/sign-out procedures
• Assist program staff with administrative and clerical tasks as needed
• Help prepare materials, forms, and spaces for program activities and special events
• Maintain organized front desk systems and records
• Keep the front desk and lobby area welcoming, organized, and reflective of El Puente’s values
• Communicate concerns related to youth safety, behavior, or site operations to leadership in a timely manner
• Maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with professionalism and integrity

What We’re Looking For

Successful candidates will bring reliability, professionalism, and a genuine interest in working within a youth-centered community environment.

We are seeking someone who brings:

• A High School Diploma or GED
• The ability to successfully complete fingerprinting and background checks in accordance with DYCD or other agency requirements
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Comfort interacting respectfully with youth, families, staff, and community members
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• The ability to multitask and remain calm in a fast-paced afterschool environment
• Basic computer skills, including familiarity with email, Microsoft Word, and Excel
• A genuine commitment to youth development and contributing to positive community spaces

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in customer service, administrative support, reception, or front desk operations
• Experience working in schools, afterschool programs, camps, or youth-centered settings
• Bilingual English/Spanish skills are strongly encouraged based on the communities we serve
• Ability to assist with light physical tasks, including lifting up to 25 lbs or helping set up for events and activities

Location, Schedule & Compensation

This position is based in Williamsburg, Brooklyn and is connected to El Puente’s Cornerstone After School Program.

This is generally a Monday through Friday position during the school year. Typical hours are approximately 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM, with occasional schedule adjustments based on program needs, events, or organizational activities.

Compensation for this role is $20 per hour.

El Puente is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace that reflects the communities it serves. It strongly encourages and seeks applications from women, people of color, DREAMers, and members of the LGBTQIA+ communities.

If you are excited about contributing to meaningful youth work in a welcoming, justice-centered environment, we encourage you to apply.