Teen Program Assistant Jobs in New York (NOW HIRING)

Intro/Program Description: Goddard Riverside is a well-established Manhattan community-based agency with an annual operating budget of approximately $ 50 million.  Goddard Riverside is one of New York City’s leading human service organizations meeting the basic needs of children, youth and families, homeless people, and older adults across Manhattan and New York City.  

Purpose of Position: The Program Coordinator supports the daily operations and successful implementation of the Summer Teen Expansion Program (TEP) by assisting with program planning, supervising frontline staff, coordinating program activities, and ensuring a safe, engaging, and inclusive environment for teen participants. 

Working closely with the Program Manager, the Program Coordinator helps oversee program logistics, staff coordination, and youth engagement. The Coordinator plays a key role in ensuring that participants ages 13–19 have access to meaningful recreational, educational, and enrichment activities while maintaining a positive youth development environment. 

Schedule: Sunday-Saturday (Varies), 19 hours per week (Seasonal)

Hourly Rate: $24.00/hr

Roles, Responsibilities, and Essential Duties

Program Planning & Implementation 

• Support the Program Manager in planning and implementing engaging programming for the Summer Teen Expansion Program. 

• Assist in the development and maintenance of a program calendar outlining activity schedules, workshops, and special events. 

• Collaborate with staff, volunteers, and facility teams to coordinate program spaces and secure necessary resources. 

• Assist in planning and executing program showcases, exhibitions, productions, and culminating events. 

• Ensure that a variety of recreational, educational, and enrichment activities are available and accessible to program participants. 

• Promote program opportunities and activities to encourage youth engagement and participation. 

Staff Supervision & Program Support 

• Provide guidance and support to Group Leaders, program assistants, and volunteers during program hours. 

• Assist with monitoring staff performance and providing feedback to support effective youth engagement and supervision. 

• Participate in daily staff meetings and program check-ins to ensure program alignment and communication. 

• Assist with coordinating staff coverage and ensuring adequate supervision ratios across program areas. 

Youth Engagement & Positive Youth Development 

• Foster a welcoming and inclusive environment for youth participants ages 13–19. 

• Serve as a positive role model, demonstrating professionalism, leadership, and respect. 

• Support staff in implementing positive youth development and behavior management strategies. 

• Address behavioral concerns and assist with conflict resolution while maintaining a supportive environment. 

• Celebrate youth achievements and encourage participation in program activities and leadership opportunities. 

Program Operations & Facilities 

• Assist in ensuring that program spaces remain safe, clean, and organized. 

• Monitor recreational spaces and ensure proper care of equipment and materials. 

• Support daily program setup and closing procedures. 

• Ensure program activities adhere to organizational health and safety protocols. 

Professional Development & Organizational Support 

• Participate in pre-program training, staff meetings, and ongoing professional development opportunities. 

• Remain available to work evenings and weekends as required by program operations. 

• Be available for on-call support on days not scheduled onsite, as needed. 

• Perform other duties as assigned to support the success of the Summer Teen Expansion Program (TEP). 

Communication & Program Reporting 

• Establish and maintain positive relationships with participants, families, staff, and community partners. 

• Support communication channels between youth participants, families, and program staff. 

• Collect feedback from participants and staff to help identify opportunities for program improvement. 

• Assist with preparing reports related to program activities, attendance, and participant engagement. 

Additional Responsibilities 

• Perform other duties as assigned to support program operations and participant success. 

Educational Requirements and Qualifications 

• Previous experience working with youth in afterschool programs, summer camps, education, or youth development settings preferred. 

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build positive relationships with teens. 

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic program environment. 

• Highly organized with the ability to work both independently and as part of a team. 

• Pursuit or attainment of an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Education, Youth Development, Social Services, or a related field preferred. 

• First Aid and CPR certification preferred (or willingness to obtain). 

• Demonstrated ability to plan, coordinate, and support youth programs, recreational activities, or community-based programming. 

• Strong understanding of positive youth development and youth engagement practices. 

• Ability to communicate effectively with teens ages 13–19, staff, families, and organizational partners. 

• Strong written and verbal communication skills. 

• Highly motivated and committed to supporting youth development and the mission of the organization. 

• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams in a dynamic program environment. 

• Bachelor’s degree in Youth Development, Education, Recreation, Social Services, or a related field preferred. 

• CPR/First Aid certification preferred. 

Knowledge, Skill and Abilities 

• Experience facilitating group activities or youth programming. 

• Ability to manage group dynamics and implement positive behavior support strategies. 

• Cultural competency and experience working with diverse youth populations. 

• Enthusiasm for mentoring and supporting teen development. 

• Basic understanding of word processors (Microsoft Word, Google Docs),  

Physical Requirements/Working Conditions 

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time during program activities and supervision. 

• Ability to lift, carry, or move materials and supplies up to 25 pounds (sports equipment, program supplies, activity materials). 

• Ability to participate in indoor and outdoor recreational activities with youth. 

• Ability to bend, kneel, crouch, or reach when assisting participants or setting up program spaces. 

• Ability to maintain active supervision of youth participants across multiple program areas. 

• Ability to quickly respond to emergencies or safety concerns involving participants. 

• Work is primarily conducted in a community center or program facility environment. 

• Staff may supervise youth in classrooms, recreational spaces, kitchens, outdoor areas, and common areas. 

• Position requires evening and weekend work, consistent with program hours. 

• Staff may occasionally be exposed to moderate noise levels typical of youth programming environments. 

• Requires frequent interaction with youth participants, families, and program staff. 

• Staff must maintain professional conduct and positive engagement with youth at all times. 

• Work may involve occasional travel within the facility, nearby program areas, and off-site to support activities and supervision. 

We are committed to building an inclusive workplace community grounded in respect for differences. We support hiring a broadly diverse team of qualified individuals who will contribute to our organizations.

Goddard Riverside and Isaacs Center provide equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of duties and responsibilities that will be required of this position and title and shall not be construed as a declaration of the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Employees may be requested to perform job related task other than those specifically presented in this description. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.