Job Description
GPCA Overview:
Greater Philadelphia Community Alliance (GPCA) is a deeply-embedded neighborhood-based nonprofit agency serving nearly 8,000 children, youth, adults, and families in the Point Breeze section of South Philadelphia. Greater Philadelphia Community Alliance is a multi-purpose social service agency emphasizing education and skill-building while providing early childhood education as an integral function of its mission to serve Point Breeze’s low-income community. Greater Philadelphia Community Alliance has been providing a comprehensive array of services to children and adults in the Point Breeze neighborhood of South Philadelphia for over a century. Services include:
• For young children: Early childhood education
• For school-age and high school youth: Out-of-school time programming (after school and summer camp); and case management for at-risk youth
• For adults: Employment training, parenting education, energy assistance programs, housing counseling programs, and financial literacy; and
• For the community at large: Affordable housing and community economic development
Schedule: June 15 -August 4 2026
Monday through Friday, one of assigned shifts:
• 8 AM - 4 PM
• 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
• 9 AM - 5 PM
Summary: The Summer Program Group Leader is responsible for planning and leading specialized activities in STEM, creative arts, and sports/recreation for youth in grades 1–7. This role ensures a safe, engaging, and educational environment while providing direct supervision and support to program participants. The Group Leader will collaborate with school-day teachers, implement Project-Based Learning (PBL) activities, and facilitate both academic support and enrichment programming throughout the summer.
Responsibilities:
• Provide direct supervision of assigned youth, maintaining active supervision at all times to ensure safety and well-being
• Enforce program rules, monitor behavior, and respond to emergencies, including administering basic first aid as needed
• Serve as a liaison between students, parents/guardians, and staff by providing updates and reporting incidents
• Plan and implement daily educational, recreational, cultural, and Project-Based Learning (PBL) activities
• Lead afternoon programming (1:00 PM – 5:00 PM) and full-day programming on Fridays (9:00 AM – 5:00 PM)
• Support school district teachers during morning academic sessions (math and literacy) Monday–Thursday (9:00 AM – 1:00 PM)
• Facilitate “brain break” activities between academic sessions and transitions
• Maintain cleanliness, organization, and safety of program spaces, materials, and equipment
QUALIFICATIONS:
• High school diploma or equivalent required; college enrollment or coursework preferred
• Experience working with youth in educational settings such as classrooms, after-school programs, camps, or tutoring
• Experience with Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneDrive)
SKILLS & COMPETENCIES:
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to think creatively and adapt to changing program needs
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team
• Ability to effectively engage with individuals from diverse social and economic backgrounds
• Strong organizational and classroom management skills
Preferred Qualifications:
• College student pursuing a degree in education, social work, youth development, or a related field
• Experience implementing project-based or experiential learning activities
• Experience with dance and/or dance education
• Knowledge of dance/cheer techniques, routines, and safety guidelines
• Familiarity working with diverse populations and culturally responsive practices strongly desired
Working Conditions:
School-based environment with active student engagement. Requires standing, walking, and participating in recreational and instructional activities. May require lifting materials and equipment up to 25 lbs.
Physical Demands:
Sufficient strength, agility, and mobility to perform essential functions of position and to safely supervise youth activities
Additional Application Requirements:
• Must successfully pass required background checks prior to working with youth
• Verification of education and prior work experience required
• Must be able to commit to the full program duration (June 15, 2026 – August 4, 2026) and scheduled hours (Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM)
Statement:
All positions are contingent upon the successful completion and passing of required background checks and a health assessment prior to employment.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $18.00 per hour
Application Question(s):
• Please provide at least two professional references, including their full name, phone number, and email address, and be sure to note the workplace where you know each reference from.
Ability to Commute:
• Philadelphia, PA 19148 (Preferred)
Work Location: In person