[2025-2026] Lead Youth Support Specialist - After School and Summer - East Harlem Elementary

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.

Reporting to the OST and Athletics Director, the Lead Youth Support Specialist - After School will be responsible for supporting youth and staff with crisis intervention and behavior management support.

• Support youth and staff with crisis intervention and behavior management support;
• Model and encourage positive culture in all daily activities;
• Mediate conflicts and other situations as they arise;
• Support the development of group leaders’ professional development skills by designing training and providing coaching regarding behavior management & facilitation;
• Create and monitor individualized intervention plans for youth, providing guidance and support to colleagues in implementation;
• Assist in communication about youth behavior to parents and guardians, including information regarding behavior responses and consequences;
• Serve as a substitute youth worker as necessary;
• Collaborate with site manager on resolving conflicts/crisis;
• Innovate and implement new programmatic ideas;
• Support part-time staff in the practice of DREAM teaching methods, including experiential and project-based learning methodologies;
• Model professionalism through consistent attendance, timeliness and preparation;
• Participate in weekly professional development and tactical trainings in addition to formal feedback and coaching.

• High school diploma or equivalent required, college enrollment or degree, preferred;
• Experience working with youth in grades K-8 in a classroom or youth development setting; 
• A record of success in facilitating and managing groups of K-8 youth; 
• Experience with behavior management systems, including positive youth development;
• Strong oral and written communication skills and presentation skills;
• Fluency in spoken Spanish strongly preferred;
• Ability to work collaboratively with co-workers and supervisors; 
• Ability to coach or support co-workers and teammates in improving their youth development and behavior management skills
• Exhibits high energy, warmth, enthusiasm and patience in working with youth;
• A strong belief in the mission and values of DREAM, including the belief that all students can succeed, and a deep desire to make a difference in the lives of our students, families, and community.

• Start date: Mid August 2025
• End date: Early August 2026, with potential to renew
• From September 2 to June 8, the role's hours are Mon-Thurs, 2-6, Fridays, 11-4.
• During our 5-week summer program, the role's hours increase to Mon-Fri, 8am-5:15pm

• DREAM Charter School East Harlem Elementary - 1991 Second Avenue, New York, NY

• DREAM offers the following benefits to our part-time employees:
• 403(b) retirement plan, with employer matching up to 4% after one year of employment (12-month continuous period) in which you work a minimum of 1,000 hours;
• Disability benefits;
• Referral bonuses;
• Access to our Employee Discount Program, offering savings on travel, entertainment, retail, and more;
• High-performing part-time staff have the opportunity to apply for the DREAM Teaching Fellowship, through which they earn a Masters degree and become full-time teachers at DREAM.

• 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 $20-22 per hour. New hires are typically brought into the role at a salary closer to the start of the range depending on qualifications and internal equity.

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.