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.
Youth Workers lead groups of students daily in activities including sports, social-emotional learning, enrichment, and academic support programming in our elementary (REAL Kids) and middle school (DreamBuilders/DREAM University) after school and summer program in East Harlem and the South Bronx.
Youth Workers will have the opportunity to participate in professional development, in addition to receiving regular feedback and support. This is an excellent opportunity to build your youth development and teaching skills while working with a passionate and supportive team. Successful Youth Workers have the opportunity to apply for the DREAM Teaching Fellowship, through which they can earn a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree and become full-time teachers at DREAM.
Responsibilities
- During the School Year: Lead a group of up to 18-20 youth in daily after-school activities including sports, social-emotional learning, enrichment and academic support; Support with homework completion and other academic enrichment;
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During the Summer: Lead a group of up to 28 youth in daily summer camp activities including sports, social-emotional learning, enrichment and academics; Support the Summer Teacher, helping to implement daily literacy and math activities; Support Athletics Coaches in coaching sports teams;
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Facilitate or co-facilitate lessons to help youth build their social and emotional skills;
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Collaborate with team to plan & facilitate various enrichment activities;
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Model and encourage positive participation in all daily activities, with a focus on team building;
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Model professionalism through consistent attendance, timeliness and preparation;
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Supervise and manage youth behavior at all times using positive youth development strategies;
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Participate in regular professional development and tactical training in addition to formal feedback and coaching;
- Implement all health and safety protocols as required;
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Use a restorative approach to manage student behaviors;
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Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
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18 years of age or older by the start date, required;
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High school diploma or equivalent, required;
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Ability to work during all scheduled hours, required;
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Ability to work in person at the school or program site, required;
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Experience working successfully with groups of school-age children in a classroom or other youth development setting, strongly preferred;
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Experience with behavior management, including positive youth development, preferred;
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Exhibits high energy, warmth, enthusiasm and patience in working with youth;
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Ability to quickly problem-solve in the moment;
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Ability to work collaboratively within a team setting;
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Ability to communicate effectively with families;
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Comfort with technology and ability to use common platforms, including Google Suite (Gmail and Gchat);
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Eagerness to grow professionally, including openness to receiving and implementing feedback;
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Flexibility: willing and able to shift tasks and priorities as needed;
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Belief in the importance of social emotional competency and advocacy for self and others;
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A strong belief in the mission and values of DREAM, including the desire to make a difference in the lives of our students, families, and community.
Commitment
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Start date: August 25, 2026
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This schedule for this position is different in the school year versus the summer. Please see below for days and hours.
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School Year Schedule (late August to early/mid June): Monday-Thursday, 3-6pm and Fridays, 12-4pm, when after school is in session
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Summer Schedule (late June to late July/early August): Monday-Friday, 8am-5:15pm
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Dates and hours are subject to change.
Locations
- East Harlem: 1991 2nd Avenue, New York, NY 10029
- Mott Haven: 20 Bruckner Blvd, Bronx, NY 10454
- Highbridge: 1162 River Ave, Bronx, NY, 10452
Benefits
- 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 can earn a Bachelors or Masters degree and become full-time teachers at DREAM.
- Through our partnership with SUNY Empire State University, eligible Youth Workers can earn academic credit for completing DREAM’s paid Summer Extended Learning and Enrichment Institute, supporting faster degree completion.
Compensation
- The salary rate for incoming Youth Workers is $17.50 to $18.00 per hour. Initial compensation is determined based on relevant youth-facing experience. Youth Workers are eligible for annual compensation increases based on tenure, in accordance with DREAM’s compensation practices. Compensation for Youth Workers who continue their employment with DREAM may exceed the incoming range band above.
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.
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.
