UACS Group Leader

University Overview

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn’s distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America’s Best Large Employers in 2023.

Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.

Posted Job Title

UACS Group Leader

Job Profile Title

Temporary Employee - Non-Exempt

Job Description Summary

Founded in 1992, the Barbara and Edward Netter Center for Community Partnerships is the University's primary vehicle for advancing civic and community engagement at Penn. It brings together the resources and assets of both the University and the wider community to help solve universal problems such as poverty, health inequities, environmental sustainability, and inadequate, unequal education as they are manifested in the University's local geographic area of West Philadelphia and Philadelphia at large. The Netter Center develops and helps implement democratic, mutually transformative, place-based partnerships between Penn and West Philadelphia that advance research, teaching, learning, practice, and service and improve the quality of life on campus and in the community. The Netter Center works with and serves as a model for other higher education institutions across the United States and around the world.

The Netter Center’s university-assisted community schools (UACS) is a strategy to educate, engage, empower, and serve all members of the community in which the school is located and engage students (K-16+) in real world, community problem solving learning. UACS collaborates with partners to advance teaching, research, learning and service, as well as the civic development of their students.

Job Description

Group Leaders are required to provide high-quality direct instruction/service to students enrolled in either the UACS K-8 and/or High School afterschool/OST enrichment programs. Group Leaders lead and implement fun, educational, problem-solving learning activities in STEM, arts, literacy and career exploration areas; participate in reflective practice with students and staff; cultivate strong relationships with students, and assist with management of necessary data collection (like student attendance and participation). Group Leaders work alongside Penn students, SDP Teacher-Partners, community partners and others to deliver high-quality programs. The position reports to the Site Director or Program Manager.

Required Qualifications:

•  Education: High school diploma required, College degree preferred in early childhood education, education or social service fields. MUST PROVIDE DOCUMENTATION OF EDUCATION (official and unofficial transcripts accepted)

• Experience: minimum of 3 years work experience with elementary-aged children and/or high school youth development programming

• Ability to be excited and actively and constructively engage youth in a variety of activities

• Knowledge of grade-level content, activities and curricula for students

• Completion and passing of funder-required compliance documentation and all Federal and State background checks/clearances. You may be required to renew your clearances, before beginning work. Clearances include:

  • PATCH – PA Criminal History Sea