Social Emotional Learning/Leader Specialist –Afterschool Program

New York Junior Tennis & Learning•New York, NY

4d•$22 - $25•Onsite

About The Position

New York Junior Tennis & Learning (NYJTL) is hiring a Social Emotional Learning/Leadership Specialist for its afterschool program at sites in Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, and Manhattan. Openings vary across more than 30 sites during the school year. NYJTL provides free tennis and education programs across New York City, serving nearly 90,000 children at 100 sites. The specialist designs and facilitates programming for students in grades 6–8 to support their social-emotional and leadership development. Through workshops, discussions, team-building activities, and leadership projects, students develop self-awareness, self-management, responsible decision-making, relationship-building, communication, and conflict-resolution skills. The specialist encourages student voice, leadership, and participation in community-building and student-led initiatives. This part-time role is scheduled Monday through Friday between 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM, for up to 20 hours per week. Start and end times may vary by site. Availability during these hours is required, and selected candidates are expected to work through the full school year ending in June 2027. Some school-holiday availability is also required. The role includes 15 hours of professional development per calendar year and attendance at required meetings, training workshops, and special events, including some outside program hours.

Requirements

At least 2 years of experience working with children or youth in group settings, such as after-school, camp, school, or recreational programs.
Demonstrated experience in youth development, leadership education, social-emotional learning, education, or a related field.
Ability to facilitate meaningful discussions and engaging group activities.
Strong communication, classroom management, conflict-resolution, and interpersonal skills.
Ability to build trusting relationships and engage students with diverse backgrounds and experiences.
Ability to create structured lesson plans that promote personal growth and leadership.
Dependable, professional, empathetic, patient, and enthusiastic.
High school diploma or GED required.
Availability Monday through Friday during after-school hours, generally 2:00 PM–6:00 PM, for up to 20 hours per week, plus required meetings; availability during some school holidays is required.
Ability to pass required background checks and comply with program policies and safety requirements.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with middle school or adolescent youth.
Knowledge of SEL frameworks, youth leadership development, and positive youth development practices.
College degree, SEL training, youth development certification, or equivalent experience.
Some college coursework or a degree in Education, Arts, Recreation, Youth Development, or a related field.
Experience in a DYCD-funded program or NYC after-school setting.
Bilingual language skills.

Responsibilities

Plan and facilitate engaging social-emotional learning lessons, leadership workshops, and group activities.
Introduce students to core SEL competencies: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making.
Develop activities that strengthen communication, collaboration, conflict resolution, and problem-solving skills.
Facilitate discussions about identity, self-confidence, empathy, respect, inclusion, and personal responsibility.
Give students opportunities to explore leadership styles, set personal goals, and develop decision-making skills.
Design team-building activities and collaborative projects that promote positive peer relationships.
Encourage students to take leadership roles through peer mentoring, student councils, community service, and student-led initiatives.
Support service-learning projects in which students identify community needs and develop solutions.
Maintain a positive, supportive, and inclusive environment that encourages student voice and participation.
Maintain accurate attendance and program documentation as required.
Complete 15 hours of professional development each calendar year.
Attend required meetings, training workshops, and special events, including those outside program hours.
Design and implement sequential, project-based units and lesson plans in the assigned specialty area.
Align activities with program goals, youth interests, and DYCD/COMPASS-SONYC frameworks.
Integrate SEL, teamwork, and youth leadership opportunities into activities.
Prepare materials and supplies in advance and maintain an organized, safe activity space.
Lead inclusive, hands-on sessions differentiated for varying skill and grade levels.
Establish clear expectations, routines, and positive behavior supports.
Build relationships with youth and encourage participation, creativity, and persistence.
Adapt activities based on student responses, behavior, and feedback.
Collaborate with Group Leaders, Tutors, and site leadership to coordinate schedules and support youth needs.
Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and planning sessions.
Share progress, challenges, and recommendations for program improvement with supervisors.
Ensure youth safety and supervision at all times and follow agency and DYCD policies.
Assist with attendance, sign-in/out, and other basic documentation.
Care for and inventory program equipment and supplies related to the specialty area.
Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.