Social Emotional Learning/Leader Specialist –Afterschool Program

Social Emotional Learning/Leader Specialist – Afterschool Program 

We hire for this position in Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx and Manhattan. 

Openings vary across 30+ sites throughout the school year. Our complete list is at nyjtl.org/aces-sites 

About New York Junior Tennis & Learning 

For over fifty years, New York Junior Tennis & Learning (NYJTL) has honored its founder Arthur Ashe’s legacy by celebrating the diversity of children, encouraging them to reach their highest potential through free tennis and academic programs. NYJTL is the largest provider of youth tennis and education programs in the nation, providing services in 100 unique sites across all five boroughs while reaching nearly 90,000 kids. In addition, NYJTL designed, funded (with NYC), built and operates the Cary Leeds Center for Tennis & Learning in the South Bronx. All NYJTL community tennis and after school programs are offered at no cost to its participants.

The mission of NYJTL is to develop the character of young people through tennis and education for a lifetime of success on and off the court. It believes life skills gained through tennis, academics, healthy living, and character development are a catalyst for long-term achievement.

Position Summary 

The Social Emotional Learning/Leadership Specialist will design and facilitate engaging programming that supports the social, emotional, and leadership development of middle school students in grades 6–8. The specialist will create opportunities for students to develop self-awareness, self-management, responsible decision-making, relationship-building, and effective communication skills. Through interactive workshops, group discussions, team-building activities, and leadership projects, students will explore their identities, strengthen interpersonal skills, and learn how to navigate challenges, resolve conflicts, and positively contribute to their communities. Students will be encouraged to take on leadership roles, develop their voices, and participate in community-building initiatives and student-led projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and facilitate engaging social-emotional learning lessons, leadership workshops, and group activities.
• Introduce students to core SEL competencies, including 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 around identity, self-confidence, empathy, respect, inclusion, and personal responsibility.
• Provide opportunities for students 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.
• Create opportunities for students to identify community needs and develop solutions through service-learning projects.
• Maintain a positive, supportive, and inclusive environment that encourages student voice and participation.
• Maintain accurate attendance and program documentation as required.

Schedule: Monday through Friday
Shifts scheduled between 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
(Start and end times may vary based on site assignment.)

Up to 20 hours per week.

Availability during these hours is required.

Selected candidates are expected to work the full school year through June 2027.

Additional Responsibilities 

• Complete 15 hours of professional development each calendar year. 
• Attend all meetings, training workshops and special events as required, inclusive of those outside of program hours.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Curriculum & Activity Planning

• Design and implement sequential, project-based units and lesson plans in assigned specialty area.

• Align activities with program goals, youth interests, and DYCD/COMPASS-SONYC frameworks.
• Integrate social-emotional learning, teamwork, and youth leadership opportunities into activities.
• Prepare materials and supplies in advance; maintain an organized, safe activity space.

Facilitation & Youth Engagement

• Lead engaging, hands-on sessions that are inclusive and differentiated for various skill and grade levels.
• Establish clear expectations, routines, and positive behavior supports.
• Build strong relationships with youth; encourage participation, creativity, and persistence.
• Adapt activities as needed based on student responses, behavior, and feedback.

Collaboration & Communication

• 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.

Safety, Documentation, & Compliance

• Ensure youth safety and supervision at all times, following agency and DYCD policies.
• Assist with attendance, sign-in/out, and other basic documentation as required.
• Care for and inventory program equipment and supplies related to the specialty area.

Qualifications 

Required:

• Available during after-school hours, 2:00pm - 6:00pm, (20 hours per week not inclusive of meetings); Monday-Friday during the school year and some school holidays.
• 2+years' experience working with children or youth in group settings (after-school, camp, school, recreational program).
• Experience working with middle school or adolescent youth preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in youth development, leadership education, social-emotional learning, education, or a related field.
• Knowledge of SEL frameworks, youth leadership development, and positive youth development practices preferred.
• 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.
• Must be dependable, professional, empathetic, patient, and enthusiastic.
• High school diploma/GED required; college degree, SEL training, youth development certification, or equivalent experience preferred.
• Ability to pass required background checks and comply with program policies and safety requirements.

Preferred:

• Some college coursework or degree in Education, Arts, Recreation, Youth Development, or related field.
• Experience in a DYCD-funded program or NYC after-school setting.
• Bilingual language skills.

Job Type 

• Part Time
• Monday - Friday, 2:00pm - 6:00pm 

Salary

• $21.50 - 24.50 per hour

Please click "Apply" below, or visit our careers page at nyjtl.org to complete an application. Thank you! 

NYJTL values the diversity of the people we hire and inspire. Diversity at our organization means fostering a workplace in which individual differences are recognized, appreciated, respected, and responded to in ways that fully develop and utilize each person’s talents and strengths without regard to race, color, religion, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation/affectional preference, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We center equity in all our work and in our hiring practices.