Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Specialist

The SEL Specialist will be a critical resource to ensuring effective and efficient execution of existing and future Safe-Hub EduSoccer and PlayMaker programs to deepen impact. In addition to supporting the development of sport-specific skills, this position is responsible for enhancing SEL (Social-Emotional Learning) skill-building, such as self-awareness and self-regulation, social competencies, and responsible decision-making. Working within our strengths-based, positive youth development methodology, the SEL Specialist will help create youth-centered programming, deliver a consistently high-quality participant experience, and strengthen the transferrable life-skills young people can learn from sports. The SEL Specialist will be a frontlines resource in SEL implementation best practices and supporting coaches with continuous improvement in program delivery through ongoing reflection, training, and support. The SEL Specialist will help infuse all Safe-Hub Programs with intentional skill-building activities and create opportunities for participants to practice and refine their SEL skills.

This position will be instrumental to expanding and deepening Social Emotional Learning across Safe-Hub’s portfolios. Core duties and responsibilities include:

Program Enrichment

• Creates FUNdamentals lesson plans and on-field activities aligned with Safe-Hub methodology to produce best possible participant experience and outcomes.
• Contributes to PlayMaker Program lesson planning around SEL topics.
• Identifies and implements SEL across all programs, ensuring participants are provided with opportunities to learn and practice SEL skills.
• Creates and enhances SEL practices, policies, and lessons (ie. Incentive program, rituals, culture, goal-setting, etc) across all programs.
• Continuously develops and improves Safe-Hub’s SEL elements, responding to the needs of our participants and integrating a growth mindset into SEL practices across all programs.

Program Coordination & Administration

• Contributes to player and coach recruitment. Assists with screening, onboarding, and training new program staff.
• Supports communications, including coach and family correspondences, weekly emails, social media content, flyers and printed materials.
• Supports program frontlines cohorts of coaches and engages directly in program administration.
• Maintains equipment, supplies, and program inventory.

Program Evaluation

• Executes monitoring and evaluation plans.
• Manages coach and player attendance and assists in developing and implementing retention strategies.
• Contributes to organizational learning by providing input on effectiveness of program evaluation activities and tools.
• Provides regular insights regarding program operations and appropriate modifications to increase the quality of the participant experience and coach experience.

Program Delivery

COACH - Soccer & SEL Skills Training Sessions

• Develops and facilitates fun and engaging soccer drills and programming in line with the weekly life skills focuses to enable a positive participant experience and meaningful outcomes.
• Serves as lead and site coordinator for FUNdamentals programming.
• Ensures coaches are well supported and resourced to succeed on the field and continuously improve delivery.
• Supports social and emotional skills facilitation by coaches through ongoing and iterative engagement.

MENTOR - Relationship Development

• Engages directly with coaches, participants, families, & partners to create meaningful and lasting relationships.

• Models organizational values in all interactions with program stakeholders.

Required

✓ Commitment to diversity, social justice, and equal opportunities for all young people.

✓ Passion for Safe-Hub’s mission, youth, and community development.

✓ Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; administrative skills; organizational and planning skills; outstanding attention to detail and follow-through.

✓ Comfort in fast-paced environment; Ability to take initiative and proactively problem-solve.

✓ Team-player mentality; flexibility and ability to "wear multiple hats" depending on organizational need.

✓ Willingness to attend coaching education, give and receive constructive feedback, and practice a growth mindset.

✓ Must pass all background screening (criminal, child abuse, and FBI clearance).

✓ Access to reliable transportation.

Preferred

✓ Experience working with young people and in team sports.

✓ Experience on-field - playing and/or coaching experience.

✓ Experience in fast-paced settings that require sound critical thinking and decision-making skills.

✓ Soccer knowledge and experience preferred.

✓ Spanish language proficiency.

*Program schedule is fixed, but administrative hours may be flexible. Program schedule changes seasonally, so workweek schedule will shift accordingly.

Safe-Hub's mission requires that our staff interact with and understand an array of cultures and backgrounds. We value having a talented team that reflects the population we serve, who come from diverse backgrounds and vary by race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, nationality, culture, religion, and abilities. We encourage individuals to apply who will contribute to a positive, inclusive, participatory learning environment and help reinforce an atmosphere of mutual respect.

• Health insurance: Medical, dental, vision plans
• Retirement plan: 401(k)
• Paid time off (PTO): Vacation days, sick leave
• Flexible work arrangements: Remote work options, flexible hours
• Professional development opportunities: Annual training reimbursements