What are the responsibilities and job description for the Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Specialist - posted 1/30/2025 position at YMCA of Greater Kalamazoo?
Benefits
As a YMCA staff member, you are eligible for the following benefits:
FREE FULL SERVICE FAMILY MEMBERSHIP
Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
12% retirement fund
Ability to open a tax-deferred retirement account
Reduced fees on YMCA programs
All benefits are subject to eligibility requirements as outlined in the Staff Handbook and are subject to change at any time.
YMCA of Greater Kalamazoo
Job Description
Job Title: Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Specialist
DOL Status: Full Time ($17/hour-$19/hour) Job Code: Service Worker
FLSA Status: Nonexempt Job Grade:
Reports to: SEL and Character Development Revision Date: December 2024
Director Leadership Level: Leader
Primary Department: Youth & Family
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Specialist will play a vital role in supporting the social-emotional
development of youth in the YMCA of Greater Kalamazoo’s Out-of-School Time Programs. This
position requires a dedicated and compassionate professional who will design, implement, and assess
SEL activities and interventions for children, fostering a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment
that promotes emotional well-being, positive relationships, and conflict resolution skills.
OUR CULTURE:
Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of
strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are welcoming: we are
open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and
embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a
catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full
potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community
stronger beginning with you.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
1. Program Design & Implementation: Develop and facilitate age-appropriate SEL activities,
workshops, and lessons to help youth develop emotional regulation, self-awareness,
empathy, and positive relationship skills.
2. Individual & Group Support: Provide individual or small group support to youth who may
need additional SEL interventions, using evidence-based strategies to address emotional and
behavioral challenges. Respond to and manage student crises or emotional distress, ensuring
youth receive appropriate care and support during challenging situations.
3. Parent & Family Engagement: Provide resources and guidance to families on how to
support SEL development at home including offering SEL workshops at family engagement
events.
4. Collaboration: Work closely with OST program staff to integrate SEL practices into everyday
activities and routines, ensuring that the SEL framework is consistently applied across all
programs. Share strategies with staff on how they can incorporate SEL practices into their
professional and personal life. Collaborate with teachers, staff, and families to implement
behavioral management strategies that are rooted in SEL principles, focusing on promoting
positive behavior and conflict resolution.
5. Health and Safety: Follow YMCA policies and procedures, including those related to medical
and disciplinary situations, child abuse prevention, and emergencies. Remain current in First
Aid and CPR. As required by Michigan law, report any suspected child abuse or neglect to
proper authorities.
6. Professional Development: Stay current with trends and research in SEL and related fields,
attending training sessions, workshops, and conferences to improve practice and SEL
knowledge.
QUALIFICATIONS:
1. Must be at least 21 years of age.
2. High school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
3. Education and experience equivalent to one of the following options:
a. Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Social Work, Education, or a related field.
b. Associates degree in child-related field and 480 hours of experience
c. Minimum of 2 years of experience in social-emotional learning, counseling, or working
with youth in an educational or afterschool setting.
4. Must be able to pass comprehensive background check.
5. Current First Aid and CPR certifications.
WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
As a YMCA staff member, you are eligible for the following benefits:
FREE FULL SERVICE FAMILY MEMBERSHIP
Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
12% retirement fund
Ability to open a tax-deferred retirement account
Reduced fees on YMCA programs
All benefits are subject to eligibility requirements as outlined in the Staff Handbook and are subject to change at any time.
YMCA of Greater Kalamazoo
Job Description
Job Title: Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Specialist
DOL Status: Full Time ($17/hour-$19/hour) Job Code: Service Worker
FLSA Status: Nonexempt Job Grade:
Reports to: SEL and Character Development Revision Date: December 2024
Director Leadership Level: Leader
Primary Department: Youth & Family
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Specialist will play a vital role in supporting the social-emotional
development of youth in the YMCA of Greater Kalamazoo’s Out-of-School Time Programs. This
position requires a dedicated and compassionate professional who will design, implement, and assess
SEL activities and interventions for children, fostering a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment
that promotes emotional well-being, positive relationships, and conflict resolution skills.
OUR CULTURE:
Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of
strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are welcoming: we are
open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and
embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a
catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full
potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community
stronger beginning with you.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
1. Program Design & Implementation: Develop and facilitate age-appropriate SEL activities,
workshops, and lessons to help youth develop emotional regulation, self-awareness,
empathy, and positive relationship skills.
2. Individual & Group Support: Provide individual or small group support to youth who may
need additional SEL interventions, using evidence-based strategies to address emotional and
behavioral challenges. Respond to and manage student crises or emotional distress, ensuring
youth receive appropriate care and support during challenging situations.
3. Parent & Family Engagement: Provide resources and guidance to families on how to
support SEL development at home including offering SEL workshops at family engagement
events.
4. Collaboration: Work closely with OST program staff to integrate SEL practices into everyday
activities and routines, ensuring that the SEL framework is consistently applied across all
programs. Share strategies with staff on how they can incorporate SEL practices into their
professional and personal life. Collaborate with teachers, staff, and families to implement
behavioral management strategies that are rooted in SEL principles, focusing on promoting
positive behavior and conflict resolution.
5. Health and Safety: Follow YMCA policies and procedures, including those related to medical
and disciplinary situations, child abuse prevention, and emergencies. Remain current in First
Aid and CPR. As required by Michigan law, report any suspected child abuse or neglect to
proper authorities.
6. Professional Development: Stay current with trends and research in SEL and related fields,
attending training sessions, workshops, and conferences to improve practice and SEL
knowledge.
QUALIFICATIONS:
1. Must be at least 21 years of age.
2. High school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
3. Education and experience equivalent to one of the following options:
a. Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Social Work, Education, or a related field.
b. Associates degree in child-related field and 480 hours of experience
c. Minimum of 2 years of experience in social-emotional learning, counseling, or working
with youth in an educational or afterschool setting.
4. Must be able to pass comprehensive background check.
5. Current First Aid and CPR certifications.
WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
- Must be able to participate physically with the children.
- Ability to work flexible hours, including split shifts and occasional evening or weekend events.
- Proof of negative TB test.
Salary : $17 - $19
