Social Emotional Learning Specialist of Altgeld-Murray & Englewood (Full-Time, Exempt)

Overview of Position

Under the supervision of the Director of SEL, the Social Emotional Learning Specialist (SEL Specialist) will play a critical role in the implementation of the positive culture at By The Hand. The SEL Specialist will develop social emotional programming, provide counseling and support to students, and work with students, parents and staff to develop plans for student success.

Spiritual Requirements

• Has a personal and saving relationship with Jesus Christ, evidenced by a lifestyle that demonstrates the Word of God, and is in regular fellowship with other members in a Bible-believing church.
• Agrees with the By The Hand Club Doctrinal Statement and adheres to the Employee Biblical Standards of Living.
• Shows by example, the importance of Scripture memorization, Bible study, prayer, witnessing, and Christian fellowship.
• Led a team devotional on a regular basis and participates in weekly team prayer.
• Has completed an evangelism course and is trained and prepared to share the gospel with anyone who inquires.
• Works with staff and members of the EOS Leadership Team to monitor and enforce policies and procedures to further By The Hand’s religious purpose and freedom.

Role Responsibilities

• Models cultural values of By The Hand Club For Kids in day-to-day behavior.
• Follows all policies as outlined in the operational guide, including maintaining brand standards and ensuring 100% adherence to the Child Protection Policy.
• Participates in employee growth plans, including quarterly conversations and annual review meetings.
• Implements a social and emotional learning strategy for staff and students.
• Collaborates with site staff and parents to implement groups and develop social emotional learning of students and staff.
• Identifies at-risk students and creates a comprehensive plan including goals and methods to address student needs.
• Counsels students and provides them with guidance to overcome personal, social, emotional or behavioral problems.
• Supports professional development for staff regarding: trauma, at-risk students, social, emotional, behavioral issues and how to implement SEL curriculum.
• Works as part of a multidisciplinary team including team leaders and directors to ensure continuity of care and services.
• Maintains appropriate files and records including progress notes.
• Adheres to the legal and ethical requirements of their profession.
• Observes students in classroom settings and SEL lessons taught by Team Leaders.

Required Skills/Abilities

• Christ-like servant leader who has a sense of calling and models Biblical principles.
• Passion and commitment to urban student transformation, confidence to lead in a challenging situation, and belief that all children can learn.
• Outstanding problem-solving skills with an orientation toward results, action, impact, and influence.
• Ability to work both as a team player and independently.
• Promising time management and communication skills.
• Demonstrated strong relationship building skills with children and adults.
• Demonstrates ability to interact with parents, staff and external community based social service agencies.
• Possesses strong relationship building skills with youth.

Education and Experience

• Masters degree in social work or counseling.
• Experience in case management, training implementation and individual/group counseling.
• Knowledge and experience in trauma and social emotional learning.
• At least one year of experience working with youth.
• Experience Managing And Training Interns (preferred).
• Licensed or licensed-eligible in the state of Illinois.

Physical Demands

• The employee is regularly required to speak and listen.
• This role may require you to move equipment from room to room and lift up to 15 pounds.
• The individual is also required to travel to other organizational sites for meetings with staff, students and partners.

Metrics

• 100% of students with consistent SEL needs have a personalized behavior plan.
• Improved student attendance and retention.
• Focused social emotional goals for students.
• Maintain a caseload of 30 students.
• Complete pre/post SEL surveys for all students in grades 4th - 6th.
• Impact of activities at time of execution.
• Use of resources in lessons, data and relationships built with students and staff.
• Increased student confidence and attitude toward themselves and others.

Work Environment

This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones and copy machines. This job is not a virtual job, but it requires in-person attendance as agreed upon by your immediate supervisor.

Physical Demands

• The individual is also required to travel to other organizational sites for meetings with staff, students and partners.

Disclaimer

The duties and responsibilities described are not an exhaustive list of all functions that the employee may be required to perform. The employee may be required to perform additional functions as necessitated by business demands. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

EEO Statement

By The Hand Club For Kids is an equal opportunity employer. By The Hand does not unlawfully discriminate against any protected classes. As a ministry, By The Hand is permitted and reserves the right to prefer employees or prospective employees on the basis of religion in our screening and selection process. By The Hand is also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified candidates with a disability, absent undue hardship. An employee or applicant who believes he or she has a disability and may require an accommodation must contact the Human Resources Department at hr@bythehand.org or call 773-854-4176.

Pay

$55,000-$60,000 annually

Schedule

This position does not start until August 2026.