SEL Instructor

MISSION

YouthBuild DC Public Charter School (YouthBuild PCS) is an alternative high school for young people seeking to transform their lives by re-engaging in their education in a non-traditional school environment. YouthBuild PCS prepares students for post-secondary education and the workplace by offering, in English and Spanish, academic, vocational and workforce development programs. YouthBuild PCS believes that service to the community is an essential part of the transformative process. Therefore, students serve their community through volunteer projects and by creating housing for low-income residents in the Washington, DC metropolitan area.

For more information about YouthBuild PCS, visit .

RESPONSIBILITIES

The SEL Instructor plays a central role in fostering the holistic development of YouthBuild’s young adult learners. This position supports students who may have experienced academic disruption, trauma, or social-emotional challenges by creating an affirming, strengths-based classroom environment. The instructor teaches structured SEL curriculum, facilitates group discussions, models positive relationship-building skills, and collaborates with staff to integrate SEL practices across the school community.

Curriculum and Instruction

• Plan and deliver engaging, developmentally appropriate SEL lessons aligned with core competencies, trauma-responsive practices, and school program goals.


• Differentiate instruction to accommodate multiple learning styles and abilities, including students with disabilities and English Language Learners


• Partner with teachers, Student Success Coaches/Counselors, and administrators to align SEL instruction with academic supports, behavioral interventions, and individualized student plans.


• Accept and promptly implement feedback from school leadership and instructional coaches


• Participate in team meetings, professional development, and reflective practice to continuously improve SEL instruction and trauma-informed approaches.
  

Assessment

• Assess students’ mastery of social emotional skills


• Track and monitor assessment results in order to regularly refine teaching practices and design individual learning plans

School Culture

• Establish a safe, inclusive learning environment that promotes trust, respect, and emotional safety.


• Model and reinforce positive communication, self-regulation strategies, and conflict-resolution skills.


• Monitor student emotional well-being, provide individualized check-ins, and support learners in developing self-awareness, coping strategies, and goal-setting skills.


• Implement effective and consistent school-wide restorative practices, such as de-escalation strategies and restorative circles


• Maintain positive, professional relationships with students and colleagues


• Communicate with students and school staff to ensure that students are on-track in their learning and making progress towards goals


• Collaborate with colleagues across YouthBuild’s departments to ensure the holistic development of each student


• Other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

Successful candidates will possess the following qualifications:

• Demonstrated commitment to YouthBuild’s mission to transform lives of DC opportunity youth


• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Counseling, Social Work, Psychology, Human Services, or related field.


• Two or more years experience working with adolescents or young adult learners in alternative, non-traditional, or trauma-informed settings.


• Strong understanding of SEL frameworks, restorative practices, and culturally responsive teaching. (Knowledge of DBT in Schools preferred.)


• Demonstrated ability to provide engaging and developmentally appropriate instruction while maintaining strong classroom culture


• Commitment to regularly assessing student progress and using data to strengthen student performance


• Demonstrated ability to build positive, supportive and accountable relationships with students facing academic or life barriers.


• Excellent communication, facilitation, and conflict-resolution skills.


• Ability to remain calm, flexible, and solutions-focused in dynamic situations.


• Proficiency in Spanish preferred

YouthBuild PCS is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and does not allow discrimination with respect to employment or any of the terms or conditions of employment because of race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, age, sexual orientation, sexual identity, marital status or religion.

BENEFITS

• 401(k)


• 401(k) matching


• Dental insurance


• Employee assistance program


• Flexible spending account


• Health insurance


• Health savings account


• Life insurance


• Paid time off


• Parental leave


• Professional development assistance


• Retirement plan


• Tuition reimbursement


• Vision insurance

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• working with young adult populations: 2 years (Required)

Language:

• Spanish (Preferred)

Work Location: In person