SEL & Wellness Coach

SEL & Wellness Coach (Part Time, Temporary Position)
Fall 2026 – Spring 2027 | 15 hours per week
 

 For 36 years, the Harlem Educational Activities Fund (HEAF) has partnered with families, schools, and community organizations to transform the lives of young people from under-resourced New York City communities. HEAF’s high-impact programs provide academic enrichment, personal development, college preparation, and career exposure from middle school through college. As a leading educational equity and youth development nonprofit, HEAF empowers students to become leaders who thrive academically, socially, and emotionally, equipping them with the skills, confidence, and resilience needed to succeed in school, career, and life while supporting their families and communities to grow alongside them.

Position Overview: 

HEAF is seeking compassionate, energetic, and organized SEL & Wellness Coaches to support social-emotional learning (SEL), wellness programming, and student, family, and community engagement initiatives within the Community Wellness Department. This hands-on, relationship-centered role helps students and families feel connected, empowered, and emotionally supported while guiding students to build resilience, recognize their strengths, and thrive. SEL & Wellness Coaches will facilitate afterschool SEL & Wellness classes through HEAF Achieve, support school-day SEL, wellness, and academic workshops through HEAF Inspire, and contribute to the Youth Leadership & Ambassador Program. Coaches will conduct student academic and wellness check-ins and supportive counseling sessions, assist with family and community event planning, and provide support with program planning, documentation, and administrative tasks. Specific responsibilities may vary based on program needs, schedules, and individual strengths. The SEL & Wellness Coaches report directly to the Director of Community Wellness Initiatives.
 

Job Type: Part-Time, Temporary (Sept 2026 – May 2027)

Schedule: Approximately 15 hours per week. Coaches must be available for during afterschool programming on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons/evenings. Additional hours may include school-day workshops, student wellness check-ins, planning, meetings, family engagement activities, the Youth Leadership & Ambassador Program, and occasional Saturday events. Coaches must also have availability on Mondays and Thursdays based on program needs and scheduling. Compensation applies only to hours worked and does not cover school or program breaks.

Compensation: $25/hour

Hybrid: In-person + remote with $50 paid orientation in September

Specific responsibilities may vary based on program needs, with coaches collaborating and sharing responsibilities across Community Wellness initiatives.

What You’ll Do:

Program Facilitation & SEL Support:

• Build trusting relationships with students (grades 6–12), families, and school partners.
• Serve as a positive role model and trusted adult by fostering a safe, welcoming, and strengths-based environment.
• Facilitate engaging, trauma-informed SEL & Wellness classes through HEAF Achieve (primarily Tuesdays & Wednesdays), promoting skill development and a positive classroom culture.
• Facilitate academic, SEL, and wellness workshops for HEAF Inspire school-day partners and HEAF Onward programming, as assigned.
• Support and/or lead the Youth Leadership & Ambassador Program, facilitating weekly leadership sessions and community impact projects.
• Conduct student wellness check-ins and provide one-on-one supportive counseling using restorative and evidence-based practices.
• Support students through wellness planning, goal setting, progress monitoring, referrals, and case management as needed.
• Support positive student behavior, emotional regulation, and conflict resolution while responding to behavioral and crisis situations according to HEAF protocols.
• Provide family wellness support and promote engagement through strengths-based outreach and resources.
• Collaborate with instructors, program staff, families, and community partners to integrate SEL and wellness practices throughout programming.
• Ensure all programming reflects equity, inclusivity, and cultural responsiveness.

Family & Community Engagement:

• Support the Director in planning and implementing family engagement activities, wellness events, and community initiatives.
• Conduct outreach to promote Community Wellness events and initiatives.
• Assist in building partnerships with businesses & community organizations to expand resources, referrals, and programming opportunities.

Program Support & Data Management:

• Prepare classrooms, technology, and materials for workshops, classes, and events.
• Support curriculum development and adapt lessons to meet student needs.
• Provide administrative and operational support for Community Wellness programming, including preparing materials, organizing supplies, creating resources, maintaining inventories, and supporting program operations.
• Maintain timely, accurate, and confidential documentation of student wellness check-ins, counseling sessions, referrals, case notes, and program data.
• Track attendance, survey data, and program outcomes to support evaluation and reporting.

Other Responsibilities:

• Participate in biweekly supervision with the Director and monthly departmental and all-staff meetings.
• Attend internal and external professional development opportunities.
• Provide occasional support to other Program and Development Teams, including agency-wide events.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Ideal Candidate Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Social Work, Counseling, Education, Psychology, or a related field.
• Strong understanding of SEL frameworks, trauma-informed care, and adolescent development.
• Experience working with youth and families in educational, clinical, or community-based settings.
• Experience developing or facilitating SEL, life skills, leadership, or youth enrichment programming preferred.
• Skilled in group facilitation, classroom management, and delivering engaging SEL and wellness activities.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with a compassionate, strengths-based approach.
• Highly organized, proactive, and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Knowledge of youth development strategies, cultural competency, social justice, and inclusivity.
• Proficiency with Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Forms, Slides) and Canva preferred.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
• Flexibility to work evenings and occasional weekends.
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) a plus.

HEAF is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate based on actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, and pregnancy-related conditions), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, military service and veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws and ordinances.