Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Specialist (Volunteer)

Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Specialist (Volunteer)

Organization: Mentor A Promise (MAP)

Division: Education Programs / Student Support & Wellness

Location: Remote via Google Meet and/or New York City (as needed)

Type: Volunteer (Unpaid)

About Mentor A Promise

Mentor A Promise (MAP) is a New York City–based nonprofit dedicated to supporting children and youth ages 5–18 experiencing housing instability. Through mentorship, literacy development, social-emotional learning, creative expression, and community-based programming, MAP creates safe, consistent, and empowering spaces where young people are seen, respected, and valued.

SEL is a core pillar of MAP’s work—supporting emotional literacy, identity development, belonging, and resilience for students navigating instability.

Purpose of the Role

The Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Specialist supports the design, implementation, and refinement of SEL-informed practices across MAP programs. This role helps ensure that programming is developmentally appropriate, trauma-informed, and responsive to the emotional and social needs of students.

Working closely with educators, mentors, and program staff, the SEL Specialist strengthens how MAP supports emotional growth, regulation, and connection.

Key Responsibilities

• Support SEL integration across MAP educational and mentoring programs
• Embed core SEL competencies, including identity, belonging, emotional awareness, and self-regulation
• Provide guidance on trauma-informed and developmentally appropriate practices
• Collaborate with program staff, mentors, and curriculum writers
• Review activities, lesson plans, or materials through an SEL lens
• Offer feedback and recommendations to strengthen emotional safety and inclusion
• Support reflective practices for staff and volunteers when appropriate
• Participate in planning meetings, program reviews, and feedback cycles
• Check and respond to emails daily, with responses within 48 hours

Qualifications

• Background in social-emotional learning, counseling, psychology, education, social work, or youth development
• Strong understanding of SEL frameworks and age-appropriate practices
• Sensitivity to trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and youth-centered work
• Ability to collaborate across multidisciplinary teams
• Clear communication, empathy, and professional judgment
• Commitment to ethical, inclusive, and mission-driven practice

Bonus (Not Required)

• Experience working with students experiencing housing instability
• Familiarity with CASEL-aligned SEL competencies
• Experience supporting mentors, teachers, or youth workers
• Bilingual or multilingual abilities (Spanish or Haitian Creole preferred)

Commitment

• Volunteer role, approximately 5–10 hours per week
• Minimum 6-month commitment preferred
• Remote collaboration with optional NYC-based participation

What You’ll Gain

• Meaningful experience supporting student emotional well-being
• Collaboration with educators, mentors, and program leaders
• Portfolio-relevant SEL and youth-support work
• Professional references and letters of recommendation
• The opportunity to help create emotionally safe, affirming spaces for young people

How to Apply

Interested candidates should apply directly through Idealist.

For any additional questions or concerns, please email us directly at View email address on click.appcast.io

Support hearts as well as minds. Help young people build the emotional tools they need to thrive.