Youth Development Instructor

Organization Mission: The Oliver Scholars Program prepares high-achieving Black and Latinx students from underserved New York City communities for success at top independent high schools and prestigious colleges. We provide crucial support for both the scholars and their families so they can realize their full potential and ultimately give back to the city, the nation, and the world.

Job Title: Youth Development Instructor

Report To: Director of Academic Affairs

Department: Academic Affairs

Position Type: Seasonal part-time — Autumn

FLSA: Exempt

Summary: Oliver Scholars seeks a psychotherapist, social worker, SEL (Social-Emotional Learning) facilitator, or DEI (Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion) facilitator to plan and implement a youth development curriculum for eighth-grade students. The instructor’s primary objective is to prepare students to succeed academically at rigorous independent schools. Students should gain improved competency, skills, and habits of mind to excel. The instructor will assist the Admissions & Placement and Academic Affairs departments in defining expected curricular outcomes and track student progress. This position reports to the Director of Academic Affairs and is an excellent opportunity to experience various aspects of scholarship and youth development with an educational nonprofit organization.

Responsibilities

• Teach in person Saturdays September to November 2025 and be available for office hours, study hall, and faculty meetings on scheduled class days.
• Be available for one-on-one or small group advisories and check-ins during the day when not teaching.
• In consultation with the Director of Academic Affairs, develop the 8th-grade pro-social youth development curriculum.
  • The curriculum aims to deliver seven modules for young persons of color to flourish at competitive, predominantly white institutions:
    1. Anxiety-reduction techniques
    2. Preventing bullying in our schools
    3. Communicating with adults
    4. Effects of alcohol and substance abuse on the brain and success in school
    5. Multicultural competence training
    6. Microaggressions
    7. Unpacking fears /concerns
  • The instructor will use case studies and workshop-style classes to build students’ confidence that their voices and identities are valuable in all communities, to empower students to bring their full, authentic selves to all communities, and to equip students to utilize pro-social behaviors to advocate for themselves.
    1. The curriculum fulfills four educational goods—capacity for personal autonomy, capacity for healthy personal relationships, capacity to treat others as equals, and capacity for personal fulfillment—and the four-character strengths of interpersonal self-control, zest, gratitude, and social intelligence.
    2. Modules will discuss personal and social identity formation, self-awareness, self-management, emotional regulation and modulation, social awareness, relationship skills, responsible decision-making, problem-solving skills to manage adversity, and the transition to high school.
• Manage the classroom using positive classroom management skills.
• Support the development of self-awareness, responsible decision-making skills, problem-solving skills, and a positive sense of self.
• Teach strategies and skills to increase resilience.
• Encourage courageous conversations centered around identity development.
• Write detailed Interim and Final Evaluation Reports.
• Attend a paid instructor orientation.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in psychology, education, or similar field; advanced degree preferred.
• Two or more years of experience teaching and/or mentoring adolescents
• Curriculum development a plus
• Knowledge of independent schools preferred.
• Outstanding speaking, writing, and editing skills.
• Deep knowledge of the principles of teaching students
• A mission-driven individual with a belief in and commitment to Oliver’s mission and values
• A flexible, creative individual able to find alternative ways to connect with students.
• Emotionally mature with a good sense of humor and the flexibility and sensitivity to work with diverse personalities and situations.
• A hard worker with a high energy level; a “doer” with a willingness to work hands-on in developing and executing a variety of activities.
• A good listener who is comfortable receiving feedback

Desires Competencies

• Ethics - Treats people with respect; Keeps commitments; inspires the trust of others; works with integrity and ethically; upholds organizational values.
• Adaptability - Adapts to changes in the work environment; willing to learn new techniques and procedures; Manages competing demands; changes approach or method to best fit the situation; able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.
• Innovation & Initiative Displays original thinking and creativity; Meets challenges with resourcefulness; Generates suggestions for improving work; Develops innovative approaches and ideas; Presents ideas and information in a manner that gets others' attention; Looks for and takes advantage of opportunities.
• Planning/Organizing & Project Management - Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently; Plans for additional resources; Sets goals and objectives; Organizes or schedules other people and their tasks; Develops realistic action plans; Communicates changes and progress; Completes projects on time and budget.
• Interpersonal Skills - Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; listens to others without interrupting; keeps emotions under control; remains open to others' ideas and tries new things.

Compensation: Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience. Salary range: $3,600 to $5,400.

EEO

A diverse workforce and open culture are at the heart of our organization and vital to our success. Oliver Scholars is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without discrimination based on race, color, creed, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military status, citizenship status, or current employment status. Candidates who identify as members of historically underrepresented groups are highly encouraged to apply.