University Overview

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn’s distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been consistently ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America’s Best Large Employers.

Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.

Posted Job Title

UACS Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Coach

Job Profile Title

Temporary Employee - Non-Exempt

Job Description Summary

The UACS Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Coach is based at a UACS school site and acts in a direct service capacity. We are looking for very communicative, consistent and charismatic individuals to fill this position.

The specific responsibilities of UACS Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Coach include: designing and developing SEL lessons using evidence-based SEL curriculum; implement SEL curriculum to students across all grade levels (K-8) in small and large groups; help site-based team members integrate SEL and trauma-informed strategies into after school enrichment activities; support students one-on-one and in small groups based on need; attend training and professional development as required.

Necessary or preferable skills include: dependability, curriculum development experience, strong interpersonal communication skills, background/expertise in fields related to behavioral health, social-emotional learning, counseling, social work, trauma-informed
care, or youth mental health.

Job Description

Founded in 1992, the Barbara and Edward Netter Center for Community Partnerships is the University's primary vehicle for advancing civic and community engagement at Penn. It brings together the resources and assets of both the University and the wider community to help solve universal problems such as poverty, health inequities, environmental sustainability, and inadequate, unequal education as they are manifested in the University's local geographic area of West Philadelphia and Philadelphia at large. The Netter Center develops and helps implement democratic, mutually transformative, place-based partnerships between Penn and West Philadelphia that advance research, teaching, learning, practice, and service and improve the quality of life on campus and in the community. The Netter Center works with and serves as a model for other higher education institutions across the United States and around the world.

The Netter Center’s university-assisted community schools (UACS) is a strategy to educate, engage, empower, and serve all members of the community in which the school is located and engage students (K-16+) in real world, community problem solving.  UACS collaborates with partners to advance teaching, research, learning and service, as well as the civic development of their students. 

The specific responsibilities of UACS Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Coach include:

• Design/develop SEL lessons using evidence-based SEL curriculum

• Implement SEL curriculum to students across all grade levels (K-8) in small and large groups

• Help site-based team members integrate SEL and trauma-informed strategies into after school enrichment activities

• Support students one-on-one and in small groups based on need

• Attend training and professional development as required

Required Qualifications:

•  Education: High school diploma required, College degree required, preferably in public health, education, social work, or other related disciplines

• Experience: minimum of 3 years work experience with elementary-aged children and/or high school youth development programming; preferred experience with facilitation of social-emotional learning content and/or trauma-informed training

• Completion and passing of funder-required compliance documentation and all Federal and State background checks/clearances. You may be required to renew your clearances, before beginning work. Clearances include:

  • PATCH – PA Criminal History Search 

  • PA Child Abuse Search 

  • FBI Criminal History Search (PA Dept. of Human Services)

  • National Sex Offender Registry (NSOR)

  • Mandated Reporter

  • Act 168 Completion

  • The University of Pennsylvania does not accept PATCH or PA Child Abuse documents issued by other organizations.  We can accept the FBI Criminal History Search, only if it was processed by the PA Dept.of Human Services 

• Experience with working in School District of Philadelphia, urban settings and diverse student populations

• Ability to be flexible and work on a team

• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines

• Excellent interpersonal, organization and communication skills

• Punctual and regular attendance 

Schedule:

SEL Coaches are expected to work afterschool hours, M-F approximately 2pm-6pm; seasonal work appointments are typically made for Fall: 8/31/2026 - 12/24/2026 and for spring: 1/4/2027 -  6/8/2027.

Compensation: 

• $20-22 per hour commensurate with experience

Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

School of Arts and Sciences

Pay Range

$7.25 - $20.00 Hourly Rate

Salary offers are made based on the candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, and in alignment with salary ranges based on external market data for the job’s level. Internal organization and peer data at Penn are also considered.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protected under applicable federal, state or local law.

Special Requirements 
A background check may be required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.

University Benefits

• Health and Life: Penn offers comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits to protect you and your family’s health and welfare.
• Retirement: Penn offers generous retirement plans to help you save for your future. Penn’s Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans allow you to save for retirement on a pre-tax or Roth basis. Choose from a wide variety of investment options through TIAA and Vanguard.

Please note that benefit eligibility is determined/based on ACA guidelines.