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Social Emotional Learning Specialist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Reporting to the Dean of SEL and Community, the Social-Emotional Learning Specialist is a reliable team player with a commitment to youth development, social-emotional learning, and mental health.

To learn more, visit wearedream.org Reporting to the Dean of SEL and Community, the Social-Emotional Learning Specialist is a reliable team player with a commitment to youth development, social ...

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Social Emotional Learning Specialist information

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$33K

$59.6K

$83.5K

How much do social emotional learning specialist jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for social emotional learning specialist in the United States is $59,559.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,500.00 and $72,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Social Emotional Learning Specialist job?

A Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Specialist is responsible for supporting students' social and emotional development by implementing SEL programs, providing training for educators, and working directly with students to build skills like self-awareness, emotional regulation, and interpersonal relationships. They collaborate with teachers, counselors, and administrators to create a positive learning environment that fosters emotional well-being. SEL Specialists also assess student needs, develop interventions, and promote a school-wide culture of empathy and resilience. Their goal is to improve student success by integrating SEL principles into daily school life.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Social Emotional Learning Specialist position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Specialist, you need expertise in child development, curriculum design, program implementation, and typically a background in education, counseling, or psychology. Familiarity with SEL assessment tools, data tracking systems, and certifications like CASEL-endorsed training are often important. Exceptional interpersonal skills, cultural competence, and the ability to build rapport with diverse student and staff populations distinguish strong candidates. These skills enable SEL Specialists to effectively develop programs that enhance students' emotional intelligence, resilience, and social skills, creating a positive impact on overall school climate.

What are some typical challenges Social Emotional Learning Specialists face in their role?

Social Emotional Learning Specialists often encounter challenges such as gaining buy-in from staff, integrating SEL practices into existing curricula, and addressing varying student needs across grade levels. They may also navigate resistance to change or limited resources for program implementation. Successfully overcoming these challenges involves proactive communication, ongoing professional development, and collaborating closely with teachers, counselors, and administrators. This role requires adaptability and creative problem-solving to ensure SEL initiatives are both impactful and sustainable in a school or district setting.
What cities are hiring for Social Emotional Learning Specialist jobs? Cities with the most Social Emotional Learning Specialist job openings:
What states have the most Social Emotional Learning Specialist jobs? States with the most job openings for Social Emotional Learning Specialist jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Social Emotional Learning Specialist jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Social Emotional Learning Specialist jobs are:
Infographic showing various Social Emotional Learning Specialist job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 45% Full Time, 51% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,559 per year, or $28.6 per hour.
Social Emotional Learning Specialist

Social Emotional Learning Specialist

Palmdale School District

Palmdale, CA • On-site

$55.29 - $67.20/hr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago


Palmdale School District rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

101st of 538 rated elementary and secondary schools


Job description

Social Emotional Learning Specialist at Palmdale School District Share on X Print Application Deadline 6/30/2026 4:00 PM Pacific Date Posted 7/8/2025 Contact Elvira Cova 661.285.2902 Number of Openings 2 Salary Pay Range 55.29 - 67.20 Per Hour Length of Work Year 10 months per year Employment Type Full Time Job Summary Job Summary The Social Emotional Learning Specialist (SELS) provides instruction, therapy, and educationally required counseling services to students to promote positive social skills, mental health, and personal growth. The SELS identifies emotional and social skills needs, and encourages positive behavior through social/emotional skills training. Support families and district staff by providing consultation, instruction, and group counseling activities in the area of mental health

Job Description / Essential Elements: Print The Social Emotional Learning Specialist (SELS) provides instruction, therapy, and educationally required counseling services to students to promote positive social skills, mental health, and personal growth. The SELS identifies emotional and social skills needs, and encourages positive behavior through social/emotional skills training. Support families and district staff by providing consultation, instruction, and group counseling activities in the area of mental health.

Supervision Exercised and Received Reports direction to the Director of Student Services or designee. Example of Duties: The following are typical duties and responsibilities, including but not limited to, all tasks identified. May perform similar related tasks not listed.

Provide individual, group, and family social/emotional counseling and training services to parents, students, educational staff, and community agencies. Consult with parents; describe services and obtain consent when appropriate. Complete and maintain confidential reports that meet legal mandates.

Provide direct and group instruction/counseling services to students. Consult with educational staff, school psychologists, and administrators regarding students' social-emotional needs. Support "wrap around" services (family and community-based support services) for identified students and families.

Provide staff development and training specific to the areas of social/emotional/mental health. Conduct threat and suicide risk assessments. Participate as a member of the RTI and IEP teams; provide information regarding student performance; recommend goals and objectives.

Communicate and coordinate services with community-based agencies, including Mental Health, Public Health, Regional Center and Social Services. Refer students to school psychologist for IDEA supports. Develop and maintain intervention programs.

Conduct interviews, assessments and observations. Refer students to public/private psychological counseling services. Support foster students and families; serve as liaison between DCFS, students, parent/guardians, and educational staff.

Supervise licensed interns. Attend required meetings. Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements / Qualifications Experience: Two (2) years of experience providing psychological and/or social/emotional instruction or counseling services. Experience working with children in a special education program is desirable. Education: Master's degree from an accredited institution in the field of Marriage & Family Counseling or Social Work.

Advanced training in evidenced based practices for counseling. Other: Bilingual proficiency in Spanish language desired Required in accordance with licensing requirements for the State of California: (Intern Licenses will not be accepted) Marriage & Family Therapist (MFT); or Marriage, Family & Child Counselor (MFCC); or Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) Requirements / Qualifications Experience: Two (2) years of experience providing psychological and/or social/emotional instruction or counseling services. Experience working with children in a special education program is desirable.

Education: Master's degree from an accredited institution in the field of Marriage & Family Counseling or Social Work. Advanced training in evidenced based practices for counseling. Other: Bilingual proficiency in Spanish language desired Required in accordance with licensing requirements for the State of California: (Intern Licenses will not be accepted) Marriage & Family Therapist (MFT); or Marriage, Family & Child Counselor (MFCC); or Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) Comments and Other Information The following items must accompany your completed application: Letter of Application Resume Official college transcripts showing Masters degree License (MFT, MFCC, LCSW) Three Current Letters of Recommendation (less than 6 months old; will not be accepted without signature) Comments and Other Information The following items must accompany your completed application: Letter of Application Resume Official college transcripts showing Masters degree License (MFT, MFCC, LCSW) Three Current Letters of Recommendation (less than 6 months old; will not be accepted without signature) Links Related To This Job California Credentialing Information Non Discrimination Policy BP 4030 Title IX View Other Job Desc.

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