Job Title: Educational SEL Counselor (ESC)
Job Classification: Full Time, Exempt, 40 hours/week
Department: Program Reports to Program Manager
Compensation & Benefits: Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications. Salary range
is $55,000-59,000 with competitive benefits (Individual Health & Dental Coverage, Individual
Retirement Account Contribution, and Paid Time Off)
ABOUT DENVER KIDS:
In 1946, Denver Public Schools (DPS) and the Rotary Club of Denver partnered to form Denver Boys with
the purpose of providing academic support, mentorship, and job skills for boys who were dropping out of
school to work and provide for their families when their fathers did not return from WWII. Denver Girls was
founded in 1970 to follow the same academic and mentor support model. In 1993, Denver Kids became
the merged entities of Denver Boys and Denver Girls to consolidate programs and funding.
Our unique public/private partnership with DPS continues today. Specializing in Educational SEL
Counseling—a one-to-one, relationship-based, long-term approach dedicated to building character,
academic achievement, and positive development of the whole child—Denver Kids strives to help
students use education and the development of social and emotional skills as tools to create career and
college pathways.
The newest chapter of our journey began in July 2019, when fellow youth-serving organization Denver
Urban Scholars merged with Denver Kids. With a combined 97 years of experience serving Denver youth
with mentorship and academic support, the newly merged Denver Kids is poised to reach youth in new
and exciting ways. Learn more at https://www.denverkids.org/.
WHO YOU ARE:
You are able to thrive in a changing environment focused on continuous learning and professional
development. You are passionate about our mission and can drive accountability and productivity while
building a collaborative and connected environment for our team and students to thrive. You work
alongside the youth to elevate their voices, strategically provide resources, and strive for continuous
program improvement.
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Educational Social Emotional Learning Counselor (ESC) will work directly with young people at a
school within DPS. The ESC will build and maintain strong relationships with personnel in school partner
systems to ensure a team-based approach. The ESC is a coach and advocate, working closely with the
youth, mentor, family, and school to provide wrap-around support. Through our Program Model called
THRIVES, each ESC will be responsible for engaging in our Toolkit for Holistic Relationships, Intentional
Validation, Entrepreneurship, and Social-Emotional Academic Learning (SEAL), with students. As part of
this toolkit, ESCs will be facilitating monthly modules with students focused on social-emotional skills,
financial education, and college and career readiness that can include utilizing a curriculum. In addition,
the ESC may facilitate social-emotional groups and be involved in matching their students with volunteer
mentors.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
● Case Management
○ Conduct year-round case management services for 50 youth and their families, and
mentors by providing one-on-one coaching, life skills education, and basic counseling,
which may also include home visits and providing resources
○ Identify and enroll students to caseload to maintain a full caseload as needed
○ Ensure consistent and current documentation through Salesforce to maintain the
accuracy of data
● Programming and Events
○ Facilitate enrollment events and ensure that the target number of students are enrolled
○ Assist with Mentoring Match Nights and other related events
○ Ensure caseload of youth and mentors attends required events
○ Provide transportation to youth for Denver Kids events/trainings as needed
○ May facilitate groups
● General
○ Adhere to Denver Kids’ Policies and Procedures, inclusive of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion
and Belonging (DEIB) practices, as well as ethical standards of the field
○ Work collaboratively in a team-based setting
○ Participate in leadership/professional development including on-going training
○ Flexibility to take on or support other responsibilities across the organization
QUALIFICATIONS
Required:
● Bachelor's degree in related field (Social Work, Counseling, Human Services, Education,
Psychology, Non-profit Management) or 4 years of experience working in youth development
● Experience working within a school system or community setting
● Requires current Colorado driver’s license with a clean and safe driving record
Preferred:
● Master’s degree in related field (Social Work, Human Services, Counseling, Psychology,
Education, Non-profit Management)
● Bilingual
Working Conditions
● Urban city and school district
● Working with Denver Public School (DPS) students and families who may or may not face
circumstances, including but not limited to, poverty, homelessness, domestic violence and immigration
● Driving to and from schools, events and/or other local entities as necessary
● Regular working hours Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm, occasional hours before and after
● Occasionally transport for student for Denver Kids events
TO APPLY:
Send cover letter expressing interest in Denver Kids and this role as well as a resume showing
experience relevant to the position to apply@denverkidsinc.org. No phone calls please.