Instructor on Special Assignment

Location: Oakland, CA 

Employment Type: Seasonal, Part-Time, Non-Exempt

Season: School Year (approximately August–May)

Reports to: Site Coordinator/Manager

About Oakland Leaf 

Oakland Leaf was founded in 2001 by a collective of East Oakland educators intent on empowering youth voice. For more than 25 years, Oakland Leaf has evolved into a highly regarded leader in youth development and out-of-school time learning. We facilitate culturally relevant expanded learning programming for approximately 1,300 K–12 East Oakland students through seven afterschool programs at public elementary and middle schools, one paid internship program for high school students, and two 5-week summer camps. Our programming emphasizes social and emotional learning, creative expression, critical thinking, leadership development, social justice, and college and career readiness grounded in our core values of Love in Action, Cultivation, Community, Youth Voice, and Critical Thinking.

Position Overview

The Instructor on Special Assignment (ISA) is a senior instructional role at an assigned Oakland Leaf expanded learning site. The ISA brings targeted expertise, instructional depth, and behavioral and SEL support to their site, while also serving as the site's built-in substitute, stepping into coverage roles immediately and seamlessly when Program Instructors are absent so that program quality never drops because of a staffing gap.

For someone who has strong youth development instincts, a deep commitment to students, and is ready to take on more responsibility within a site team, the ISA role is a meaningful step in Oakland Leaf's internal career pathway  and a genuine opportunity to make a difference beyond their own classroom.

Specific Duties & responsibilities

Targeted Instructional Support (35%)

• Provide targeted instructional support in identified focus areas at the assigned site which may include academic enrichment, literacy support, STEM activities, arts integration, or other areas identified by the Site Coordinator in partnership with the Associate Director
• Facilitate high-quality, engaging, youth-centered activities in assigned focus areas ensuring content is culturally responsive, developmentally appropriate, and aligned with Oakland Leaf's program framework and values
• Work with specific student groups identified by the Site Coordinator as needing additional instructional attention, providing small group or individualized support that complements the broader program day

Behavior & SEL Support (35%)

• Serve as a primary behavioral and social-emotional support resource at the site responding to student conflicts, behavioral incidents, and emotional crises with skill, consistency, and genuine care
• Build authentic, trusting relationships with students at the site  especially those who are frequently dysregulated, disengaged, or struggling to connect with the program 
• Partner with the Site Coordinator on student behavior plans and intervention strategies providing consistent follow-through and communicating student progress and concerns clearly and promptly
• Model and reinforce Oakland Leaf's restorative approach to conflict and behavior, de-escalating situations thoughtfully, supporting students in repairing relationships, and never defaulting to punitive responses
• Support the social-emotional development of all students at the site by contributing to a program culture where every student feels safe, seen, and valued

Substitute Coverage (20%)

• Serve as the site's primary internal substitute, stepping immediately into any Program Instructor role when staff are absent, without disruption to the program day or reduction in quality
• Maintain deep familiarity with all activity groups, student rosters, behavior plans, and program routines at the site so that coverage is seamless and students experience consistency regardless of who is in the room
• Adapt quickly to different age groups, activity types, and student dynamics when covering bringing the same energy, care, and Oakland Leaf values to every group regardless of the assignment
• Contribute to a site culture where staff absences are managed smoothly and professionally supporting the Site Coordinator in maintaining program continuity and staff morale during coverage situations

Program Operations Support (10%)

• Support daily site operations as directed by the Site Coordinator including student supervision, activity transitions, space setup and cleanup, and family communication at pickup
• Assist with attendance tracking and documentation as needed ensuring accuracy and completeness in partnership with the Assistant Coordinator
• Contribute to the overall safety and smooth functioning of the program day, staying alert to supervision ratios, environmental hazards, and student wellbeing at all times
• Participate actively in site staff meetings and required training sessions, bringing a constructive, solutions-oriented presence and modeling the engagement and investment Oakland Leaf expects of all staff

Additional duties may be assigned by the Site Coordinator/Manager, or Associate Director.

Minimum Qualifications

• Strong commitment to Oakland Leaf's mission and belief in the power of youth leadership and equity in education
• At least 3 years of experience working with youth in an expanded learning, school-based, community, or recreational program setting with demonstrated experience in behavioral support, SEL facilitation, or targeted instructional support
• Demonstrated ability to build strong, trust-based relationships with students especially those who present behavioral or social-emotional challenges 
• Knowledge of trauma-informed, restorative, and social-emotional learning approaches with the ability to apply them consistently in a fast-moving program environment
• Flexibility and adaptability with the ability to step into any instructor role on the site at a moment's notice and deliver a high-quality experience for students
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to work collaboratively within a site team and communicate student concerns clearly to site leadership
• Reliability, initiative, and a solutions-oriented mindset, someone who sees what needs to be done and does it without being asked
• High cultural competency and a commitment to building inclusive, youth-centered program environments
• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Must pass a background check in accordance with California law and Oakland Unified School District requirements

Education & Experience

• Experience: 3 years of experience working with youth in a program setting; experience providing behavioral support, SEL facilitation, or targeted instructional support strongly preferred
• Education: High school diploma or equivalent required; some college coursework in Education, Youth Development, Child Development, or a related field preferred; Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or units toward a Child Development Permit a plus

Working conditions/physical demands

• On-site position including daily presence at the assigned expanded learning site   required during all program hours
• Program hours are seasonal and align with the school year calendar  typically    afternoons during school days with some hours for training and events
• Ability to be on your feet and physically active throughout the program day including  supervising outdoor activities, supporting transitions, and engaging actively with   students
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs for program setup, activity materials, and supply    coordination
• Occasional evenings for family events and organizational celebrations

Compensation

• $23.00–$28.00 per hour, depending on experience
• Paid School Breaks and sick leave in accordance with California law
• Access to Professional Development opportunities during the program year

Oakland Leaf is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any individual, employee, or application for employment on the basis of race, color, marital status, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, handicap, or any other legally protected status recognized by federal, state, or local law.

Salary : $23 - $28