Job Description
Job Description
Job Title: Life Skills Instructor (Financial Literacy Focus, CBEST Certified)
Location: Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall, Downey, CA
Organization: Maynard Leadership Academy
Position Type: Part-Time/Contractor
Compensation: 25-27 USD
Start Date: Immediate / As soon as available
About Maynard Leadership Academy
Maynard Leadership Academy is committed to transforming the lives of youth through culturally responsive education, leadership development, and practical life skills. We work directly with youth in juvenile justice facilities to foster personal growth, accountability, and real-world readiness.
Position Summary
Maynard Leadership Academy seeks an engaging, mission-driven Life Skills Instructor to deliver life-changing curriculum to the youth housed at Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall. The primary focus of this role is Life Skills Instructor, with instruction designed to support students in developing critical life and social-emotional management skills. Candidates must hold CBEST certification, demonstrating basic proficiency in reading, writing, and mathematics as part of California’s educational standards.
This position is vital in preparing youth for successful reentry by equipping them with the tools to manage their lives, finances, and futures with confidence and independence.
Key Responsibilities:
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Facilitate interactive, trauma-informed life skills sessions focused on financial literacy, communication, decision-making, and personal development.
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Deliver lessons that align with California educational standards and meet the needs of diverse learners.
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Adapt curriculum and instructional methods for students with varying academic and social-emotional needs.
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Foster a safe, respectful, and empowering classroom environment that promotes participation, accountability, and growth.
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Collaborate with facility staff and the Maynard Leadership Academy team to coordinate programming and track student progress.
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Serve as a mentor and role model, inspiring youth to take control of their future.
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Maintain accurate records of attendance, engagement, and outcomes for reporting purposes.
Qualifications:
Required:
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Valid CBEST certification (or eligibility and willingness to obtain certification).
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Experience working with at-risk or system-impacted youth in educational, mentorship, or youth development settings.
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Strong understanding of life skills education, particularly in financial literacy, budgeting, credit, and job readiness.
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Ability to manage a classroom in a secure facility with professionalism, empathy, and authority.
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Excellent communication, facilitation, and organizational skills.
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Deep commitment to youth empowerment, restorative justice, and educational equity.
Preferred:
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Experience teaching or mentoring within juvenile justice or alternative education environments.
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Background in education, counseling, or social services.
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Bilingual (English/Spanish) highly desirable.
Working Conditions:
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Instruction delivered on-site at Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall.
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Must pass background checks and obtain facility clearance.
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Must adhere to all safety, security, and operational protocols of the juvenile facility.
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Flexible scheduling; availability during daytime or afterschool hours preferred.