After-School Program Inclusion Specialist - Cerritos

Inclusion Specialist

Are you passionate about giving back to your community and serving the youth?

Woodcraft Rangers provides TK-12 expanded learning programs, including before and after school, specialty enrichment, and summer learning. In the past few years, Woodcraft has expanded its menu of services beyond traditional after school programs and summer camps to include early learning, environmental and social justice, college access, and inclusion services for youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Additionally, we offer Lifecraft, a college and career advancement program to support the development of approximately 1,000 staff.

Today, Woodcraft Rangers serves more than 20,000 youth ages 4-18 annually in and from 110+ Title I schools across LA County.

The ideal candidate for Inclusion Specialist is responsible for supporting the inclusion of neurodiverse students within Woodcraft Rangers' Expanded Learning programs. This role focuses on designing and implementing individualized student support plans (Ranger Success Pathways), collaborating with site teams to ensure meaningful participation, safety, and engagement for all students, and address behavioral challenges as needed. Inclusion Specialists develop and deliver trainings on, and model inclusive strategies, coach staff, and help create environments where every student feels a sense of belonging and is set up for success.

The Inclusion Specialist supports the inclusion of neurodiverse students within Woodcraft Rangers' Expanded Learning programs by conducting environmental assessments, observing staff and student interactions, coaching and modeling inclusive strategies, and collaborating with site teams to ensure meaningful participation, safety, and engagement. Frequent travel to multiple sites throughout the week will be required. Some travel may be required to represent the Inclusion Department at conferences and trainings in locations such as Sacramento or Palm Springs.

Inclusion Specialists also contribute to training and integrated support at Camp Woodcraft, in Big Bear CA, helping create a welcoming and inclusive camp experience for all participants.

Responsibilities include:

• Design and coach site staff on the implementation of individualized Ranger Success Pathways (Plans) and assist in navigating environmental adjustments and the creation of support materials to meet student needs.
• Support student engagement in cognitive, motor, academic, and social activities.
• Monitor behavior and apply positive reinforcement strategies using a Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS).
• Collaborate with Site Coordinators and Club Leaders to foster inclusive practices.
• Ensure safe and appropriate use of mobility and orthopedic devices.
• Support students in transitions and participation during activities, field trips, events, and performances.
• Help students build self-esteem and social skills through positive guidance and modeling.
• Participate in team meetings, training, and family engagement efforts.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications include:

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• 6+ months of experience working with children in school or recreational settings, or 6+ units of college-level child development coursework.
• Experience supporting students with intellectual/development disabilities.
• Understanding of inclusive practices and various disabilities.
• Valid FBI & DOJ Livescan clearance.
• Current TB Test clearance.
• First Aid & CPR certification (can be provided by Woodcraft Rangers).
• CPI Certification (can be provided by Woodcraft Rangers)

Skills include:

• Patience, empathy, and a positive, student-centered approach.
• Behavioral reframing
• Knowledge of child development and special education needs.
• Ability to manage behavior and support emotional regulation.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to modify learning materials and rephrase instructions.
• Comfort using a smartphone for work (stipend provided).
• Reliable, punctual, and team oriented.

Physical Demands include:

• Must be able to stand, walk, and move for extended periods within large indoor/outdoor spaces.
• Regularly required to speak, hear, and use hand/arms.
• Must be able to occasionally lift/move up to 40 pounds.
• Reasonable accommodation is available for individuals with disabilities.

Work Environment and

Schedule:

• Active school site and program settings with indoor/outdoor activities.
• A collaborative team-based environment working closely with site staff and students.
• Interaction with children, families, and partner school personnel.

Woodcraft Rangers provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without discrimination with regard to race, religious belief, color, sex, sex stereotype, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions (including breastfeeding), age, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, gender identification and expression, transgender status, transitioning status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic characteristics,…