Disability & Inclusion Specialist- Oakland​/Emeryville​/Berkeley

Position Overview

The Disability & Inclusion Specialist provides classroom and home-based support for children with special needs, coaches teaching staff, develops individualized plans, and works with families and service providers to ensure full inclusion. You’ll attend IEP/IFSP meetings, monitor developmental progress, and model best practices for early intervention and behavior support.

The Disability & Inclusion Specialist provides classroom and home-based support for children with special needs, coaches teaching staff, develops individualized plans, and works with families and service providers to ensure full inclusion. You’ll attend IEP/IFSP meetings, monitor developmental progress, and model best practices for early intervention and behavior support.

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance – Full-time employees are eligible for heavily subsidized coverage with several plan options.
• Basic Life and AD&D Insurance, with options for Voluntary Life and AD&D coverage.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for health and dependent care expenses.
• Long-Term Disability Insurance for added financial protection.
• Employee Assistance and Wellness Programs to support mental health and work-life balance.
• Commuter Benefits available for eligible employees.
• 12 Designated Holidays.
• Paid Time Off for vacation and sick leave.
• Professional Development Opportunities and ongoing training to support your career growth.
• YMCA Membership Benefits and discounts on programs for you and your family

• Master’s Degree in Special Education, Early Childhood/Special Education, or related field preferred;
  Bachelor’s with relevant experience considered
• 2+ years’ experience in teaching, early intervention, or coaching with diverse, low-income populations
• Strong background working with children with special needs
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Culturally responsive and committed to inclusion
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred
• Valid CDL, auto insurance, and reliable transportation required
• Livescan clearance, TB test, and health requirements met
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and databases

• Observe classrooms and model strategies for inclusion and behavior support
• Develop and oversee individualized plans and positive behavior interventions
• Provide coaching and training for teaching staff and families
• Coordinate developmental screenings, referrals, and follow-ups
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and external partners
• Maintain accurate documentation and ensure compliance with all regulations

• Active engagement in classrooms and outdoor spaces
• Ability to lift up to 30 lbs and travel locally for meetings and trainings
• Extended computer use required
• Reasonable accommodations available for individuals with disabilities

• Design and deliver high-quality programming that achieves the educational, administrative, and service delivery goals.
• Plan and implement strategies for working with teachers and children with special needs. Strategies may include: observation in the classroom, implement early intervention based on data, modeling interventions/interactions for teaching staff, assist with developing goals to support full inclusion students.
• Provide support, training, and case management to families with children who have special needs.
• Coordinate completion and follow up for behavioral and developmental screenings.
• Attend IEP/IFSP meetings and develop/oversee implementation of individualized plans for children with special needs and/or challenging behavior.
• As an integral part of a Multidisciplinary team-Develop Individualized Positive Behavior Intervention Support Plans, model and train teaching staff on strategies including Social and Emotional Foundations for Early Learning.
• Participate in Professional Development days based on classroom and program needs.
• Manage and track referrals to local school districts and the Regional Center of the East Bay.
• Maintain detailed records and reports.
• Review child screening/assessment results and provide follow-up.
• Work collaboratively and coordinate services with other staff and service providers including frequent meetings to support wrap around services.
• Provide consistent communication to families and build positive reciprocal relationships.
• Special projects and other duties as assigned

If you’re passionate about supporting children with special needs and empowering teachers, and help create brighter futures for all.