Behavioral Health & Disabilities Specialist

Behavioral Health & Disabilities Specialist

Southwood Admin, 1030 Southwood Dr, San Luis Obispo, California, United States of America

Posted Thursday, March 5, 2026 at 11:00 AM

Helping People. Changing Lives.

This role will be station at our main office in San Luis Obispo. Frequent travel to Fresno and San Joaquin counties is required at least once a week.

Under the supervision of the Behavioral Health & Disabilities Manager, this role supports Disabilities and Behavioral Health services for children ages birth to five in CYFS programs. The Specialist provides training and technical assistance to staff and parents, supports child development through guidance and observation, and ensures compliance with disability laws. This position also coordinates referrals for children needing special education or behavioral health services to the appropriate agencies.

What you bring to the table:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or Child Development, or a closely related field. Plus two years of experience in teaching/management in an early childhood program.
• Experience working with children with a diversity of special needs preferred.
• Teaching experience with children 0-5 years of age.
• Fluency in two or more languages, including one that supports the needs of the program and community is preferred, but not required.

As a Behavioral Health & Disabilities Specialist you will:

• Train and support staff and families on IDEA, disability laws, Head Start Performance Standards, and referral/evaluation processes.
• Maintain partnerships and collaboration with School Districts, SELPAs, Part C Providers, LEAs, Mental Health Consultants, and community resources.
• Support transitions and attend IEP/IFSP meetings; assist families in advocating for necessary disability services.
• Monitor and maintain accurate documentation, data entry, and records for IEP/IFSP goals and disability‑related services.
• Conduct observations and visits to centers, provider homes, and home‑based settings to support accommodations, behavioral needs, and implementation of plans.
• Provide behavioral and mental health guidance, training, and PBSP development; ensure staff understand referral pathways and best‑practice strategies.
• Offer ongoing training and modeling of evidence‑based practices (e.g., Teaching Pyramid, Second Step, Conscious Discipline).
• Participate in Case Review and maintain communication, case management, referrals, and follow‑up for identified children and families.
• Attend meetings and trainings, stay current on practices, maintain confidentiality, and support inclusive environments for all children and families.
• Conduct in‑person and electronic monitoring to ensure compliance with CAPSLO policies, California requirements, and program standards.

Please note this job advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

To view the full job description  .

For a comprehensive list of employee perks and benefits, please visit capslo.org/careers.

For questions regarding the application process or open positions, contact the Recruiting Department at  or email us at recruitment.

EOE/V/ADA/Drug Free Workplace/Asset Infused Organization. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Community Action Partnership of San Luis Obispo County, Inc. will consider all qualified applicants without attention to race, sex, age religion, disability, national origin, veteran status, socioeconomic class, or any other protected characteristic.