What are the responsibilities and job description for the Inclusion Specialist NEW position at YMCA of the East Bay?
POSITION SUMMARY:
These general functions will be carried out in keeping with the Goals, Mission and Policies of the YMCA of the East Bay. The Inclusion Specialist is responsible for providing classroom and home support for children with disabilities and other special needs enrolled in all ECI programs to include: mentoring, coaching and supporting teaching staff; monitoring/developing and implementing individualized plans; and working closely with staff, service providers and families to ensure the full inclusion of children into the Head Start/Early Head Start/Child Development programs. This includes compliance with all applicable regulations and procedures.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
1. Design and deliver high-quality programming that achieves the educational, administrative, and service delivery goals.
2. 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.
3. Provide support, training, and case management to families with children who have special needs.
4. Coordinate completion and follow up for behavioral and developmental screenings.
5. Attend IEP/IFSP meetings and develop/oversee implementation of individualized plans for children with special needs and/or challenging behavior.
6. 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.
7. Participate in Professional Development days based on classroom and program needs.
8. Manage and track referrals to local school districts and the Regional Center of the East Bay.
9. Maintain detailed records and reports.
10. Review child screening/assessment results and provide follow-up. 11. Work collaboratively and coordinate services with other staff and service providers including frequent meetings to support wrap around services.
12. Provide consistent communication to families and build positive reciprocal relationships.
13. Special projects and other duties as assigned.
MEASURE OF EFFECTIVENESS
This position has a primary impact on the operations of the YMCA program promotion, registration and dissemination of information. Therefore, the effectiveness of the fulfillment of this position should be measured by:
1. Actual compliance of the program with all Head Start program procedures and the ability to document and support compliance with appropriate systems and records.
2. Maximization of actual funds received.
3. A positive point of contact for staff, parents and families with accurate, timely responses.
4. Program is in a dynamic state of evolution and improvement.
WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
- Sufficient strength, agility and mobility to perform essential functions and to supervise program activities in a wide variety of indoor and outdoor locations
- Must be able to work on a computer for an extended period of time
- Ability to lift up to 30 pounds
- Must be able to travel locally for meetings, training and special events
- Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions
LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES:
- Communication and Influence
- Developing Self and Others
- Engaging Community
- Emotional Maturity
- Inclusion
- Functional Expertise
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Master's Degree in Special Education, Early Childhood/Special Education or a related field from an accredited college or university preferred. Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university with a concentration in Education/Special Education/Behavioral Science considered, with demonstrated ability to meet job competencies.
- Two years' teaching, early intervention, coaching or related experience with low income, diverse populations, preferably in federal and/or state subsidized program
- A high degree of cultural awareness and competency in cross-cultural practices with children and families
- Experience working with children who have special needs
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to serve as a Special Education Advocate for families when needed
- Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred
- Livescan clearance by the DOJ and CCL agencies
- Criminal record clearance and health requirements that include TB screen and other required health clearances
- Valid CDL and use of a personal automobile including evidence of auto liability insurance coverage
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, databases and other computer programs
