Disability & Inclusion Specialist- Richmond/Rodeo

About the Role

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.

Responsibilities

• 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
• Design and deliver high-quality programming that achieves educational, administrative, and service delivery goals
• Plan and implement strategies for working with teachers and children with special needs, including observation, data-driven early intervention, and modeling interventions for teaching staff
• Assist with developing goals to support full inclusion of 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
• Develop Individualized Positive Behavior Intervention Support Plans 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

Requirements

• 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

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• 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

Benefits

• 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