Inclusion Specialist (Cross Island YMCA)

The YMCA of Greater New York is here for all New Yorkers — to empower youth, improve health, and strengthen community. Founded in 1852, today the Y serves a diverse population of more than half a million New Yorkers who learn, grow, and thrive through programs and services at our 24 branches.

About the role

Being part of the YMCA Afterschool staff team is a deeply rewarding job where you support children’s learning, help build strong connections, and have a positive impact on so many in your community. At Y Afterschool, we will create a safe and fun space for kids to learn and grow, lead creative activities, and help them develop valuable skills. This is an opportunity to make a real difference and gain invaluable leadership and interpersonal experience.

The Cross Island YMCA is seeking an Inclusion Specialist. As a key member of our Afterschool team, the Inclusion Specialist will be instrumental in shaping a positive, supportive environment where young people can thrive socially, emotionally, and physically. They will help guide students in making proactive, positive choices and in growing their confidence, working alongside a compassionate team to create an enriching and empowering experience for every child. This role will include fostering a culture of mutual respect and cooperation through engaging activities and support systems for children with all types of diverse abilities.

Responsibilities

• Actively welcome and develop programming in partnership with the Content Specialist to serve a diverse group of participants, ensuring our program is accessible to everyone in the community.
• Develop and implement creative, inclusive outreach strategies to connect with and engage individuals who may face extra barriers to participation, including physical barriers.
• Foster a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment where all young people and their families feel valued, respected, and heard.
• Manage participants’ Individualized Accommodation Plans.
• Maintain student behavioral support plans and logs.
• Support the implementation of systems for tracking student behaviors and collaborate with staff, caregivers, and teachers to identify individual behavior support techniques for students experiencing challenges.
• Partner with the Program Director to ensure social-emotional development and behavior management are infused into programming.
• Guide staff on how to effectively implement behavioral strategies in the learning environment.
• Communicate with DYCD about needs for specialized supports that are beyond the program’s capacity.
• Ensure staff are familiar with common mental health support needs (i.e., depression, anxiety, trauma, substance abuse, etc.) and a trauma-informed programming approach to support all participants and families.
• Support the creation of a resource center for stakeholders to ensure ongoing support for topics and issues as they arise.
• Provide reliable information about available resources and make relevant referrals for mental health services and additional services as needed.
• Respond appropriately when time-sensitive mental health services are needed, such as suicide prevention, grief, and loss due to the death or incarceration of a family member.
• Implement lessons and training on how to provide additional support and services to enable full participation for those with special needs, both physical and cognitive.
• Conduct technical assistance with YMCA staff in programming related to behavior challenges, engagement, and social-emotional development.
• If applicable, provide task management with social work interns to provide purposeful roles that support the behavioral, emotional, and physical needs of the participants.
• Adhere to all Office of Children and Family Services, Department of Health, New York City Public Schools, YMCA of Greater New York, and funder standards, expectations, and regulations.

Desired Skills & Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education, Social Sciences, Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, or related field required.
• ME, MSW/MHC student or graduate preferred.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience working with children under the age of 13.
• Current Pediatrics CPR or First Aid certification preferred.
• Ability to speak multiple languages preferred.
• General knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Strong interpersonal skills, leadership qualities, and comfortable working with diverse youth and adults.

Benefits

• Retirement benefits
• Medical benefits
• Paid time off
• Free YMCA membership