Inclusion Specialist (Staten Island South Shore YMCA)

The YMCA of Greater New York empowers youth, improves health, and strengthens community through programs and services across 24 branches, serving a diverse population of over half a million New Yorkers. This role supports children’s learning, builds connections, and fosters a safe, fun, and inclusive environment where kids can grow socially, emotionally, and physically.

About the role

As an Inclusion Specialist at the Staten Island South Shore YMCA Afterschool program, you will shape a supportive environment where young people thrive. You’ll guide students in making positive choices, develop inclusive programming, and collaborate with a compassionate team to create enriching experiences for children of all abilities.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement inclusive programming in partnership with the Content Specialist to ensure accessibility for all participants.
• Create and execute creative outreach strategies to engage individuals facing barriers to participation, including physical barriers.
• Foster a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment where all youth and families feel valued and respected.
• Manage participants’ Individualized Accommodation Plans and maintain behavioral support plans and logs.
• Support systems for tracking student behaviors and collaborate with staff, caregivers, and teachers to identify behavior support techniques.
• Partner with the Program Director to integrate social-emotional development and behavior management into programming.
• Guide staff on implementing behavioral strategies in the learning environment.
• Communicate with DYCD about specialized support needs beyond the program’s capacity.
• Ensure staff are trained in trauma-informed programming and common mental health support needs (e.g., depression, anxiety, trauma).
• Create a resource center for stakeholders to provide ongoing support for emerging issues.
• Provide referrals for mental health services and additional support as needed.
• Respond to time-sensitive mental health needs, such as suicide prevention or grief support.
• Implement lessons and training to support full participation for individuals with physical or cognitive special needs.
• Conduct technical assistance with YMCA staff on behavior challenges, engagement, and social-emotional development.
• Provide task management for social work interns, if applicable, to support participants’ behavioral, emotional, and physical needs.
• Adhere to standards and regulations from the Office of Children and Family Services, Department of Health, NYC Public Schools, and funders.

Requirements

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

Benefits

• Retirement benefits.
• Medical benefits.
• Paid time off.
• Free YMCA membership.
• Benefit eligibility based on employment status, tenure, and scheduled hours.

Pay

$20.00 - $25.00 hourly.

Employment Type: Part-Time / Regular
Location: Staten Island YMCA South Shore Center, Staten Island, NY