Disability & Inclusion Specialist- Oakland/Emeryville/ Berkeley

Position Overview

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.

Why You’ll Love Working Here

• 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

Qualifications

• 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

Key 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

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

Specific Essential Function from the Job Description for this role

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

Join our mission!
If you’re passionate about supporting children with special needs and empowering teachers, apply today and help create brighter futures for all.