Preschool Disabilities Specialist (3586)

Job Details Location: Mid Valley Family YMCA - Van Nuys, CA 91405 Type: Full Time Salary: $27.00 - $29.00 hourly Travel: Road Warrior Shift: Any Category: Preschool - Youth Development Position Summary Under the general supervision of the Mental Health and Disabilities Program Manager, the Disabilities Specialist ensures that children with disabilities and those with concerns for disabilities receive the services and support necessary to succeed in the Early Education Program. The role assists YMCA teaching staff in working with children related to developmental disabilities and/or conditions, implementing accommodation plans, and collaborating with families and external agencies to meet state and Head Start Performance Standards. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Disabilities Services Mentor teaching staff in early identification of developmental delays and the internal referral process as needed. Support teaching staff in implementing IFSP/IEP goals, individualizing services, and providing monthly classroom observations with feedback to Site Directors. Provide environmental accommodations for children with disabilities. Conduct classroom observations to monitor individualization of services and inclusion of children with special needs. Offer training and technical assistance related to children’s individualized needs, strategies, modeling, and recommendations to staff and parents. Conduct developmental screenings for children 0–5 across the agency. Monitor, track, and process completed developmental screenings with the Mental Health and Disabilities Manager. Ensure teaching staff have access to current IFSP/IEP for lesson planning and individualization. Support the review of IFSP/IEP with the primary educator. Maintain knowledge of relevant State and Federal regulations and LACOE GIMS. Refer and connect children and families to community agencies and appropriate services. Maintain electronic data and documentation of disabilities in Child Plus. Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings, Response to Pre-Referral Intervention, and interagency collaborative meetings. Develop and implement tracking systems monitoring progress through IEP or IFSPs, evaluating curriculums and teaching methods. Assist parents in the IFSP/IEP process, including attending meetings and goal setting. Attend required meetings, weekly supervision, MDT sessions, training, and evaluation meetings. Input data into Child Plus related to IFSP/IEP goals, maintain documentation, and collaborate with outside agencies. Assist with recruiting children with disabilities into the program. Collaborate with school districts or resource groups to set up agreements for disability services for incoming and transitional students. Other Support Facilitate staff and parent trainings supporting Early Intervention. Prepare and present reports related to disabilities services. Maintain confidentiality, obtain and maintain legal releases of information. Comply with all applicable federal, state, and county regulations, policies, and procedures. Perform other related essential functions as assigned. Evening or weekend hours may be required. Attend staff meetings and training as required. Uphold YMCA policies for safety, supervision, mandated reporting and risk management. Demonstrate the Six Pillars of Character and YMCA Core Values in all dealings. Demonstrate competencies in cause driven leadership areas of mission advancement, collaboration, operational effectiveness and personal growth. All other duties as assigned by supervisor. Qualifications Education: Bachelor’s degree in special education, Early Child Development, Psychology, or related field required; MA preferred. Experience: Three years as a disability specialist with an educational or social services agency involving social work, family, special education, or mental health counseling required. Experience performing developmental screenings preferred. Experience providing case management preferred. Experience providing social service referrals, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, and advocating for parents and children. Skills: Strong verbal and written communication, strong empathy & reflection, bilingual in English and Spanish required. Certifications: Class C driver’s license, proof of insurance and access to reliable transportation required; YMCA Approved Infant/Pediatric/Adult CPR/First Aid/AED certification or willingness to obtain within 60 days of employment. Immunizations & Physical: Successful completion of pre-employment physical, PPD test risk assessment, proof of immunizations for pertussis (Tdap), measles (MMR), influenza (may decline), TB test clearance. Work Environment / Minimum Physical Requirements Conduct assessments in classrooms, homes, and community settings. Job performed in indoor/outdoor environments at multiple program sites throughout the year. Ability to lift 25–30 lbs. Position based out of YMCA facility; not remote. Reliable transportation required; regular travel to program sites, off-site locations, meetings, training, and other work activities across LA County. Must have the physical, visual, and auditory ability required to perform essential functions. #J-18808-Ljbffr YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles