Behavioral Specialist

YMCA of Orange County; Laguna Niguel (CA); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free YMCA membership

Tuition reimbursement

Medical benefits

Retirement fund

Paid sick time

Job summary

The YMCA of Orange County in California seeks a Full-time Behavior Specialist to support children with special needs across multiple OC sites. You will observe, assess, and implement behavior interventions in collaboration with the Child and Youth Development team.

Key responsibilities include promoting inclusion, delivering targeted support, and monitoring progress to ensure positive social-emotional growth for every child in a safe, respectful environment.

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years of age.
• Degree in child development, psychology, social work or related field; or a Bachelor’s Degree with a minimum of 2 years of Applied Behavior Analysis preferred.
• First Aid and CPR certifications required (Paid for by the YMCA).
• 12 ECE or a related field college units.
• Minimum of 4 years’ experience working with children and adolescents with special needs/developmental disability and/or challenging behaviors and their families.

Responsibilities

• Provide observation and assessment to support children with special needs.
• Develop and implement effective behavior interventions and resources.
• Collaborate with Child and Youth Development Department to support inclusive programming.
• Promote inclusion services across YMCA sites.
• Model core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.

Skills

Observation

Assessment

Behavior interventions

Team collaboration

Education

Child development degree

Psychology degree

Social work degree

12 ECE units

Job description

## DescriptionThe YMCA of Orange County is a leading non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. We are actively seeking highly engaged, intentional, and service-oriented individual for a Full-time Behavior Specialist position in North and South Orange County.This role is a profound opportunity to directly impact the lives of children and families by fostering genuine connections, practicing exceptional hospitality, and creating a safe, positive, and enriching environment where every interaction is meaningful.**Work Hours:** Typical Hours are 8am - 6pm. Hours can vary depending on needs.**Location:** Various Sites within the YMCA of Orange County.(Mission Viejo, Lake Forest, Irvine, Ladera Ranch, Rancho Santa Margarita, Aliso Viejo, Laguna Niguel, San Juan Capistrano, Dana Point, San Clemente, San Gabriel Valley, Huntington Beach, Newport/Costa Mesa, Tustin, Orange, Santa Ana, Brea and Pomona Valley.)**Purpose & Impact:*** **Be a Mentor:** + Provide assistance by working as a team with our Child and Youth Development Department regarding children with special needs/challenging behavior through direct observation and assessment, provision of effective behavior interventions, tools and resources, development and implementation of general and specific special needs topics.* **Champion Inclusion:** + Develops, organizes and implements inclusion services and programming for special needs children association wide.* **Model Core Values:** + Uphold Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility daily.* **Create Lasting Change:** + Your committed presence ensures positive social-emotional growth and success for every child.* **Official Job Description will be provided during the interview.****Minimum Qualifications:*** Must be 18 years of age.* Degree in child development, psychology, social work or related field; or a Bachelor’s Degree with a minimum of 2 years of Applied Behavior Analysis preferred.* First Aid and CPR certifications required (Paid for by the YMCA).* 12 ECE or a related field college units.* Minimum of 4 years’ experience working with children and adolescents with special needs/developmental disability and/or challenging behaviors and their families; exposure to and working knowledge of the Childcare / Youth Development field.* Must be able to commute/travel to other YMCA site/locations.**Invested in You: Benefits & Perks*** FREE YMCA Membership, Classes, and Pool Access.* FREE Training & Certifications.* Tuition Reimbursement.* Program Discounts (up to 100% off childcare).* Retirement Fund, Paid Sick Time.* Medical/Dental/Vision for Full-Time staff.Learn more about the YMCA and opportunities at: www.ymcaoc.org/careersOnce a conditional offer is made, candidates will be subject to criminal background check, drug screen, and will be asked to provide criminal history. Criminal history will be analyzed on a case by case basis as it related to the position. YMCA of Orange County participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.