Inclusion Specialist, Afterschool Programs

Mass Transit magazine; New York (NY); On-site; USD 28,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

The Flatbush YMCA is seeking an Inclusion Specialist for its Afterschool program. You will shape a positive, supportive environment that helps children thrive socially, emotionally, and physically through inclusive activities and proactive guidance.

You will lead staff in applying behavioral strategies, collaborate with caregivers and teachers, and ensure accessibility for all participants, including those with diverse abilities. Training and robust teamwork are essential.

Qualifications

• 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 years of experience working with children under 13.
• Current Pediatrics CPR or First Aid certification preferred.
• Ability to speak multiple languages preferred.
• Proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Strong interpersonal skills and leadership abilities; comfortable with diverse youth and adults.

Responsibilities

• Actively welcome and develop programming in partnership with the Content Specialist to serve a diverse group of participants, ensuring accessibility for all in the community.
• Develop and implement inclusive outreach strategies to connect with individuals who may face barriers to participation.
• Foster a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for all young people and families.
• Manage participants’ Individualized Accommodation Plans.
• Maintain student behavioral support plans and logs.
• Support tracking of student behaviors and collaborate with staff, caregivers, and teachers on behavior support techniques.
• Partner with the Program Director to infuse social-emotional development and behavior management into programming.
• Guide staff on implementing behavioral strategies in the learning environment.
• Communicate with DYCD about needs for specialized supports beyond program capacity.
• Ensure staff are familiar with mental health support needs and trauma-informed programming.
• Support creation of a resource center for stakeholders and provision of information and referrals for mental health and other services.
• Respond to time-sensitive mental health needs (suicide prevention, grief, loss).
• Deliver lessons and training to enable participation for those with special needs; provide TA to YMCA staff.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Leadership

Multilingual ability

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education, Social Sciences, Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, or related field

ME/MSW/MHC student or graduate

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

The Flatbush YMCA is seeking an Inclusion Specialist for its Afterschool program. You will shape a positive, supportive environment that helps children thrive socially, emotionally, and physically through inclusive activities and proactive guidance.

You will lead staff in applying behavioral strategies, collaborate with caregivers and teachers, and ensure accessibility for all participants, including those with diverse abilities. Training and robust teamwork are essential.