Lead Inclusion Support Specialist

Empowering Pathways 365; Rancho Cucamonga (CA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

EMPOWERING PATHWAYS 365 is hiring for a Lead Inclusion Support Specialist to oversee an on-site program, guide the ISS team during sessions, and ensure a safe, engaging participant experience.

You will support participants during sports and fitness sessions, set up and close out activities, and escalate issues to leadership as needed. Training provided to grow into lead responsibilities.

Qualifications

• Minimum qualifications include High school diploma or GED.
• 2+ years of ABA or Behavioral Support experience.
• Experience supporting individuals with developmental, intellectual, or behavioral needs (Inclusion Support Specialist or equivalent).
• Ability to lead a team during sessions and pass required background clearances.

Responsibilities

• Support participants 1:1 or in small groups during active sports and fitness sessions.
• Lead the on-site ISS team during sessions, assigning support and maintaining flow.

Skills

ABA experience

Team leadership

Mentoring/coaching

Bilingual (EN/SP)

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

EMPOWERING PATHWAYS 365

Now Hiring: Lead Inclusion Support Specialist

Lead a program site and help individuals of all abilities play, grow, and thrive

Empowering Every Ability, Paving the Pathway to Every Goal

Who We Are

Empowering Pathways 365 (EP365) is a nonprofit making sports, fitness, recreation, and healthy lifestyles accessible to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and varying support needs. Through inclusive programs like soccer, basketball, boxing, dance, and fitness, we help participants build skills, confidence, friendships, and independence. We believe sports and fitness should be a lifelong opportunity, not a one-time event.

The Role

Our Lead Inclusion Support Specialist is an experienced team member who loves the direct work with participants AND is ready to run the floor. You will still support participants during sessions, and you will also be the on-site point person: setting the tone, directing the ISS team during sessions, keeping the program flowing, and being the steady first responder when something needs attention. If you are the person others naturally look to when things get busy, this role is for you.

What You’ll Do

• Support participants 1:1 or in small groups during active sports and fitness sessions.
• Lead the on-site ISS team during sessions, assigning support and keeping things running smoothly.
• Be the first point of contact when an incident or concern comes up, and loop in leadership.
• Model great support and help newer team members find their footing.
• Help set up, transition, and close out sessions so participants have a great experience.
• Keep participants safe and make sure documentation and incidents are handled correctly.

Who We’re Looking For

You are patient, dependable, energetic, compassionate, coachable, and professional, and you bring calm, confident judgment when a session gets busy. You enjoy helping participants succeed and you enjoy helping teammates succeed too. You lead by example and treat everyone with dignity and respect.

Helpful backgrounds include experience as an inclusion or direct-support staff member, behavior support, ABA, special education, recreation, coaching, kinesiology, psychology, child development, social services, or caregiving, along with any experience guiding or mentoring others. Strong transferable experience plus the right heart for this work is welcome; we provide training to help you grow into the lead responsibilities.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• 2 Years of ABA or Behavioral Support Experience.
• Prior experience supporting individuals with developmental, intellectual, or behavioral needs (Inclusion Support Specialist experience or equivalent).
• Dependability, sound judgment, and readiness to guide a team during sessions.
• Ability to pass required background clearances (DOJ Live Scan; CACI for staff working with minors).
• Ability to complete EP365 training, including CPR and First Aid.

Preferred Experience

• Experience mentoring, coaching, or leading staff, volunteers, or teams.
• Adaptive or inclusive sports, fitness, or recreation experience.
• ABA or behavioral support training.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) is a plus.

Schedule and Availability

EP365 programs generally run after school on weekdays and during the day on weekends, with seasonal variation. As the on-site lead, you are counted on to be present and ready before sessions begin.

Physical Requirements

This is an active, on-your-feet role. You will move alongside participants during sessions, standing, walking, and staying engaged for the length of a session, indoors and outdoors. EP365 provides reasonable accommodations in line with the ADA, and we encourage anyone who can perform these functions with or without reasonable accommodation to apply.

Training We Provide

You will receive all EP365 staff training, plus preparation for the lead function, including incident response and escalation as a site point person. You do not need to have everything mastered on day one; we help you grow into the role.

Why Join EP365

• Real leadership. Lead a site and see your impact on participants and teammates every session.
• Grow your career. Step up from direct support into a role with more responsibility and growth.
• Great team. Join a supportive, mission-driven team that has your back.
• Never boring. Active, hands-on days built around sports, movement, and fun.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Empowering Pathways 365 is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law. We provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the hiring process and employment.