Manager of Child Safety, Inclusion and Behavior Management

YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

The YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago is seeking a Manager of Child Safety, Inclusion and Behavior Management to lead safety initiatives, inclusion services, and behavior management guidance across branches. You will collaborate with risk management, program staff, and leadership to implement policies and training aligned with ADA and accreditation standards.

This role requires extensive experience with disabilities, strong communication, and the ability to travel across the Chicagoland area.

Qualifications

• B.A./B.S. degree or equivalent in special education, therapeutic recreation or related field with practical experience.
• CTRS certification required or must be attained within two years of hire.
• Minimum six years full-time experience planning and conducting recreation programs for people with disabilities.
• Knowledge of disabilities and six+ years experience working with individuals with disabilities.
• Demonstrated enthusiasm, interpersonal and verbal/written communication skills.
• Must travel locally using own vehicle with valid driver's license.
• Excellent computer skills; experience in recruiting/training staff is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop policies for safe environments and operations for youth and vulnerable adults.
• Ensure staff and volunteers are trained in abuse prevention.
• Lead Praesidium accreditation efforts.
• Provide guidance on disability-inclusion best practices under the ADA.
• Assist in policy updates for inclusion services; identify training opportunities.
• Prepare reports as requested; manage multiple priorities in stressful situations.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Problem solving

Independent work

Travel locally

Computer skills

Education

B.A./B.S. in special education or therapeutic recreation

CTRS certification (required or within 2 years)

Six years experience in recreation for people with disabilities

Job description

Job Purpose

The Manager of Child Safety, Inclusion and Behavior Management for the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago (\"Association\") supports the Association's child safety initiatives, efforts to review, assess, and when able, provide accommodations for individuals with disabilities, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and behavior management analysis and response. This includes all relevant child safety policy development, training and Praesidium accreditation; the assessment of requests related to program participants with disabilities, and planning necessary supports; and development of behavior management best practices and guidance in cooperation with Community Hub and Program staff throughout the Association.

This position will interact with many levels and functions of the Association's business structure, including but not limited to Community Hub and concierge management, program directors, childcare staff, and risk management staff. Manager of Child Safety, Inclusion and Behavior Management will report into the operations team.

Scope Of Responsibilities

Manager of Child Safety, Inclusion and Behavior Management will work with the Director of Risk Management to serve as the internal support contact for the Association for all child safety initiatives, accommodation requests, and behavior management strategies. This position will be responsible to perform the following,

• Develop policies that will focus the organization on providing a safe environment and safe operations for all youth and vulnerable adults in the Association's programs and spaces


• Ensure the training of all staff members and volunteers in abuse prevention


• Establish a zero tolerance for error in the areas of child safety and communicate this expectation to staff consistently and regularly


• Lead Praesidium accreditation efforts


• Provide guidance related to disability-inclusion best practices pursuant to the ADA


• Assist in developing and updating policies and procedures related to the management of inclusion services for the Association


• Identify and recommend training opportunities for applicable Association staff


• Develop and maintain effective communication in all work-related relationships to ensure appropriate supports are in place


• Evaluate the effectiveness of accommodations and Association policies, procedures, and support of inclusion


• Provide guidance and support for behavioral situations in child programs from branch/camp staff


• Develop behavior support services policies


• Identify and coordinate professional development training opportunities for branch/camp staff including coaching and consulting on behavior support and classroom strategies


• Utilize a restorative approach in coaching staff and supporting youth, including building practices to support youth success in programming and, when necessary, reintegrate children into programming


• Prepare reports as requested


• Perform required duties under stressful situations without supervision


• Recommend supplies and equipment which are associated with program assignments and responsibilities

Perform other duties as assigned when necessary, or duties in the best interest of the Association.

Qualifications

Required Education

• B.A/B.S. degree or equivalent from an accredited program in special education, therapeutic recreation or recreation with a therapeutic emphasis along with practical experience in therapeutic recreation programming. In the alternative, graduate from an accredited college or university with a B.A. or B.S. in a related field, and practical experience in therapeutic recreation programming.


• CTRS certification with the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification is required or must be attained within two (2) years of hire. If certification in a related field is more applicable because of the academic background of the employee, certification is required or must be attained within two (2) years of hire.


• Minimum of six (6) years full time experience planning and conducting recreation programs for people with disabilities and facilitating inclusion.


• Must demonstrate knowledge of disabilities and have six (6) or more years of experience working with individuals with disabilities, including planning a wide range of recreation activities.


• Must demonstrate passion and commitment to the Association's mission.


• Demonstrated enthusiasm, interpersonal skills, verbal and written communication skills, and ability to work effectively with people with disabilities, Association staff, parents, guardians, participants, school district personnel, community agencies, as well as members of the general public.


• Must be able to work independently with minimal direction, have demonstrated problem-solving skills, influence others, and demonstrate consistent, positive interactions and communications with others.


• Demonstrated ability to plan work effectively to meet goals and effectively manage multiple, competing priorities.


• Knowledge of current standards of professional practice and ability to apply these standards to daily work.


• Ability to travel local using own vehicle throughout the Chicagoland area (city and suburbs) with current, valid driver's license.


• Must have excellent computer skills.


• Experience in the recruitment, training, supervision, and evaluation of seasonal or part-time employees is preferred.