Do you want a career that impacts the community? Do you have a desire to work somewhere that changes children’s lives?

Join Chicago Youth Centers as we serve over 3,000 children and families each year!

Title: Inclusion Specialist

Company: Chicago Youth Centers (CYC)

Website: chicagoyouthcenters.org

Compensation: $50,000 - $60,000 per year; commensurate with education, credentials & experience

Classification: Full Time; Exempt

Reports to: Senior Director of Early Childhood Education

Supervisor Responsibilities: No

Location: CYC Wabash Headquarters at 218 S. Wabash Ave, Ste 510 (Chicago, IL)

Schedule: 8:30a - 5:00p; Monday - Friday; schedule varies depending on program needs

Purpose: The Inclusion Specialist manages, plans, and administers the disabilities, mental health, and instructional education services for children and families. Inclusion services must be coordinated with staff in other content areas and must include ongoing assessment of quality services. Provide daily supervision and guidance to assigned Para-Professional staff.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Assists in managing and ensure 10% of the agency-funded enrollment is children with diagnosed disabilities.
• Link children and families to an ongoing source of continuous, accessible disabilities services and mental health care, as appropriate.
• Manage a regular schedule of on-site consultation by a mental health professional that supports parent and staff efforts to address children's needs in a timely manner.
• Ensure the timely assessment of special education/related services needs to children with disabilities, conducted in coordination with the Part C agency and/or LEA; utilizing development screening data as a guide in the assessment process.
• Provide staff and parents with the information, guidance, and resources needed to help children and families meet the individualized goals and objectives in the IFSP/IEP.
• Assist in modifying activities; removing barriers; and providing support, as needed, for the inclusion of children with disabilities in the full range of program activities.
• Coordinate with the staff to ensure that children with suspected or diagnosed health disabilities, including children with special feeding/dietary needs, receive individualized services.
• Monitor and revise written policies and procedures to ensure compliance with applicable Head Start Performance Standards and other Federal, State, and local regulations under the guidance of the supervisor.
• Track provision of all child disabilities and mental health services and ensure that follow-up services are received in a timely manner
• Plan, develop and administer the Instructional Inclusion program plan, ensuring an integrated and comprehensive system of services for children with disabilities/ social-emotional concerns and their families.
• Plan and provide training and guidance to staff, parents, and the community on a variety of topics in the area of disabilities and Mental Health. Inclusive of advocacy efforts.
• Conduct and ensure on-going monitoring, tracking, follow-up and analysis of disabilities and mental health services.

Willing to embrace and demonstrate CYC’s Mantras:

• ATTITUDE MATTERS - Positivity begins with me. My attitude has the power to influence my environment and inspire those around me. I aim to be enthusiastic, optimistic, and kind—even when things get hard.
• CARE FOR REAL - I will take every opportunity to show that I truly care. I commit to serving children and families, my co-workers and my community. I will think, care and act in a respectful manner to uplift and support others.
• OWN IT - I will never say, “That’s not my job.” When I see something that needs to be done, I will assign myself and do it. I will make a commitment to carry out my job responsibilities and assignments with consistency, dependability, and respect.
• PUSH FORWARD - I will be determined and progressive in thought and action. I will press on when problems arise and find innovative ways to solve issues. I will continuously learn and be open to the ideas of others.

• Bachelor's Degree in Special Education, Early Childhood Education, Social Work, Psychology or related field.
• 2-3 years related experience
• Effective coaching and mentoring skills to support adult learning and professional development.
• Knowledge and experience supporting the implementation of high-quality teaching and instructional practices.
• Ability to guide and motivate staff in their professional growth.
• CLASS Reliable (preferred)
• Knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards, Illinois Early Learning Standards, and developmentally appropriate practices for infants
• Candidate must have reliable personal transportation and minimum vehicle insurance coverage; must be able to pass DMV background check and provide pre-employment medical screening for TB, MMR & T-dap.
• Bilingual is a plus

Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability, 403B, AFLAC (Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, Accident Insurances), Pet Insurance, Commuter/Transit

Chicago Youth Centers is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and drug free workplace. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. Chicago Youth Centers will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.