Community Action Partnership of San Luis Obispo County, Inc.·San Luis Obispo, California
This role supports services for children aged birth to five, providing training and technical assistance to staff and parents while ensuring compliance with disability laws. The specialist also coordinates referrals for children needing special education or behavioral health services to appropriate agencies.
Helping People.
Changing Lives.
This role will be station at our main office in San Luis Obispo.
Frequent travel to Fresno and San Joaquin counties is required at least once a week.
Under the supervision of the Behavioral Health & Disabilities Manager, this role supports Disabilities and Behavioral Health services for children ages birth to five in CYFS programs.
The Specialist provides training and technical assistance to staff and parents, supports child development through guidance and observation, and ensures compliance with disability laws.
This position also coordinates referrals for children needing special education or behavioral health services to the appropriate agencies.
What you bring to the table: Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or Child Development, or a closely related field.
Plus two years of experience in teaching/management in an early childhood program.
Experience working with children with a diversity of special needs preferred.
Teaching experience with children 0-5 years of age.
Fluency in two or more languages, including one that supports the needs of the program and community is preferred, but not required As a Behavioral Health & Disabilities Specialist you will: Train and support staff and families on IDEA, disability laws, Head Start Performance Standards, and referral/evaluation processes.
Maintain partnerships and collaboration with School Districts, SELPAs, Part C Providers, LEAs, Mental Health Consultants, and community resources.
Support transitions and attend IEP/IFSP meetings; assist families in advocating for necessary disability services.
Monitor and maintain accurate documentation, data entry, and records for IEP/IFSP goals and disability‑related services.
Conduct observations and visits to centers, provider homes, and home‑based settings to support accommodations, behavioral needs, and implementation of plans.
Provide behavioral and mental health guidance, training, and PBSP development; ensure staff understand referral pathways and best‑practice strategies.
Offer ongoing training and modeling of evidence‑based practices (e.g., Teaching Pyramid, Second Step, Conscious Discipline).
Participate in Case Review and maintain communication, case management, referrals, and follow‑up for identified children and families.
Attend meetings and trainings, stay current on practices, maintain confidentiality, and support inclusive environments for all children and families.
Conduct in‑person and electronic monitoring to ensure compliance with CAPSLO policies, California requirements, and program standards.
Please note this job advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job.
Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
To view the full job description click HERE.
For a comprehensive list of employee perks and benefits, please visit capslo.org/careers.
For questions regarding the application process or open positions, contact the Recruiting Department at 805-544-4355 or email us at recruitment@capslo.org.
EOE/V/ADA/Drug Free Workplace/Asset Infused Organization. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Community Action Partnership of San Luis Obispo County, Inc. will consider all qualified applicants without attention to race, sex, age religion, disability, national origin, veteran status, socioeconomic class, or any other protected characteristic.
Minimum requirements vary by level, starting with a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education or Child Development, with higher levels requiring advanced degrees, specific certifications, and up to four years of relevant teaching or management experience. Experience working with children with diverse special needs and fluency in multiple languages are preferred.
Market context
In California, Behavioral Health & Disabilities Specialist roles are commonly tied to early childhood and school-based support needs, so demand often follows programs serving children with developmental or behavioral needs. These positions can be competitive because employers may look for a mix of education, certifications, and hands-on experience, and this platform’s AI-summarized job requirements and benefits help you review the original posting faster. Before applying, compare the level-specific degree and experience requirements to your background and confirm any required credentials.
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