Location
Los Angeles County, California
The Inclusion Specialist ensures that children with emotional or developmental needs receive appropriate services and support through case management and interdisciplinary collaboration. They are responsible for monitoring developmental screenings, implementing intervention plans, and coordinating with mental health professionals to support families and staff.
Candidates should possess a bachelor's degree in sociology, social work, or a related field, along with two years of experience in a preschool or social services setting. A valid California driver's license, automobile insurance, and current CPR/First Aid certification are mandatory requirements.
Ensures that children receive necessary services offered both by the program and outside organizations Utilizes the identified Data Management System to track, monitor and follow-up on cases with identified concerns and for those children with Individualized Education Plans (IEP), receiving services or other diagnosed special need. Ensure that the Multi-Disciplinary Team Intervention Plan and/or strategies are being implemented and the progress is documented in the agencies electronic tracking system. Provides onsite observations and follow-up with identified children, as needed Monitors and tracks developmental and social emotional screenings and re-screenings and conducts necessary follow-up to ensure 45-day requirements and agency timelines are met. Coordinates with mental health professional to ensure mental health needs of children, family, and staff are met. Conducts or arranges for training for parents and staff in the areas of mental health and disabilities services to support children with special needs. Schedules mental health/disability meetings with parents to ensure they understand and are comfortable with the referral process. Assists with ensuring all regulatory requirements are met for the areas of mental health and disabilities. Ensures timely corrective action to any areas of concern. EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES YOU SHOULD POSSESS: Bachelor's degree in sociology, guidance and counseling, social work, or a related field preferred; relevant work experience in human services/social services or child development may be substituted for college level education. Two (2) years experience as a paraprofessional in a preschool, mental health, or social services agency. Two (2) years administrative, leadership and training supervisory experience is highly preferred. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Must possess a valid California driver's license, have use of a motor vehicle and provide evidence of automobile liability insurance. Must meet State health requirements including passing a physical examination as a condition of employment and must provide verification of a TB clearance at the time of employment. Mandatory CPR and Basic First Aid certificate, which employee is responsible to maintain for the duration of their employment with Head Start. Total Package of Benefits Medical/ Dental/ Vision - 95% paid by employer Pet Insurance Employee Assistance Program Voluntary Life and AD&D for Employee, Spouse and Children 401k Matching Options Flex Spending (Health Care and Dependent Care) Mutual of Omaha (STD, Accident, & Critical Illness) Generous Sick and Vacation Time Paid Holidays + Paid Winter Break from 12/24 - 1/1 (for select positions) Opportunity for Growth and Development Robust Learning Management System offering the following continuing education units: PDC, HRCI, CEU, CPE, PDU, SHRM Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for Employment in accordance with the Los Angeles Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act. Crystal Stairs is committed to building and sustaining a fully vaccinated, diverse workforce and culture. As part of this commitment, Crystal Stairs provides equal opportunity in all of our employment practices, including selection, hiring, promotion, transfer, and compensation, to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, medical condition as defined by state law, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, ethnic group identification, mental or physical disability, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions, or any other legally protected status. For more information about Crystal Stairs, please visit our website at: www.crystalstairs.org All Head Start positions are implemented in accordance with the Head Start Performance Standards in each service area.
Market context
In California, Head Start inclusion specialist roles are often tied to programs serving children with diverse developmental and family needs, so demand tends to follow local Head Start and early-learning staffing needs. These positions are competitive because employers usually look for a bachelor’s degree in sociology, social work, or a related field, plus two years in preschool or social services, and require a valid California driver’s license, auto insurance, and current CPR/First Aid. Before applying, confirm your certification dates and tailor your experience to inclusion, family support, and classroom collaboration; job requirements and benefits here are AI-summarized from the original posting to save research time.
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