ABOUT THE ROLE:
The Inclusion Specialist is responsible for providing support and/or accommodations to students who have an identified need or disability within Out of School Time (OST) programs in Cambridge, Massachusetts. OST programs include After-School and Summer Camp settings that are facilitated by DHSP. This position requires a collaborative approach as it will involve engagingwith various stakeholders who work with the identified student population we serve. Other essential skills include clear and concise communication, the ability to be flexible and accommodating, and overall dedication to our team's goals and missions.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Provide onsite coaching and modeling to program staff working with children and youth in our programs.
- Review Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) with staff and assist with recommended modifications.
- Observe students in school day classrooms to ensure consistent delivery of support.
- Work with families from a diverse ethnic, cultural and socio-economic population in an urban environment.
- Facilitate communication between schools, DHSP programs and families.
- Actively engage in and supporting the Department’s Race and Equity Initiative.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
Education and Experience
- Three years of experience working with children with diverse needs.
- Two years of experience in out of school programs required.
- Practical experience integrating children with disabilities into inclusive environments.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to work with management and employees with various strong skills sets.
- Strong facilitation and conflict resolution skills.
Preferred QUALIFICATIONS:
- Knowledge of the Cambridge community.
- Bachelor’s Degree preferred.
- Facilitating Trainings for large groups.
SUMMARY OF BENEFITS:
- Competitive health, dental, and vision insurance
- Vacation and Sick leave eligible
- Paid parental leave
- Sick Incentive Pay Eligible
- 3 Personal days
- 14 Paid Holidays
- Management Allowance, $2,700/year
- City employee commuter benefits (T-Pass reimbursement Bluebikes membership, EZRide Shuttle membership)
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS, WORKING CONDITIONS, WORK FLEXIBILITY AND ACCOMODATIONS:
- Work indoors is in a professional office setting and classroom setting which includes time at a desk with fluorescent lighting above. The noise level in work environment is moderately to very loud.
- Work outdoors at playgrounds with differing seasonal elements
- Position may require field trips to surrounding areas with children and staff.
- Ability to travel to meetings within the City.
- This position may be eligible for hybrid work under the City’s new Telework Policy, depending on operational needs.
- Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to:
- Be agile in their movements; moving quickly from sitting on the floor to standing to kneeling so as to be at child’s eye level. Employees may have to run after children, both in play and to respond to an emergency.
- Be able to hear children who speak in a soft voice or mumble words when distressed.
- Be able to use their hands and arms to move, reach, handle and manipulate objects in the classroom. This includes moving furniture once a year when room is re-organized.
- Be able to occasionally lift and/or move a child (up to 40lbs.).
- Vision abilities are required for the supervision of children.
SUMMARY OF BENEFITS:
- Competitive health, dental, and vision insurance
- Vacation and Sick leave eligible
- Paid parental leave
- Sick Incentive Pay Eligible
- 3 Personal days
- 14 Paid Holidays
- Management Allowance, $2,700/year
- City employee commuter benefits (T-Pass reimbursement Bluebikes membership, EZRide Shuttle membership)
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:
Please upload the below documents to complete your application:
- Resume
- Cover letter