Program Inclusion & Support Specialist

Job DetailsJob Location: Whatcom Family YMCA - Bellingham, WA 98225Position Type: Full TimeSalary Range: $23.00 - $27.00 HourlyDo you believe every child deserves to feel safe, supported, and successful? Are you passionate about inclusion, positive behavior support, and helping staff and families create environments where all youth can thrive?

The YMCA is looking for a Program Inclusion & Support Specialist to champion inclusion across our child care and camp programs. In this impactful role, you’ll work side-by-side with staff, families, and community partners to ensure every young person has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

Why This Role Matters

At the Y, we don’t just run programs—we build belonging. This position supports our mission of strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility by providing hands-on coaching, training, and resources that help children and youth succeed socially, emotionally, and behaviorally.

What You’ll Do


Be a coach and collaborator—modeling positive behavior guidance and social-emotional skills while supporting staff in real-time
Help create inclusive, welcoming environments by recommending accommodations and strategies that support participation for all youth
Partner with families from the very beginning through intake, screening, and ongoing communication
Provide consultation and intervention-level support through observation, feedback, and practical tools
Design and lead engaging staff trainings on inclusion, trauma-informed care, de-escalation, and behavior support
Collect and analyze data to track impact and continuously improve inclusion services
Serve as a connector—linking families to community resources and collaborating with schools, therapists, and agencies
Ensure compliance with state, federal, grant, and YMCA requirements
Be a visible leader and ambassador for the Y at events, initiatives, and association-wide efforts


Who You Are


Passionate about inclusion, child development, and positive behavior support
Skilled at building relationships with youth, staff, and families
Comfortable coaching adults and working directly with children
Organized, reflective, and eager to learn and apply best practices
Aligned with the YMCA’s values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility


Why You’ll Love Working at the Y


Mission-driven work with real, daily impact
Collaborative, supportive team environment
Opportunities for professional growth and leadership
Be part of a trusted nonprofit making a difference in your community


If you’re ready to help every child feel seen, supported, and successful—this is the role for you. Join the YMCA and help us build stronger, more inclusive communities.

 
QualificationsRequired Qualifications


Bachelor’s degree in Child Development, Education, Special Education, Psychology, Social Work, Human Services, or a closely related field; or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
Minimum of 2 years of experience working directly with children and/or youth ages 3–17 in group-based settings such as child care, camps, schools, or youth development programs.
Demonstrated experience supporting youth with diverse developmental, behavioral, social-emotional, and learning needs in inclusive environments.
Knowledge of positive behavior guidance, social-emotional learning, and developmentally appropriate practices.
Ability to observe, assess, and analyze youth behavior and program environments and recommend practical strategies, modifications, and accommodations.
Experience providing coaching, consultation, or training to direct service staff.
Demonstrated ability to work independently while managing multiple sites, priorities, and timelines.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to document observations, complete reports, and communicate effectively with staff, families, and partners.
Ability to collect, track, and analyze data using data management tools to inform decision-making and continuous improvement.
Knowledge of and ability to comply with applicable federal, state, and local regulations, including DCYF licensing requirements.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment.
Ability to travel between program sites as needed.





Preferred Qualifications


Experience working specifically in licensed child care, school-age care, and/or camp settings.
Training or certification in areas such as:

Positive Behavior Support (PBS)
Trauma-informed care
Social-emotional learning (SEL)
Inclusion or disability services
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) principles (non-clinical)


Experience developing and delivering staff trainings, workshops, or professional development sessions.
Bilingual or multilingual abilities.


WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

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