Education Inclusion Specialist - Salem YMCA

Supporting Early Learning, Onsite OST & Summer Camp Programs

Do you believe every child deserves the opportunity to feel included, supported, and successful? Are you passionate about helping children thrive through positive behavior support, collaboration, and individualized care? If so, the YMCA of the North Shore has an exciting opportunity for you!

The Salem YMCA is seeking a compassionate and experienced Full-Time Inclusion Specialist to support children, families, and staff across our Early Learning, onsite Out-of-School Time (OST), and onsite Summer Camp programs. This role plays an important part in creating welcoming and inclusive environments where children of all abilities can participate, build confidence, and succeed.

The Inclusion Specialist works closely with program staff, families, school partners, and community resources to provide guidance, coaching, and individualized support strategies that promote positive experiences for every child.

• Support children with varying social, emotional, behavioral, developmental, and learning needs across Early Learning, onsite OST, and onsite Summer Camp programs.
• Partner with program staff to create inclusive, supportive, and successful environments for children of all abilities.
• Observe children and help develop individualized behavior support strategies, accommodations, and proactive interventions.
• Collaborate with families, school personnel, and outside providers to promote consistency and continuity of support.
• Provide coaching and guidance to staff on behavior management, inclusion practices, child development, and social-emotional support.
• Help staff recognize behavioral trends and implement proactive strategies that promote positive outcomes.
• Support children as they transition between Early Learning, OST, and Summer Camp programming.
• Assist with staff training and family communication related to inclusion, behavior, and child development.
• Help ensure children feel safe, connected, respected, and engaged in YMCA programs.
• Promote an inclusive culture where every child is recognized for their strengths, abilities, and potential.

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, Early Childhood Education, Special Education, Psychology, or a related field preferred.
• Experience supporting children throughout the preschool and school-age years is required. 
• Experience working in Early Learning, school-age, OST, childcare, camp, educational, or behavioral support settings preferred.
• Knowledge of child development, social-emotional learning, positive behavior support, and inclusive practices.
• Familiarity with IEPs, behavior plans, accommodations, and/or early intervention services preferred.
• Strong communication, relationship-building, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively with children, families, staff, schools, and community partners.
• Ability to coach and support staff in implementing individualized strategies and inclusive practices.
• A compassionate, patient, and flexible approach to working with children and families.
• Passion for inclusion, youth development, and helping children of all abilities thrive.

• 🏊 FREE YMCA membership and employee discounts on programs
• 📚 Paid training and professional development opportunities
• 📈 Advancement and growth opportunities across our YMCA locations
• 🩺 Health and dental insurance for eligible full-time employees
• 🌴 Generous paid time off
• 💰 Retirement plan with a 12% employer contribution once vested — no employee match required
• 🤝 A supportive, mission-driven team environment
• 💙 The opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families in our community

At the Salem YMCA, inclusion means more than simply being present — it means making sure every child feels seen, supported, valued, and capable of success.

If you’re ready to help strengthen inclusion across our Early Learning, onsite OST, and onsite Summer Camp programs, we’d love to have you join our team!

Apply today and help us create a YMCA where every child belongs. 💙

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, Special Education, or a related field. A master's degree is preferred but not required

• Previous experience working with diverse populations and building authentic relationships across backgrounds.

• Demonstrated ability to develop and successfully implement child safety and behavioral support plans.

• Knowledge of child development, social/emotional health, and trauma-informed practices.

• Experience working with state agencies and knowledge of local community resources for families.

• Sound judgment, professionalism, and empathy when working with children, families, and staff.

• Salary range is based on education and experience, with higher ranges available for candidates holding a master’s degree.

• Must provide and maintain all documentation and certifications required by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC).

• Must complete all trainings, certifications, and program orientation as required by EEC and the YMCA of the North Shore.

• Must be able to lift a minimum of 40 lbs.

• Must be able to react quickly to the unpredictable actions and needs of children.

The YMCA is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination and equal opportunity for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religious creed, protected genetic information, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, or veteran's status.