Inclusion Paraprofessional - Haverhill YMCA

YMCA OF THE NORTH SHORE INC • Haverhill, MA

1d • $25 - $25 • Onsite

About The Position

The Haverhill YMCA is seeking a caring and dedicated Inclusion Paraprofessional to join their team. In this role, you will provide individualized support to children in YMCA programs, helping them build confidence, strengthen social-emotional skills, and fully participate in activities alongside their peers. You will work closely with the Inclusion Team and program staff to create a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment where every child has the opportunity to succeed.

Requirements

• Experience working with children in childcare, after-school programs, education, recreation, special education, behavioral health, or a related field.
• Passion for supporting children with diverse learning, developmental, behavioral, and sensory needs.
• Strong communication, teamwork, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to remain patient, flexible, and positive while supporting children with varying abilities.
• Commitment to creating an environment where every child feels welcomed, respected, and included.
• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• At least one year of experience working with children or youth in a group setting, such as childcare, after-school programs, camps, recreation, or schools.
• Basic understanding of child development and social-emotional learning.
• Ability to build positive, supportive relationships with children, families, and colleagues.
• Strong observation skills with the ability to remain calm and respond appropriately in a dynamic environment.
• Willingness to learn and implement inclusion strategies, behavior supports, and individualized approaches to meet participant needs.
• Successfully complete and maintain a Background Record Check (BRC) in accordance with Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) regulations.
• Complete all required onboarding, training, certifications, and program orientation in accordance with YMCA of the North Shore and EEC requirements.
• Maintain current Adult, Child, and Infant CPR/First Aid Certification (or obtain certification within the required timeframe).
• Maintain all documentation and certifications required by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care.

Nice To Haves

• Experience implementing behavior support strategies or inclusion practices is preferred but not required.
• Experience supporting children with diverse developmental, behavioral, or sensory needs is a plus, but not required.

Responsibilities

• Provide one-on-one and small group support to children to encourage participation, engagement, and a sense of belonging.
• Foster an inclusive environment by implementing individualized support and behavior strategies that meet each child's unique developmental and sensory needs.
• Build positive relationships with participants while encouraging independence, confidence, communication, and peer interactions.
• Reinforce social-emotional learning through guided activities, positive role modeling, creative play, and sensory-based supports.
• Observe participant behaviors, interactions, and progress, sharing feedback with the Inclusion Team and program staff to help ensure continued success.
• Maintain accurate documentation and communicate participant progress in a timely and professional manner.
• Collaborate with teachers, program staff, and the Inclusion Team to create consistent, supportive experiences for every child.
• Help maintain a safe, positive, and welcoming environment while supporting daily program operations as needed.

Benefits

• FREE YMCA of the North Shore Membership
• Employee discounts on YMCA programs, childcare, and camps.
• Paid training and professional development opportunities.
• Opportunities for career growth within the YMCA of the North Shore.
• Retirement plan with a 12% employer contribution (once vested; no employee match required).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed