DYCD COMPASS Center-Based Afterschool Program — 1720 Crotona Ave
JOB DESCRIPTION
Content Specialist / Inclusion Coordinator / Mental Health Supports Lead
Reports To Program Director
Job Type Part-Time
Schedule 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM (general operating hours may range 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
depending on school needs)
Pay Rate $20-$25per hour
Program COMPASS Elementary — Center-Based / Non-Public School Site
Location 1720 Crotona Avenue, Bronx, NY (occasional travel across NYC required)
Position Summary
This combined role serves as the program's Content Specialist, Inclusion Coordinator, and Mental Health Supports Lead. Per the DYCD COMPASS RFP, these three responsibilities may be held by the same senior staff member, as long as this person does not also serve as the Program Director. The Content Specialist selects and manages program content across all Required
Content Areas and supports front-line staff. The Inclusion Coordinator ensures participants with disabilities and special needs can fully access the program. The Mental Health Supports Lead ensures the program is prepared to recognize, respond to, and refer participants and families experiencing mental health concerns.
Key Responsibilities — Content Specialist
- Select and manage program content across all Required Content Areas (SEL, Physical Activity, Academic Support, STEAM & Literacy, Introduction to College/Careers, Life Skills).
- Oversee and support Activity Specialists and Group Leaders in delivering high-quality activities.
- Select curricula or create lesson plans as needed.
- Support program staff through observation, supervision, coaching, and professional development.
- Provide a minimum of 9 hours of service per week to the program.
Key Responsibilities — Inclusion Coordinator
- Manage participants' Individualized Accommodation Plans.
- Maintain Student Behavioral Support Plans and Logs.
- Coordinate services for participants with disabilities, directly (e.g., arranging paraprofessionals, staff with relevant language skills) or indirectly (e.g., referrals for learning disability or mental health screening).
- Communicate with DYCD regarding needs for specialized supports beyond the program's capacity (e.g., paraprofessionals, nurses, transportation).
- Complete DYCD's required 1-hour self-paced training on accessibility, inclusion, and universal design (via Changeuplearning.com).
Key Responsibilities — Mental Health Supports Lead
- Oversee implementation of the program's Mental Health Supports, in line with DYCD's Promote the Positive framework.
- Develop and maintain the program's Referral Plan in partnership with local Mental Health or Behavioral Health providers;
- update and disseminate to staff at least annually.
- Create and implement the site's Crisis Navigation Plan, in conjunction with Mental Health/Behavioral Health partners.
- Liaise with named Mental Health/Behavioral Health providers to ensure coordinated, comprehensive resources for participants.
- Track and report de-identified, aggregate referral data to assess participant needs.
- Complete DYCD's required 2-hour training on the mental health spectrum, mental health crises, and organizational crisis navigation planning.
Qualifications :
- Content Specialist requirement (per DYCD RFP):
- Bachelor's degree, with at least one year of experience in a supervisory or oversight position, including
- management/development of program content, staff supervision, training, and coaching.
Education:
- Bachelor's degree or associate degree in Education, Special Education, Social Work, or a related field.
Experience:
- Minimum of 3 years of experience in an educational or programmatic setting with a focus on inclusion or special education.
Skills
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills combined with strong problem-solving abilities to facilitate productive
- interactions and resolutions.
- Proven experience working with students, families, and community agencies to create supportive networks.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office and capable of maintaining accurate and timely clinical documentation.
- Strong conflict resolution skills and competence in data collection and analysis to drive informed decision-making.
- Familiarity with ADA, IDEA, and special education practices to ensure compliance and support inclusive environments.
- Excellent organizational abilities with the capacity to develop and implement effective training programs.
- Experience working with diverse populations, including students with special needs, and connecting with children and adolescents.
- Skilled in trauma-informed practices and social-emotional learning, with an understanding of mental health service coordination.
Additional Qualifications
- Ability to work effectively with individuals with special needs, fostering an inclusive and supportive environment.
- Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish is a plus.
Must obtain and maintain the following clearances throughout employment:
- NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) Sex Offender Registry (SOR)
- New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH)
- New York State Central Registrar (SCR)
- New York State Staff Exclusion List (SEL)
- Criminal History Review
Training and Certification :
- Completion of a 5-hour Foundations in Health and Safety and Mandated Reporter training is required.
- Must obtain a CPR certificate within one month of employment.
- Submission of a physical exam with a valid TB test dated within the last year is mandatory.
Required DYCD Program Trainings
- 1-hour general staff training: mental health and mental illness, engagement/de-escalation, referral and crisis protocols, mental health resources.
- 2-hour Program Director/senior staff training: mental health spectrum and crises, organizational crisis navigation
- planning.
- 1-hour self-paced inclusion training: strategies for accessibility, inclusion, and universal design (Changeuplearning.com).
- Minimum required annual professional development hours (129 hrs/year for COMPASS Elementary staff, or 3 hrs/week).
Working Conditions :
- Hours fluctuate depending on the school's needs; general program operating hours range from 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM.
- This role requires occasional travel across New York City.
- Some evening and occasional weekend availability may be required for staff meetings, family engagement, or crisis response.
- Reports to and works closely with the Program Director; coordinates regularly with Group Leaders, Activity Specialists, and external Mental Health/Behavioral Health partners.
Children of Aljana is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to inclusion, diversity, and a safe,
welcoming environment for all program participants, families, and staff.
Pay: $20.00 - $25.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
