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Behavioral Specialist

YMCA of Orange County
Laguna Niguel, CA Full Time
POSTED ON 4/11/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 6/10/2026

The YMCA of Orange County is a leading non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. We are actively seeking highly engaged, intentional, and service-oriented individual for a Full-time Behavior Specialist position in North and South Orange County.

This role is a profound opportunity to directly impact the lives of children and families by fostering genuine connections, practicing exceptional hospitality, and creating a safe, positive, and enriching environment where every interaction is meaningful.

Work Hours: Typical Hours are 8am - 6pm. Hours can vary depending on needs.

Location: Various Sites within the YMCA of Orange County.

(Mission Viejo, Lake Forest, Irvine, Ladera Ranch, Rancho Santa Margarita, Aliso Viejo, Laguna Niguel, San Juan Capistrano, Dana Point, San Clemente, San Gabriel Valley, Huntington Beach, Newport/Costa Mesa, Tustin, Orange, Santa Ana, Brea and Pomona Valley.)
 

Purpose & Impact:

  • Be a Mentor: 
    • Provide assistance by working as a team with our Child and Youth Development Department regarding children with special needs/challenging behavior through direct observation and assessment, provision of effective behavior interventions, tools and resources, development and implementation of general and specific special needs topics.
  • Champion Inclusion: 
    • Develops, organizes and implements inclusion services and programming for special needs children association wide.
  • Model Core Values:
    • Uphold Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility daily.
  • Create Lasting Change:
    • Your committed presence ensures positive social-emotional growth and success for every child.
  • Official Job Description will be provided during the interview.

 

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Must be 18 years of age.
  • Degree in child development, psychology, social work or related field; or a Bachelor’s Degree with a minimum 
    of 2 years of Applied Behavior Analysis preferred.
  • First Aid and CPR certifications required (Paid for by the YMCA).
  • 12 ECE or a related field college units.
  • Minimum of 4 years’ experience working with children and adolescents with special 
    needs/developmental disability and/or challenging behaviors and their families; exposure to and working 
    knowledge of the Childcare / Youth Development field. 
  • Must be able to commute/travel to other YMCA site/locations.

 

Invested in You: Benefits & Perks

  • FREE YMCA Membership, Classes, and Pool Access.
  • FREE Training & Certifications.
  • Tuition Reimbursement.
  • Program Discounts (up to 100% off childcare).
  • Retirement Fund, Paid Sick Time.
  • Medical/Dental/Vision for Full-Time staff.

 

Learn more about the YMCA and opportunities at: www.ymcaoc.org/careers

 

Once a conditional offer is made, candidates will be subject to criminal background check, drug screen, and will be asked to provide criminal history. Criminal history will be analyzed on a case by case basis as it related to the position. YMCA of Orange County participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

Salary : $24 - $29

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