Social Emotional Specialist

Company: Spanish Speaking Unity Council
Location: Oakland
Posted on: February 13, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description Title : Social Emotional Specialist Reports To : Mental Health and Disabilities Manager Department : Children & Family Services Location : Oakland, CA Schedule : Monday through Friday Travel : Local travel may be required Salary : $26.00-$30.00, depending on experience Employee Status : Regular, Full-Time, Non-Exempt Union : N/A Supervises : N/A Benefits Two weeks of paid vacation a year, sick time, 14 holidays, up to five floating holidays based on employee status, medical and dental benefits on the first of the month following 30 days of employment, life insurance policy at no cost to employee (with the option of increasing policy amount), flexible spending account for medical and dependent care costs, commuter benefits, 403(b) with employer match, and other benefits. We foster a joyful workplace and offer opportunities for professional development and growth. Agency Summary The Unity Council is a non-profit Social Equity Development Corporation with an over 60-year history in the Fruitvale neighborhood of Oakland. Our mission is to promote social equity and improve quality of life by building vibrant communities where everyone can work, learn, and thrive. Our programs aim to provide the community with the tools, knowledge, and resources to transform their lives and ultimately achieve their long-term educational, career, and financial goals. These holistic programs and services reach more than 10,000 individuals and families annually in five languages. Programs include early childhood education, youth mentorship and leadership development, employment services, career readiness training, housing and financial stability, senior citizen services, affordable housing and neighborhood development, and arts and cultural events. Our work expands beyond the Fruitvale district and now reaches across Oakland and into Contra Costa County. The Unity Council employs a diverse workforce of more than 300 people who reflect the linguistic, cultural, and ethnic identity of the communities we serve. Department Summary The Children and Family Services programs include Head Start, Early Head Start, State Pre-Kindergarten, Home Based Services, and Developmental Play Groups. Over 900 children birth through kindergarten entry and 32 expectant parents and their families receive child development and comprehensive family services through the Unity Council. The programs are diverse, multilingual, developmentally appropriate, culturally responsive, and individualized for each child and family services are provided in seven centers and one home-based program throughout Oakland and Contra Costa County. Position Summary With the guidance of the Mental Health and Disabilities Manager, the Social Emotional Specialist position provides quality primary caregiving for infants/toddlers and preschoolers in a safe and supervised early care and educational environment, specifically settings with children with disabilities and/or behaviors that require support. Finally, the Early Childhood Classroom Support position promotes the social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development of Head Start children enrolled in the program. Essential Duties and Responsibilities The duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following: Cooperate with other staff to maintain the smooth functioning of the classroom, which at times may require changes to meet the needs of the student(s); Utilize appropriate routines and transitions within the classroom; Support the development of children’s classroom goals and objectives including the development of social emotional skills including, but not limited to, appropriate play and self-regulation skills; Assist with the implementation of a child’s IEP or IFSP goals and objectives, as found on the child’s Goal Sharing document; Utilize techniques and strategies learned in trainings and workshops; Provide classroom support and implementation of strategies for children with Individualized Positive Support Plans; Attend staff trainings, meetings, and workshops; Support culturally appropriate, trauma informed inclusive practices and attitudes among staff and parents; Communicate training needs and needed supports to Supervisor; Provide input into various plans to support individualization (i.e. Individualized Positive Support Plan, Plans of Action, Individual Development Plans, ongoing observations and assessments, IEP, IFPS, etc.); Will attend site level and individual Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) meetings; Provide relationship-based care in daily routines such as mealtime, toileting, hand washing, and nap; Implement daily activities that are focused on children’s interests and needs; Aid in the evaluation of children’s progress; Participate in curriculum planning with supervising teacher(s); Other duties as assigned. Qualifications 6-12 units in Child Development/Early Childhood Education, AA in ECE preferred; Minimum of 1 year work experience with children, preferably between the ages of 0-5 years old; 6 months of work experience with children with disabilities; 6 units in Early Childhood Education; Capability to provide services at centers in both Oakland and Concord; Ability to work harmoniously in a multi-cultural team; Ability to promote feelings of security and trust in infants/toddlers and preschoolers by being warm, supportive, and comforting; Caring, compassionate approach to working with children and families as well as maintaining an open, friendly and cooperative relationship with each child’s family; Bilingual Spanish/English or Asian Language/English preferred; Awareness of safe lifting techniques for lifting children, supplies and furnishings and commitment to using preventive health measures in the classroom to prevent the spread of disease. Physical Requirements Must be able climb stairs, reach, bend, lift 20-30 pounds, crawl, kneel, stoop, twist, grasp with hands and fingers materials, use arms and legs, able to walk, climb ladders if applicable. Pre-Employment Requirements Physical exam TB test Background/fingerprint clearance MMR and Tdap vaccinations, Child Abuse Mandated Reporter Training This description is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities or requirements for the position. This position may change or assume additional duties at any time. Please submit your cover letter and resume. The Unity Council is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Keywords: Spanish Speaking Unity Council, Arden-Arcade , Social Emotional Specialist, Education / Teaching , Oakland, California