[Hiring] Recreation Specialist @Good Shepherd Services

Role Description

The Recreation Specialist develops, implements, and provides recreational programs for all participants within the residences to promote self-development and expression; pro-social behavior; and habits, knowledge and skills that promote long-term healthy living. She/he also collaborates with and supports the Youth Development staff by assisting youth in learning how to work together to solve problems in positive ways, help youth develop life skills and develop constructive relationships and supports the Sanctuary Model.

• Design, plan, and conduct programming in specified areas including sports, fitness and performing arts (dance, poetry, music, etc.), life skills and healthy living in consultation with program leadership and Division of Youth and Family Justice (DYFJ) of ACS.
• Research resources and venues pertaining to activities and maintain documentation of all events/activities to be kept on file (including submission of monthly calendar of activities) and adhere to documentation requirements (GSS logs, reports, etc.).
• Organize, plan, and oversee special and cultural events and activities taking account of residents’ cultural diversity and traditions.
• Set up, operate and clean-up of activities.
• Work closely with GSS Development Department in the organization and planning of corporate sponsored events and activities and create partnerships with community providers. Attend community partnership meetings.
• Ensure the proper care and supervision of supplies and Agency equipment.
• Guide youth in making positive choices, following directions and becoming involved in program activities.
• Resolve conflict within groups, seeking assistance from staff, supervisors and directors as needed.
• Participate in Treatment Team, Team Meetings, and other meetings as required.
• Interact and communicate with Good Shepherd staff in matters related to, but not limited to, the needs of the residents and the program in general.
• Provide safe transportation for residents, when necessary, on trips throughout the city and surrounding areas.
• Attend all mandatory training required by ACS, DYFJ, and GSS.
• Responsible for adhering to all pertinent DYFJ and ACS regulations.
• Effectively use and practice the Sanctuary Model tools: Safety plans, community meetings, psycho-educational groups, team meetings, red flag reviews.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma and other applicable experience required; Associates or Bachelor’s degree with applicable certification preferred.
• Valid New York State driver’s license required.
• Demonstrated competence in verbal, written, organizational and prioritization skills.
• Capability to transition easily between working independently with a high degree of self-initiative and contributing as part of a team.
• Must be flexible to work during hours participants are available, including evening and weekend hours.
• Must be able to complete and pass all components of Therapeutic Crisis Intervention physical intervention training.
• Applicants must be capable of sustained physical exertion.
• Must have a commitment to use The Sanctuary Model and work from a strength-based, youth development and trauma-informed perspective.
• Bilingual – Spanish preferred.

Company Description

Good Shepherd Services is an equal opportunity employer that is proudly committed to becoming an anti-racist and multicultural organization that stands up for justice and equity. We welcome prospective employees from diverse backgrounds, for administrative support and direct service and leadership roles, who will join us on that journey, uphold our values and approach, and believe in our mission.

Additionally, we aim to have a racially representative leadership and workforce that is reflective of the communities we work in partnership with. Good Shepherd Services is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, participants, volunteers, subcontractors, and vendors.

• We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of our activities or operations.
• We are committed to providing a workplace that is accessible and accommodating to employees with disabilities.
• As part of our commitment to providing a barrier-free recruitment and selection process, we will provide reasonable accommodations upon request for candidates with disabilities.
• If you require any accommodations to participate in the hiring process, please inform us of your needs in advance.
• We value diversity and inclusivity in our workplace and encourage applicants of all abilities to apply.