Arts Program Counselor

City of New York•New York, NY

11h•$62,868 - $97,593•Onsite

About The Position

The Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) is dedicated to protecting and enhancing the safety and well-being of children and families through comprehensive child welfare, juvenile justice services, and community support programs. The Division of Youth and Family Justice (DYFJ) within ACS focuses on providing a spectrum of services and programs for youth involved in the juvenile justice system. Its objectives include preventing youth entry into the system, offering therapeutic treatment to youth in custody, and equipping juveniles with the necessary tools for successful reintegration into the community. The Juvenile Justice Program Services (JJPS) unit ensures that court-involved youth receive consistent medical, mental health, case management, social, and educational services. This includes overseeing all ACS programming for these youth, developing innovative services, enhancing mental health support, collaborating with stakeholders to identify trends and implement interventions, and coordinating training on critical issues such as LGBTQ youth support, family engagement, substance abuse, and trauma. The Juvenile Detention Art Program Counselor role is situated within a secure juvenile detention center. This position is responsible for creating and executing art-based interventions and activities designed to foster positive emotional and behavioral development in incarcerated youth. The counselor will provide direct guidance and support, manage a structured art program, and work collaboratively with youth and staff to promote holistic development and rehabilitation.

Requirements

A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college and two years of experience in community work or community centered activities in an area related to the duties described above; or
High school graduation or equivalent and six years of experience in community work or community centered activities in an area related to the duties as described above; or
Education and/or experience which is equivalent to '1' or '2' above. However, all candidates must have at least one year of experience as described in '1' above.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with incarcerated youth.
Knowledge of art therapy principles and techniques.
Experience in program development and implementation.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work effectively in a secure detention setting.

Responsibilities

Design, implement, and administer a comprehensive year-round art program tailored to the unique needs and interests of juvenile detainees.
Work directly with youth to facilitate art projects and workshops, fostering teamwork, leadership skills, problem-solving abilities, and critical thinking.
Support the facilities and contracted providers in implementing special art projects, workshops, or events as needed.
Cultivate self-confidence in youth and contribute to violence reduction through art-based activities and relationship-building.
Collaborate with stakeholders to develop and implement art-focused programs and activities that promote creativity, self-expression, and personal growth.
Prepare reports and updates for supervisors and relevant stakeholders.
Maintain accurate records of art programs, participant attendance, and any incidents or issues that arise.
Conduct training sessions for detention center staff on the benefits of art therapy and how to incorporate artistic interventions into their interactions with youth.
Act as a liaison with contracted art programs and contract management units to ensure compliance with contracts and quality of services provided.
Organize periodic provider meetings and prepare progress reports and annual evaluations of art program vendors.
Perform additional duties as needed to meet the cultural, educational, and recreational needs of the youth in Secure Detention.