Recreation Counselor - 000A3 - Mon-Fri 3PM-11PM

WellLife Network•Dix Hills, NY

21h•$24 - $24•Onsite

About The Position

The Recreation Counselor provides opportunities for the youth of WellLife Network’s Community Residence Program to engage in structured, pro-social, and skill-building activities that promote emotional growth, creativity, and independence. This role focuses on helping youth develop healthy coping strategies for life’s stressors through recreational experiences that are therapeutic, purposeful, and replicable within the family setting. The Recreation Counselor encourages youth to challenge themselves emotionally, mentally, physically, socially, and creatively to enhance their self-confidence and overall well-being.

Requirements

Minimum of a high school diploma
Relevant experience working with children and adolescents who have emotional and behavioral disorders
Creativity, patience, and the ability to engage youth in therapeutic and skill-building activities that promote social, emotional, and physical development
A valid New York State driver’s license

Nice To Haves

An associate’s degree in human services, psychology, recreation, or a related field

Responsibilities

Plan, organize, and document a monthly calendar of recreational activities in collaboration with youth; submit proposed and actual calendars in accordance with program deadlines.
Design and implement community-based skill-building outings; develop activity sheets that outline objectives, learning outcomes, and follow-up discussions.
Manage the recreational activity budget responsibly, ensuring activities remain cost-effective and aligned with program priorities.
Purchase and maintain recreational supplies with appropriate approval; ensure materials are organized and accessible.
Communicate activity schedules and updates to staff, maintain positive community partnerships, and build local resource connections to enhance programming.
Provide attentive supervision and individualized support to ensure the safety and well-being of each youth during activities and daily routines.
Demonstrate positive behavior, teamwork, and respect, serving as a consistent role model for youth in line with program values.
Apply strength-based approaches that highlight each youth’s abilities, promote resilience, and encourage personal accountability.
Coach and assist youth in daily living and interpersonal skills, observing and documenting growth and areas for improvement.
Contribute to maintaining a structured, nurturing, and trauma-informed environment that supports emotional and social development.
Provide behavioral support and employ crisis-intervention strategies in a calm, professional, and therapeutic manner.
Participate in maintaining a home-like atmosphere by engaging youth in household responsibilities such as cleaning, meal planning, and organization.
Collaborate with the treatment team in the development and review of service plans, ensuring recreational goals align with individual objectives.
Integrate trauma-informed principles into all interactions, maintaining awareness of triggers and emotional safety needs.
Transport and supervise youth during community outings, appointments, and recreational activities, ensuring safety and positive engagement.
Encourage family participation by sharing activity outcomes and identifying ways for families to continue skill-building at home.
Provide informal counseling, guidance, and encouragement to youth, supporting their emotional and social development.
Assist in monitoring medication compliance as directed by supervisory or clinical staff, ensuring consistency with treatment plans.
Promote appropriate behavior through consistent structure, redirection, and positive reinforcement; provide crisis intervention as needed.
Promptly report all incidents or unusual occurrences to the Program Director or designee and complete documentation per policy.
Complete all assigned logs, activity reports, and progress notes accurately and in a timely manner.
Support the maintenance of a clean, organized living space; model and teach youth household tasks such as laundry, shopping, and cooking.
Attend and actively participate in all required staff meetings, in-service trainings, and OMH-mandated sessions.
Participate in agency and program events such as the annual Family Bonds Retreat, demonstrating flexibility, teamwork, and commitment to the mission of fostering youth growth and resilience.
Perform additional tasks assigned to support program operations and uphold the values of the organization.