Recreation Specialist

Good Shepherd Services•Brooklyn, NY

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Recreation Specialist develops, implements, and provides recreational programs for residents to promote self-development and expression, pro-social behavior, and habits, knowledge, and skills that support long-term healthy living. The role collaborates with and supports Youth Development staff by helping young people solve problems positively, develop life skills and constructive relationships, and supporting the Sanctuary Model and the Missouri Approach. The position is onsite at 280 Shepherd Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11208, and is 40 hours per week. The work schedule is 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.; weekend coverage is expected when trips are planned. The role is non-exempt and pays $42,600 to $48,000 annually, based on relevant experience and education. The Recreation Specialist reports to the Recreation Supervisor / Director.

Requirements

High school diploma required.
Valid New York State driver’s license required.
Demonstrated verbal, written, organizational, and prioritization skills.
Ability to transition between working independently with self-initiative and contributing as part of a team.
Flexibility to work when participants are available, including some evenings and weekends.
Ability to complete and pass all components of the program’s selected de-escalation and physical intervention training.
Ability to sustain physical exertion and perform necessary physical intervention activities, including standing and kneeling movements to and from the floor and supporting a participant’s body weight.
Commitment to working from a strength-based, youth and family development, and trauma-informed perspective.

Nice To Haves

Associate or bachelor’s degree plus two years of experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Design, plan, and conduct programs in areas such as sports, fitness, performing arts, life skills, and healthy living, in consultation with program leadership.
Research resources and venues for activities and maintain event and activity documentation, including a monthly activity calendar and required GSS logs and reports.
Organize, plan, and oversee special and cultural events while considering residents’ cultural diversity and traditions.
Set up, operate, and clean up activities.
Work with the GSS Development Department to plan corporate-sponsored events and activities and build partnerships with community providers.
Attend community partnership meetings.
Ensure proper care, supervision, and purchase of supplies and Agency equipment.
Guide youth in making positive choices, following directions, and participating in program activities.
Resolve conflicts within groups, seeking help from staff, supervisors, and directors as needed.
Participate in Treatment Team, team, and other required meetings.
Communicate with Good Shepherd staff about resident needs and program matters.
Provide safe transportation for residents on trips throughout the city and local area when necessary.
Attend mandatory training required by ACS and GSS and adhere to pertinent ACS regulations.
Use Sanctuary Model tools, including safety plans, community meetings, psycho-educational groups, team meetings, red flag reviews, treatment planning conferences or similar processes, and self-care practices.
Promote and model the seven Sanctuary Model commitments and apply the Sanctuary Model SELF framework—Safety, Emotional Management, Loss, and Future—in daily practice.
Support use of the Missouri Approach.
Work 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. and cover weekends when trips are planned.
Send a drafted recreation schedule to the supervisor every Thursday by 4 p.m. for review.
Create a weekly work schedule reflecting tasks to complete.
Work with the clinical team to incorporate life skills activities into the schedule.
Join the Core Team, learn TIPs, and be able to present TIPs to youth and staff.
Provide recreation activities and a schedule for Sharp House when asked.
Perform other duties as assigned.