Recreation Specialist

Lantern Community Services Inc•New York, NY

3d•$27 - $33•Onsite

About The Position

Lantern Community Services is seeking a responsible and self-motivated Recreation Specialist for Hudson Bay, a brand-new, all-female shelter in the Bronx housing 200 women aged 55 and older. The Recreation Specialist will be responsible for developing, organizing, and implementing activities and programs tailored to the specific needs of shelter residents. These activities provide safe and positive ways for residents to spend their leisure time, with the goal of engaging as many residents as possible through group activities that include creative arts, games, trips, and light exercise — all aimed at promoting self-confidence and relieving stress. Successful candidates should have prior experience providing compassionate care to vulnerable populations.

Requirements

High School Diploma or equivalent required
At least 2 years of experience providing recreational services in a human services setting.
Experience developing program curricula, facilitating groups, and/or events that engage vulnerable populations in meaningful use of leisure time, including arts, exercise, trips in the community, personal growth, and stress management activities.
Good interpersonal skills; high level of maturity and reliability.
Must be comfortable with crisis intervention.
Familiarity with harm reduction principles.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution preferred.
Experience working in a shelter setting and/or with individuals experiencing mental illness.
Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.
Narcan trained preferred.
Driver's License preferred.

Responsibilities

Foster a fun, nurturing, and welcoming environment for shelter residents.
Organize and facilitate social and/or peer support events for shelter residents.
Collaborate with an interdisciplinary team of site-based and cross-building staff to design and implement a variety of recreational, community-building, and life skills groups, including Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), shopping, light exercise, games, arts and crafts, and other activities.
Encourage all shelter residents to participate fully in social activities to enhance socialization and ensure maximum use of recreational services.
Develop linkages and act as liaison to external recreational programs and facilities.
Escort shelter residents to off-site group outings and/or activities.
Develop a resource guide for free and low-cost recreational resources in the area.
Maintain inventory of recreation equipment and supplies.
Plan and organize facility special events.
Complete and maintain documentation of all group activities.
Report concerns about shelter residents to the relevant social service staff and collaborate with them on effective interventions.
Attend staff meetings, case conferences, supervisory sessions, and in-service training sessions.
Assist with the design and production of bulletin boards and visuals for public spaces of the facility, reflecting cultural, seasonal, and programmatic themes.
Perform other duties as assigned.