Recreation Program Counselor

Job Description

THE SELECTED CANDIDATE WILL BE OFFERED A SALARY OF $62,868.00 - $72,298.00.

The Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) protects and promotes the safety and well-being of children and families through child welfare and juvenile justice services and community supports. ACS manages community-based supports and foster care services, and provides subsidized child care vouchers. ACS child protection staff respond to allegations of child maltreatment. In juvenile justice, ACS oversees detention, placement and programs for youth in the community.

The Division of Youth and Family Justice (DYFJ) provides a wide range of services and programs for youth at every stage of the juvenile justice process. Our goals are to (a) build stronger and safer communities and advance public safety by preventing juveniles from entering the New York City's juvenile justice system, (b) provide therapeutic treatment and services to youth in our custodial care, and (c) help juveniles access the tools they need to leave the justice system for good. We strive to help families and young people by providing supportive services that are responsive to the needs of individual youth and families.

Juvenile Justice Program Services (JJPS) ensures that youth served by DYFJ (from detention to placement) are receiving comprehensive and consistent medical, mental health, case management, social and educational services throughout their involvement with our system by: overseeing ACS’ entire array of programming and services for court involved youth, developing innovative programming and services for youth and families, strengthening mental health services, working together with stakeholders to identify trends, track data, and implement effective interventions, and coordinating training and staff development around specific clinical, mental health, and programmatic issues such as LGBTQ youth issues, family engagement, substance abuse, and the impact of trauma. In addition, JJPS organizes our family engagement and parent support work, and provides staff training on mental health, trauma, LGBTQ issues and Commercially Sexually Exploited Children.

DYFJ is currently seeking an enthusiastic and dedicated Recreation Program Counselor to join our team at a secured youth detention center. As a Recreation Program Counselor, you will play a pivotal role in providing counseling, guidance, and support to incarcerated youth. The Recreation Program Counselor at the Juvenile Detention Center is responsible for developing, coordinating, and facilitating recreational activities and programs aimed at promoting physical, social, and emotional well-being among detained youth. This role focuses on creating a positive and constructive environment that fosters personal growth, teamwork, and the development of essential life skills.

The Recreation Program Counselor will be responsible for performing the following duties but are not limited to:

- Design and implement diverse and engaging recreation programs tailored to the youth’s interests, abilities, and developmental needs.

- Create structured schedules encompassing sports, team-building exercises, and other age-appropriate activities.

- Lead and supervise recreational sessions to ensure participant safety and well-being, while fostering positive relationships.

- Instruct and encourage youth participation in various activities, promoting healthy lifestyles and teamwork.

- Intervene in conflicts using effective resolution strategies and model appropriate behavior.

- Collaborate with detention center staff and external partners to enhance program variety and quality.

- Assess program effectiveness in meeting physical, social, and emotional needs, documenting participant engagement and progress.

- Maintain accurate records and prepare reports on program impact and participant satisfaction.

- Collaborate to design and execute programs catering to diverse youth interests and needs.

- Promote healthy lifestyles through sports, exercise, and nutrition education.

- Assist in implementing special projects and workshops.

- Evaluate program effectiveness and provide feedback for improvement.

- Serve as a liaison with recreational program vendors, ensuring compliance and quality.

- Organize provider meetings and prepare progress reports and evaluations.

- Undertake additional duties addressing youth cultural, educational, and recreational needs.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

This position has been reposted. Previous applicants do not need to reapply.

Section 424-A of the New York Social Services Law requires an authorized agency to inquire whether a candidate for employment with child-caring responsibilities has been the subject of a child abuse and maltreatment report.

TO APPLY

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