Counselor of Recreation and Wellness Services

Job Description

Job Description

Educational Alliance (EA), one of New York City’s original settlement houses, was founded in 1889 to offer educational, social, and cultural services to Jewish immigrants arriving to the Lower East Side. Today, EA is a proudly Jewish institution that partners with diverse communities throughout Lower Manhattan. We provide New Yorkers with high-quality, transformational programs that enhance their well-being and socio-economic opportunities, reflecting our belief that everyone in our city should be given the tools to thrive. 

The Center for Recovery and Wellness takes a holistic, strengths-based approach to recovery and wellness that responds to the distinct needs of each individual.  Programs include residential and outpatient addiction treatment, recovery services, prevention education, and community programming.  CRW offers culturally competent, evidence-based programs and services that strengthen individuals and communities, enhance resiliency, and foster lasting recovery.

We are seeking a full time Counselor of Recreation and Wellness Services who provide counseling, recreation, and wellness services within the Trauma-Informed Modified Therapeutic Community.  The Counselor of Recreation and Wellness will promote the well-being of residents through planned and structured recreational and wellness activities for the 100-bed OASAS licensed residential treatment facility.  The Counselor will work in an integrated fashion with clinical and program staff to provide individualized services and interventions that support health, wellness, and treatment plan goals.  

RESONSIBILITIES

Direct Services

• Deliver individual and group recreation and wellness activities in line with modified trauma-informed therapeutic community model.
• Monitors participation in all wellness and recreational residential services and implement appropriate interventions when needed
• Conducts Recreation and Wellness committee meetings with residents 
• Coordinate and deliver on-site and off-site recreation and wellness activities and ensure safety procedures are followed.

Counseling

• Conduct group and individual recreation and wellness counseling sessions with residents. 
• Support the residents in developing skills for self-sustaining wellness and healthy socialization
• Utilize strength-based counseling and motivational interviewing and  behavioral modification strategies.
• Supervise and assist residents during recreational and wellness functions

Treatment

• Participate in treatment planning led by the clinical counselor with the support multidisciplinary team 
• Communicate outcomes of recreation and wellness interventions to the treatment team members
• Support treatment goals through recreation, wellness, and recovery-oriented programming

Administrative

• Maintain recreation activity logs and documentation
• Document all interventions and wellness plans in the clinical record as per OASAS 820 and CARF standards
• Utilize screening tools to measure progress towards health and wellness goals. 
• Participate in house meetings, staff meetings, case conference, coaching and supervision
• Perform other duties as assigned 

QUALIFICATIONS

• HSD required.  Bachelors degree preferred
• Minimum of three (3) years experience working with individuals with SUD required 
• Experience in a Residential Therapeutic Community setting strongly preferred
• Knowledge of trauma-informed practices, cognitive behavioral treatment, motivational interviewing and behavior modification techniques
• Weekend availability required.
• Current Adult CPR and First Aid certifications required. 
• Leadership and coaching skills 
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to maintain appropriate professional boundaries and confidentiality. 
• Familiarity with Electronic Health records.
• Personal Training and fitness experience a plus 

BENEFITS

• Generous PTO Policy
• Competitive Salary
• Medical, Dental & Vision
• Pension Plan
• 403(b) Retirement Plans
• Discount Perks for Movies, Broadway Shows, Amusement Parks, etc.
• Free Gym Membership to our MCC Fitness & 14th St Y Gym
• Discounts to programs at Educational Alliance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Referral Reward

Limitations and Disclaimer

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required for the position.

EEO Info

Educational Alliance is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, marital status, disability status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. 

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