Recreation Specialist

The Recreation Specialist develops, implements, and provides recreational programs for all residents to promote self-development and expression; pro-social behavior; and habits, knowledge, and skills that promote long-term healthy living. She/he also collaborates with and supports the Youth Development staff by assisting youth in learning how to work together to solve problems in positive ways, helping youth develop life skills and develop constructive relationships, and supporting the Sanctuary Model and the Missouri Approach.



Job Title: Recreation Specialist


Reports to: Recreation Supervisor / Director



Location: 280 Shepherd Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11208



Hours: 40 Hours/Week; Non-Exempt Position requires staff to be on site.


Salary: $42,600 to $48,000 annually based on relevant experience & education



Major Duties :

• Design, plan, and conduct programming in specified areas including sports, fitness and performing arts (dance, poetry, music, etc.), life skills and healthy living in consultation with program leadership.
• Research resources and venues pertaining to activities and maintain documentation of all events/activities to be kept on file (including submission of monthly calendar of activities) and adhere to documentation requirements (GSS logs, reports, etc).
• Organize, plan and oversee special and cultural events and activities taking account of residents cultural diversity and traditions.
• Set up, operate and clean-up of activities.
• Work closely with GSS Development Department in the organization and planning of corporate sponsored events and activities and create partnerships with community providers. Attend community partnership meetings.
• Ensure the proper care, supervision, and purchase of supplies and Agency equipment.
• Guide youth in making positive choices, following directions and becoming involved in program activities.
• Resolve conflict within groups, seeking assistance from staff, supervisors and directors as needed.
• Participate in Treatment Team, Team Meetings, and other meetings as required.
• Interact and communicate with Good Shepherd staff in matters related to, but not limited to, the needs of the residents and the program in general.
• Provide safe transportation for residents when necessary on trips throughout the City and locality.
• Attend all mandatory training required by ACS and GSS.
• Responsible for adhering to all pertinent ACS regulations.
• Effectively use and practice the Sanctuary Model tools: Safety plans, community meetings, psycho-educational groups, team meetings, red flag reviews, treatment planning conferences (or similar), and self-care in the department/program to create a non-violent and trauma-sensitive culture.
• Promote and model the seven Sanctuary Model commitments to create a non-violent and trauma-sensitive culture.
• Integrate the Sanctuary Model SELF (Safety, Emotional Management, Loss and Future) framework into daily practice to ensure quality care and an effective work environment.
• Support the use of the Missouri Approach.
• Work hours from 12 pm-8 pm; expect to cover weekends when trips are planned.
• Send a drafted rec schedule to the supervisor every Thursday by 4 pm for review.
• Create a weekly work schedule reflecting tasks to complete.
• Work closely with the clinical team to incorporate life skills activities in the schedule
• Join Core Team; becoming knowledgeable of TIPs and be able to present to youth/staff.
• Provide rec activities and schedule for Sharp House when asked.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• High School Diploma required; Associates or Bachelor's degree plus two years of experience preferred.
• Valid New York State driver's license required.
• Demonstrated competence in verbal, written, organizational and prioritization skills.
• The capability to transition easily between working independently with a high degree of self-initiative and contributing as part of a team.
• Must be flexible to work during hours participants are available (e.g. some evening and weekend hours).
• Must be able to complete and pass all components of the program's chosen de-escalation and physical intervention training.
• Must be capable of sustained physical exertion and have no limitations on ability to engage in necessary physical intervention activities including but not limited to standing and kneeling movements to and from the floor and supporting a participant's body weight.
• Must have a commitment to work from a strength-based, youth and family development and trauma-informed perspective.