Arts Program Counselor

Arts Program Counselor

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.

The Juvenile Detention Art Program Counselor is responsible for developing and implementing art-based interventions and activities within a secure juvenile detention center setting. This position aims to foster positive emotional and behavioral development among incarcerated youth through creative expression. The counselor will work closely with youth providing guidance, support, and a structured art program to enhance their overall well-being. This role demands a proactive and collaborative approach, working towards the holistic development and rehabilitation of the incarcerated youth within our care. The Arts Program Counselor working within the secure detention location will be responsible for performing the following duties but not limited to:

• Design, implement and administer a comprehensive year-round art program tailored to the unique needs and interests of juvenile detainees.
• Work directly with youth to facilitate art projects and workshops, fostering teamwork, leadership skills, problem-solving abilities, and critical thinking.
• Support the facilities and contracted providers in implementing special art projects, workshops, or events as needed.
• Cultivate self-confidence in youth and contribute to violence reduction through art-based activities and relationship-building.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to develop and implement art-focused programs and activities that promote creativity, self-expression, and personal growth.
• Prepare reports and updates for supervisors and relevant stakeholders.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of art programs, participant attendance, and any incidents or issues that may arise.
• Conduct training sessions for detention center staff on the benefits of art therapy and how to incorporate artistic interventions into their interactions with youth.
• Act as a liaison with contracted art programs and contract management units to ensure compliance with contracts and quality of services provided.
• Organize periodic provider meetings and prepare progress reports and annual evaluations of art program vendors.
• Perform additional duties as needed to meet the cultural, educational, and recreational needs of the youth in Secure Detention.

Minimum Qualifications:

1. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college and two years of experience in community work or community centered activities in an area related to the duties described above; or 2. High school graduation or equivalent and six years of experience in community work or community centered activities in an area related to the duties as described above; or 3. Education and/or experience which is equivalent to "1" or "2" above. However, all candidates must have at least one year of experience as described in "1" above.

Preferred Skills:

The preferred candidate should possess:

• Relevant experience or demonstrated interest in working with at-risk youth or in a juvenile detention or similar setting.
• Ability to mentor and provide positive interaction to youth in custody.
• Understand youth development principles and trauma-informed care.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and prepare written reports and documents.
• Knowledge of various art forms and an ability to teach basic art principles.
• Strong writing, communication, interpersonal, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information.
• Flexibility and adaptability in a dynamic environment.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of detention facility staff.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness:

As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education's website at

Residency Requirement:

New York City residency is generally required within 90 days of appointment. However, City Employees in certain titles who have worked for the City for 2 continuous years may also be eligible to reside in Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam, Westchester, Rockland, or Orange County. To determine if the residency requirement applies to you, please discuss with the agency representative at the time of interview.

Additional Information:

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.