Job Description

Position Summary: The Recreation Counselor work’s to provide opportunities for the youth of WellLife Network’s Community Residence program to engage in pro-social activities and skill building activities that can be easily replicated by the youth’s family. This includes helping youth develop skills to meet the stressors of life in appropriate stress relieving activities. This also includes providing opportunities for the youth to challenge themselves emotionally, mentally, physically, socially, and creatively in order to grow as individuals and function in life to their fullest capacity. This position reports to the Program Director. 

Essential Accountabilities:

1. Activity Planning: Organize and document a diverse monthly calendar of recreational activities in collaboration with youth. Submit proposed and actual calendars as scheduled.
2. Skill Development: Create and submit skill-building activity sheets for community outings.
3. Budget Management: Oversee the budget for recreational activities, ensuring cost-effectiveness.
4. Supply Management: Purchase recreational supplies with approval, maintaining inventory organization.
5. Communication: Relay necessary information to staff for program implementation and develop community relations to support the program.
6. Individualized Resident Care: Offer tailored supervision and care for each resident, ensuring their safety and well-being.
7. Behavioral Modeling: Demonstrate positive behaviors and embody the program’s core values to influence residents constructively.
8. Strength-Based Practices: Utilize strength-based techniques to foster resilience and asset-building among the youth.
9. Skill Development: Assess and instruct residents in daily and independent living skills, while also tracking their progress.
10. Therapeutic Environment: Maintain a nurturing and therapeutic milieu, encouraging appropriate socialization and emotional growth.
11. Crisis Intervention and Behavioral Support: Provide behavioral support, employ crisis intervention strategies as needed, and utilize therapeutic practices in all interactions
12. Household Management: Create a homely atmosphere, showing responsibility in carrying out household duties alongside residents.
13. Service Planning: Actively participate in the development and review of service plans, aligning with individual goals and objectives.
14. Trauma-Informed Care: Apply trauma-sensitive practices in all interactions and care provided to residents.
15. Transport and Supervision: Accompany residents to various appointments and activities, providing necessary supervision and transportation.
16. Family Engagement: Promote and facilitate family involvement and potential reunification, maintaining regular communication and employing strength-based strategies.
17. Counseling Support: Offer both formal and informal counseling and support to residents, contributing to their emotional and social development.
18. Medication Management: Ensure strict adherence to prescribed medication regimens for each resident.
19. Behavioral Support: Aid residents in managing their behavior and provide crisis intervention when necessary.
20. Reporting: Promptly report any incidents or unusual occurrences to the supervisor and complete required documentation.
21. Documentation: Ensure all assigned reporting and documentation are completed accurately and submitted in a timely manner.
22. Residential Upkeep: Assist with residence upkeep, including general cleaning, laundry, shopping, meal planning and preparation, and coach residents in these skills.
23. Training Participation: Engage in staff meetings, in-service, and OMH trainings as mandated.
24. Ad Hoc Tasks and Organizational Commitment: Willingly attend unique events, such as the annual Family Bonds retreat, and perform other duties as assigned, demonstrating a versatile and dedicated approach to the comprehensive well-being of the youth and the overarching mission of the organization.

Job Qualifications

The Recreation Counselor will be required to have a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services or related field with a minimum 2 years’ experience working with seriously emotionally disturbed children and adolescents and their families or a licensed Recreation Therapist. Must have a valid New York State driver's license.