Recreation Specialist - Magnolia Gardens

ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW

Founded in 1980, Urban Resource Institute (URI) is the nation’s largest provider of domestic violence shelter services and a leader in supporting homeless families. Operating 24 shelters across New York City, URI provides 3,700 beds nightly in purpose-built shelters that offer trauma-informed services including counseling, childcare, case management, and more. URI’s Justice Initiatives extend support beyond shelter, offering programs in economic empowerment, legal advocacy, youth prevention, and abusive partner intervention. URI also develops permanent affordable housing as part of its long-term commitment to safety, stability, and healing.

Salary: $39,000

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Recreation Specialist is responsible for program planning and development. Must assist in planning cultural and recreational activities within the New York City area which are geared to bring pleasure and broaden the outlook of parents and children.  Must be able to coordinate all the steps of program planning, i.e., site arrangement, transportation, refreshments, etc., all within the budget set by the agency.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

•  Coordinate trips outside the facility by working with such resource people as staff, volunteers, mothers and other service agencies.
•  Develop program on-site activities such as homework assistance, sports, games, movies, etc.
•  Strengthen the informal relationships between parents and children through shared responsibilities and experiences.
•  Monitor, assist and escort families in all activities.
•  Provide verbal and written feedback to professional staff to help them assess the need for counseling and medical services.
•  Keep a permanent resource file of interesting, affordable activities for children and adults.
•  Encourage and assist parents to coordinate and implement their own ideas for educational and recreational activities.
•  Research via the internet, appropriate venues to expand new educational and cultural horizons for parents to offer enrichment activities to their children.
•  Prepare written reports on all group activities as per agency requirements.
•  Work in collaboration with other departments and agencies to maximize scarce resources.
•  Regularly assess safety and well-being of clients.
•  Participate in monthly staff meetings and in training seminars conducted to enhance and develop skills.
•  Perform groups for age-appropriate children as needed.
•  Perform other tasks assigned by the Social Work Supervisor/Director.

SPECIFICATIONS FOR EDUCATION/CERTIFICATIONS/LICENSES

•  Bachelor’s Degree required.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

•  Bi-lingual, Mandarin or Spanish preferred.
•  At least three (3) years’ experience working with homeless families with special needs.
•  Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
•  Organized and detailed.
•  Ability to work independently, takes initiative, and works well as a team member.
•  Demonstrated sensitivity and experience with and/or knowledge of homeless families including individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and/or HIV-affected, the elderly and individuals with substance abuse and/or mental health issues.
•  Have the capacity to build and sustain relationships with children and their families by using abilities in trust building, empathy, supportive assistance, and mediation.
•  Must be computer literate and must have knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.
•  Must have the ability to be flexible with schedule as needed.

SPECIFICATIONS FOR PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

•  Will be required to read printed and handwritten materials.
•  Will be required to use computer mouse and keyboard.
•  Will be required to read information on computer screen.
•  Must be able to sit for extended periods of time.
•  Must be able to enter information in digital forms and spreadsheets.
•  Must be able to lift 10 pounds at times, occasionally reach and bend.

At URI we are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment.  We actively seek a diverse candidate pool and encourage candidates of all backgrounds and abilities to apply. At URI we offer equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic disposition, neurodiversity, disability, veteran status, or any other protected category under federal, state and local law.

Salary : $39,000