Recreation Specialist - Homeless Families

ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW

Urban Resource Institute (URI) is a dynamic, innovative, and well-respected organization founded in 1980 that transforms the lives of domestic violence survivors and homeless families through safe shelter and comprehensive services; delivers prevention and intervention programs that break cycles of violence and poverty; and actively works for sustainable systemic change.  URI is the oldest licensed provider of domestic violence (DV) shelter and services in New York State, and is the largest provider in the United States of DV shelter services, as well as a leading provider of shelter and services for homeless families. URI has a deep commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion among leadership, staff, and clients at residential and nonresidential sites across New York City.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The recreation specialist is responsible for program planning and development. Also assists assist in planning cultural and recreational activities within the New York City area which are geared to bring pleasure and broaden the outlook of mothers 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.

Salary: $39,000 - $48,348.00

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 as possible 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 mothers 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 in order to offer enrichment activities to their children.
• Prepare written reports of 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 one’s skills.
• Perform groups for age appropriate children as needed.
• Perform other tasks as assigned by the Social Work Supervisor and/or Director, Homeless Programs

SPECIFICATIONS FOR EDUCATION/CERTIFICATIONS/LICENSES

• A Bachelor’s Degree or High School Diploma/GED.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• At least three (3) years experience preferred working with families or women with special needs.
• Demonstrated sensitivity and experience with and/or knowledge of homeless families including individuals whom identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and/or HIV-affected, the elderly and individuals with substance abuse and/or mental health issues.
• Familiarity with DHS regulations and DHS Cares Reporting
• Have the capacity to build and sustain relationships with children and their parents by using abilities in trust building, empathy, supportive assistance, and mediation.
• Employee must be computer-literate and must have knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.
• Excellent written and verbal skills are required.

SPECIFICATIONS FOR PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Indoors; hearing; talking; walking; sitting; using hands on objects, tools or controls. Occasionally lift and or move up to 10 pounds.  Other job characteristics – need to be exact or accurate; repeat same task.

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.