Arts Program Counselor

NYC Administration for Children's Services; New York (NY); On-site; USD 63,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

NYC Administration for Children’s Services is seeking a Community Coordinator to design and run a year-round art program for youth in a secure detention setting. You will work directly with residents to lead art projects, fostering teamwork and personal growth, while coordinating with facilities and contracted providers.

The role emphasizes trauma-informed approaches, incident documentation, and staff training to promote positive emotional well-being among youth under supervision.

Qualifications

• Minimum Qualifications: a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college and two years of experience in community work or related duties; or high school graduation plus six years of experience in community work or related duties; or an equivalent combination with at least one year of the first option.
• The position favors experience with justice-involved, at-risk, or underserved youth in residential, detention, educational, or community settings.
• Other stated qualifications Cited in the posting or acceptable alternatives.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement and administer a comprehensive year-round art program for juvenile detainees.
• Work directly with youth to facilitate art projects and workshops, fostering teamwork and leadership.
• Support facilities and providers in implementing special art projects, workshops, or events.
• Cultivate self-confidence and contribute to violence reduction through art-based activities.
• Coordinate with stakeholders to promote creativity, self-expression and growth.
• Prepare reports and updates for supervisors and stakeholders.
• Maintain records of art programs, attendance, and incidents.
• Conduct training for detention center staff on art therapy techniques.
• Coordinate with contracted art programs and contract management units for compliance.
• Organize provider meetings and prepare progress reports and evaluations of art vendors.

Education

Baccalaureate degree plus two years of experience in community work or related duties

High school diploma plus six years of experience in community work or related duties

Equivalent combination of education and experience with at least one year in described duties

Job description

THE SELECTED CANDIDATE WILL BE OFFERED A SALARY OF $62,868.00 - $72,298.00.

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 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 records of art programs, participant attendance, and any incidents or issues that 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.

Note: This work assignment is at a secure detention facility which is a 24/7 operation. The work schedule may include evening hours, Saturdays, Sundays, holidays, and mandatory overtime. Shift assignments are based on the needs of the agency.

Additional Information

This position has been reposted. Previous applicants do not need to reapply.

Section 424-A of the New York Social Services Law requires an authorized agency to inquire whether a candidate for employment with child‑caring responsibilities has been the subject of a child abuse and maltreatment report.

The Administration for Children’s Services is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing access to all individuals. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact Simone Campbell at [e-mail] or 212-676-6955.

COMMUNITY COORDINATOR - 56058

Minimum Qualifications

• 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
• 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
• 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

• Experience working with justice‑involved, at‑risk, or underserved youth in a residential, detention, educational, or community‑based setting
• Demonstrated ability to de‑escalate crisis situations, manage challenging behaviors, and exercise sound judgment in high‑pressure environments
• Experience coordinating or providing direct services and youth development activities, including facilitating workshops, life skills programming, psychoeducational groups, and counseling, in a residential, detention, educational, or community‑based setting
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and conflict resolution skills with the ability to build rapport with youth from diverse backgrounds
• Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate and engage with youth from diverse cultural backgrounds
• Bilingual or multilingual proficiency is a plus

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 https://studentaid.gov/pslf/.

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.

, $62,868.00 – $97,593.00