Program Counselor

City of New York; New York (NY); On-site; USD 63,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

City of New York's Administration for Children's Services seeks a Program Counselor for Secure Detention. The role involves developing and implementing cultural, educational, and recreational activities for detained youth, in collaboration with partners, to promote teamwork, leadership, and well-being.

The position may require evening, weekend, and overtime shifts in a 24/7 facility, with duties including program evaluation, staff training, and vendor coordination.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred or equivalent experience in community work
• Experience in community work or community-centered activities
• Ability to work with youth in a detention/juvenile services setting

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement cultural, educational, and recreational programming for Secure Detention youth
• Collaborate with Youth Development Specialists, providers, and Department of Education
• Promote teamwork, leadership, problem-solving, and critical thinking among youth
• Encourage healthy lifestyles through sports, physical activity and nutrition
• Assist with program evaluation and vendor/contract management
• Prepare monthly provider meetings, progress reports, and vendor evaluations
• Train staff and contractors on new programming modules and activities
• Perform duties related to youth cultural, educational, and recreational needs as required

Job description

Job Description

THE SELECTED CANDIDATE WILL BE OFFERED A SALARY BETWEEN $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.

The Program Counselor will report to a Secure Detention and be responsible for performing the following duties but not limited to:

• Work closely with Youth Development Specialists, contracted providers and the Department of Education to develop and implement cultural, educational, and recreational programming for all Secure Detention youth throughout the year, including monthly activities, workshops, and programs.
• Work directly with youth to develop and implement programs and activities that promote teamwork, leadership, problem-solving, and critical thinking.
• Build self-confidence in youth and contribute to violence reduction through activities and relationship-building.
• Encourage healthy lifestyles for youth through sports, physical exercise, and good nutrition.
• Support the facilities and contracted providers in implementing special projects, workshops, or other events as needed.
• Assess internal and external programs by observation, administering surveys to residents and staff, and other appropriate evaluation methods to provide feedback and recommendations for program improvement.
• Act as a liaison with DYFJ's contracted programs and contract management unit to ensure vendor clearance submission, tracking, and management and certify that vendors comply with contracts.
• Develop monthly provider meetings and progress reports, and annual vendor performance evaluations.
• Develop and learn new programming modules and assist with training other staff and contracted providers to implement programming.
• Perform other duties as needed in relation to the youth's cultural, educational, and recreational needs.

Special 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

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.

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.

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.