Recreation Specialist (Ellington)

Children's Rescue Fund; New York (NY); On-site; USD 36,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Children's Rescue Fund seeks a Recreation Specialist to plan and run recreational activities for clients and their children in a shelter setting. You will organize trips, collaborate with community programs, and coordinate events that support family engagement and well-being.

The role requires you to work evenings and weekends, build links with external programs, and maintain clear records. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential for success.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Mandated Reporter training (2 hours) or willingness to complete on hire.
• At least 6 months related work experience.
• Able to work evenings and weekends as needed.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills; proficient in Microsoft Office.

Responsibilities

• Plan and conduct recreational activities for clients and children in shelter.
• Organize trips and coordinate activities to fit client needs.
• Develop links with external recreational programs and facilities.
• Act as liaison between shelter and community-based resources.
• Plan special facility events and coordinate field trips.
• Escort families to events ensuring safety and structure.
• Maintain logs of all activities and coordinate transportation as needed.

Skills

People skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Outgoing personality

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

The Recreation Specialist is responsible for planning, organizing and conducting recreational activities for clients and their children in temporary shelter.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Organize trips for the clients and their children according to the needs of the changing client system.
• Develop, coordinate and facilitates activities for families in temporary shelter including but not limited to homemaking, healthy eating, shopping on a budget, financial empowerment, etc.
• Develop linkages with external recreational programs and facilities.
• Act as a liaison between the site and community based recreational resources.
• Plan and organize special facility events.
• Coordinate field trips and attendance to holiday celebrations offered in the community and by DHS.
• Work with community providers/institutions in the development of recreational opportunities for clients, (i.e., Big Buddy programs, PAL, Big Brothers/Big Sisters), students, and others.
• Maintain contact with museums, theaters, sporting events, and other cultural programs and activities to facilitate awareness and attendance of special events for clients.
• Escort families to all events to ensure a safe and structured environment for all in attendance.
• Manage own time effectively and coordinate program activities accordingly.
• Coordinate transportation services to and from all special events with CCS, DHS and/or others as needed.
• Maintain and submit logs of all activities (completed and upcoming).
• Other assignments and tasks may be added at the discretion of the Program Director.
• Assist in the identifying housing resources and leads for families in shelter.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• High School Diploma (or GED).
• Successfully completed 2 hour Mandated Reporter training course (Can be completed upon hire)
• At least 6 months related work experience.
• Able to work evening and weekends as needed.
• Must be a people person and have an outgoing, cheerful disposition.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and computer literate in Microsoft-Office.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS (including Physical Demands):

• May be required to work long hours and a varied schedule.
• Travelling throughout various locations in the New York City area.
• Climatic issues of temperature variance and ventilation association with resident facility impact delivery of services.
• Lifting and moving objects weighing up to 30 pounds several times a week.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EEO Statement

Children’s Rescue Fund is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation or protected veteran status.