Recreational Associate (Recreational Specialist)

Vocational Instruction Project; New York (NY); On-site; USD 36,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

VIP Community Services is seeking a Recreational Specialist to conduct organized recreation activities for clients across public, private, or volunteer settings. You will plan arts and crafts, sports, games, music, and hobbies tailored to individual needs.

You will work with an interdisciplinary team to design Life Skills groups, escort clients on trips, report participation, coordinate field trips, and manage donations and equipment. Salary listed: $40,000 per year.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent is required.
• Experience with psychiatrically disabled or addicted individuals preferred (1+ year).
• Experience providing recreation to the target population is highly important.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including weekends and evenings.
• Proficiency with case management databases and MS Office.
• Associates degree or equivalent training is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement Life Skills groups (budgeting, meal planning, ADLs, shopping, exercise, arts & crafts).
• Plan and promote recreational activities for clients in groups and trips.
• Escort clients to trips and outings; coordinate field trips.
• Inform social services staff about participation in activities.
• Develop external links with community recreational programs.
• Manage donations of books and clothing for clients.
• Maintain documentation of all activities and inventory of equipment.
• Attend meetings and trainings as required.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Crisis intervention

Written communication

Oral communication

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Associates degree or equivalent training (plus)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Case management databases

Job description

Description

Position Title: Recreational Specialist

Reports To: Recreational Coordinator

ORGANIZATION

VIP Community Services is dedicated to changing lives and transforming our community. We offer a continuum of services to individuals with histories of chemical dependency. Our client-centered approach empowers people to take charge of their lives and discover their personal paths to self-sufficiency.

Please visit www.vipservices.org to learn more.

POSITION SUMMARY

Conduct recreation activities with groups in public, private, or volunteer agencies or recreation facilities. Organize and promote activities, such as arts and crafts, sports, games, music, dramatics, social recreation, camping, and hobbies, considering the needs and interests of individual members.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

• Works with an interdisciplinary team to design and implement a variety of Life Skills groups including budgeting, meal planning, ADL's, shopping, exercise, arts and crafts, and other activities.
• Plans, develops, and implements strategies and programs to facilitate the engagement of clients in recreational activities.
• Escorts to the clients going on trips and other outings.
• Informs social services staff of clients’ participation or lack of participation in recreational events.
• Coordinates and escorts residents on field trips.
• Report any information on clients observed behavior and willingness to participate in planned activities to recreation coordinator
• Solicits and manages the outside donations of books and clothing for the clients’ use.
• Develop linkages with external recreational programs and facilities.
• Act as a liaison between the site and community based recreational resources.
• Assist with the Planning and organization of special site events.
• Maintain contact with museums, theaters, sporting events, and other cultural programs and activities to facilitate awareness and attendance of special events for clients.
• Complete and maintain documentation of all group activities.
• Maintain inventory of recreation equipment and items.
• Attends staff meetings, case conferences, supervisory and in-service training session
• Performs other duties as assigned by supervisory staff

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• A minimum of one year of experience working directly with psychiatrically disabled or addicted individuals.
• Experience providing recreation to this population extremely important.
• Knowledge of case management databases and proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite. JOB COMPETENCY:
• High School Diploma, or equivalent required; Associates Degree, or equivalent training a plus.
• At least one- year of experience in providing services in a Human Services position or customer service
• Experience developing programs and/or events that can engage vulnerable populations in meaningful use of leisure time including arts, exercise, personal growth, and stress management.
• ? Ability to work a flexible schedule and occasionally work shifts associated with a department that operates 24 hours per day, 365 days per year, include weekend day and evenings.
• Good interpersonal skills; high level of maturity and reliability.
• Must be comfortable with crisis intervention.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

JOB REQUIREMENTS/SETTING

• Must possess sight, hearing and digital senses or use prosthesis that will enable the essential functions of the job to be completed.
• Requires schedule flexibility.

NOTE

This description reflects management’s assignment of the essential functions. It does not restrict the tasks that may be assigned.

SALARY: $40,000.00