Good Shepherd Services
Full Job Description
About Us:
Good Shepherd Services is a leading multi-service agency with more than 85 programs that serve over 30,000 youth and families each year – and builds on their strengths to help them gain skills for success. At Good Shepherd we respect the dignity and worth of every person and reject intolerance, inequity and injustice in whatever form it may take. Voted one of the top 100 places to work in NYC by Crain’s New York, Good Shepherd Services offers a fantastic work environment, a collaborative team dedicated to fulfilling our mission, and an amazing array of benefits. Join our team and help make a difference!
NOTE: As a NYC contracted agency all positions at Good Shepherd Services fall under the NYC vaccine mandate. All employees, volunteers and interns must show proof of vaccination upon hire.
Overview:It is envisaged that this position will be about a 50:50 split of duties. The Recreation Specialist/Youth Development Counselor develops, implements and provides recreational programs for all participants within the NSD residence to promote: self-development and expression; pro-social behavior; and habits, knowledge and skills that promote long-term healthy living. She/he also works as and collaborates with and supports the Youth Development staff by assisting youth in learning how to work together to solve problems in positive ways. She/he helps youth develop life skills and develop constructive relationships and supports the Sanctuary Model.
Reports to: Program Director and/or Residential Life Supervisor
Location: 2207 University Avenue, Bronx, NY 10453
Hours: 40 Hours/Week; Non-Exempt
Major Duties:
Duties in the role of Recreation Specialist:
Design, plan, and conduct programming in specified areas including sports, fitness and performing arts (dance, poetry, music, etc.), life skills and healthy living in consultation with program leadership and Division of Youth and Family Justice (DYFJ) of ACS.
Research resources and venues pertaining to activities and maintain documentation of all events/activities to be kept on file (including submission of monthly calendar of activities) and adhere to documentation requirements (GSS logs, reports, etc).
Organize, plan and oversee special and cultural events and activities taking account of residents’ cultural diversity and traditions.
In consultation with the program director and other program leadership, develop a schedule of daily activities that will be
Set up, operate and clean up of activities.
Work closely with GSS Development Department in the organization and planning of corporate sponsored events and activities and create partnerships with community providers. Attend community partnership meetings.
Ensure the proper care and supervision of supplies and Agency equipment.
Guide youth in making positive choices, following directions and becoming involved in program activities.
Resolve conflict within groups, seeking assistance from staff, supervisors and directors as needed.
Participate in Treatment Team, Team Meetings, and other meetings as required.
Interact and communicate with Good Shepherd staff in matters related to, but not limited to, the needs of the residents and the program in general.
Provide safe transportation for residents when necessary on trips throughout the City and locality.
Duties in the role of Youth Development Counselor:
Provide direct supervision and be accountable for the whereabouts of residents at all times.
Manage residents’ behavior; maintain order.
Implement daily living routines, schedules and procedures.
Ensure the safety of the residents and maintain security and high standard of cleanliness throughout the residence.
Provide individual and group counseling for residents and, when appropriate, work with residents’ families and participate in youth and family development. Coordinate court ordered visits which includes supervised home visits, day passes and facility visits, etc.
Maintain records, logs, reports and adhere to documentation requirements.
Participate in the planning and execution of educational, recreational, and personal enrichment activities.
Ensure the proper care and supervision of supplies and agency equipment.
Participate in ongoing meetings, conferences and training programs.
Interact and communicate with Good Shepherd staff in matters related to, but not limited to, the needs of the residents and the program in general.
Providing safe transportation for residents for court ordered appointments.
For both roles:
Attend all mandatory training required by DYFJ and GSS.
Responsible for adhering to all pertinent DYFJ and ACS regulations.
Effectively use and practice the Sanctuary Model tools: Safety plans, community meetings, psycho-educational groups, team meetings, red flag reviews, treatment planning conferences (or similar), and self-care in the department/program to create a non-violent and trauma-sensitive culture.
Promote and model the seven Sanctuary Model commitments to create a non-violent and trauma-sensitive culture.
Integrate the Sanctuary Model SELF (Safety, Emotional Management, Loss and Future) framework into daily practice to ensure quality care and an effective work environment.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
High School Diploma required; Associates or Bachelor’s degree plus two years experience preferred.
Valid New York State driver’s license required.
Demonstrated competence in verbal, written, organizational and prioritization skills.
Capability to transition easily between working independently with a high degree of self-initiative and contributing as part of a team.
Must be flexible to work during hours participants are available (e.g. some evening and weekend hours).
Must be able to complete and pass all components of Safe Crisis Management physical intervention training.
Must be capable of sustained physical exertion and have no limitations on ability to engage in necessary physical intervention activities including but not limited to standing and kneeling movements to and from the floor and supporting a participant’s body weight.
Must have a commitment to work from a strength-based, youth and family development and trauma-informed perspective.
Additional Information:Good Shepherd Services is an equal opportunity employer that is proudly committed to becoming an anti-racist and multicultural organization that stands up for justice and equity. We welcome prospective employees from diverse backgrounds, for administrative support and direct service and leadership roles, who will join us on that journey, uphold our values and approach, and believe in our mission. Additionally, we aim to have a racially representative leadership and workforce that is reflective of the communities we work in partnership with.
Good Shepherd Services is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, participants, volunteers, subcontractors, and vendors. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of our activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring and termination of staff, selection of volunteers and vendors, and provision of services.
