Activities & Volunteer Coordinator - Jackson, MS

Education

Founded in 1912 as an adoption agency, Canopy Children's Solutions is Mississippi’s most comprehensive nonprofit provider of children’s behavioral health, educational, and family support solutions. Canopy employs a diverse group of mission-driven individuals committed to honoring the voice of Mississippi children and families. Being an integral part of the Canopy team involves committing to the Core Values that drive our organization forward:

• The voice of our children and families always comes first
• Relationships matter and our differences make us stronger
• We take great joy in service to others
• Our families and our communities deserve our very best
  
  

Canopy has been designated a Great Place to Work® for the fifth consecutive year, and is one of only eight companies in Mississippi to qualify for this certification in 2024-2025. Canopy’s employees are charged with building a healthy work culture within their teams, that focus on trust, and the collective goal of helping kids thrive and families to overcome extraordinary challenges.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package for all eligible full-time employees. Benefits include, but are not limited to:

• Competitive Compensation
• 403b Retirement Plan with Match
• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
• PTO/Vacation
• Employee Wellness Program and Counseling Services
  
  

Activities And Volunteer Coordinator - Position Overview

• The Activities Coordinator is responsible for the ongoing development, implementation, and evaluation of all events and activities for the CARES Center.
• The Activities Coordinator assesses the interests of youth served based on observation and interviews.
• He/she uses professional knowledge and judgment to plan, coordinate, and facilitate outings and campus wide events throughout the calendar year.
• Activities Coordinator works with program staff to ensure activities and events align with therapeutic goals and safety precautions of youth served.
• He/she plans and manages a full summer camp program for youth in coordination with the Recreation Therapist.
• Activities Coordinator is also responsible for developing, planning, organizing and directing volunteer program at CARES Center Jackson.
• This includes recruitment, training, placement, and retention of volunteers.
• Activities Coordinator is also responsible for ensuring visitors and volunteers are welcomed with excellent customer service.
• He/she ensures refreshments are available and guests are welcomed to CARES in conjunction with CARES Receptionist.
  
  

Job Responsibilities

Activity Services:

• Complete an activity assessment on each new admission within five days.
• Plan and monitor a monthly plan of Special Events for individuals in the program.
• Collaborate with internal (especially Development department) and external partners to arrange recreation and special events.
• Coordinate afternoon and evening activities for youth and collaborate with school staff and Lead RCS to ensure activities / events are planned for residential clients.
• Connect each recreation activity back to AIM curriculum to reinforce objectives learned in the school and in the milieu.
• Provide all activities as scheduled.
• Oversee youth clubs and group activities.
• Research and provide opportunities for youth to give back to the community through outreach and volunteerism.
• Develop and Implement a summer program of activities for all youth.
• Use a Trauma Informed Care (e.g. EQ2) approach.
  
  

Volunteer Coordination

• Manage volunteer program on campus and collaborate with development department to conduct outreach initiatives to expand volunteerism.
• Strategize with program team to develop new approaches to improve volunteer program
• Serve as a liaison for community partnerships.
• Provide orientation and ongoing training to volunteers.
• Supervise volunteers, or assign supervision to recreational assistants as necessary.
• Increase public awareness and be visible in the community as an advocate for the organization and the children and families we serve.
  
  

Hospitality

• Ensures refreshments are stocked and available for all visitors and volunteers.
• Works with the CARES Receptionist and Security team to ensure visitors and volunteers are greeted with a customer service-oriented manner
  
  

Administrative

• Attend weekly staff meetings (e.g., schedules meetings, program meetings, weekly planning, and clinical case reviews as needed).
• Monitor activity implementation and evaluate activity for safety and care of youth.
• Maintain budget, inventory and accountability for all recreational and physical education equipment for the program, replenishing as needed.
• Supervise Recreation Facilitator(s), student interns, and volunteers in the execution of residential and recreational activities.
• Report to the Child and Family Treatment Team the utilization of and benefit from Activity Therapy by individuals served.
• Participate in the Center training and education programs as appropriate.
• Present schedule of events to clinical and administrative staff during scheduled program meetings.
• Post recreation schedule for youth and staff awareness.
• Plan off campus therapeutic outings, assuring appropriate staff to youth ratios.
• Participate in individual supervision with Residential Life Manager at least once a month.
• Complete other duties as assigned.
  
  

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Recreation Therapy, Education, Adaptive Physical Education, Behavioral Health or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience in residential, or similar, setting with at least some experience in activities and events and some experience coordinating volunteers preferred.
• Customer service experience preferred.
• Must be able to read, write, speak and understand English, and to communicate in a therapeutic and professional manner.
• Must be available to work weekend and evening hours as needed.