Recreation Specialist

Wage band range $19.00 to $28.00 per hour; however, it is ultimately determined by contract obligations, the scope of the position, the candidate's relevant experience, and internal equity. Positions will be 20-25 hours per week and will provide weekday and weekend coverage.

Under the direction of the Assistant Director of Campus Services, the Recreation Specialist plans, implements and evaluates Group Rehabilitation Services in accordance with a comprehensive assessment to meet the physical, mental, and psychosocial wellbeing, as well as individualized needs and interest of residents/clients. The Recreation Specialist - Carries out the mission of Casa Pacifica as it relates to the therapeutic recreation and group rehabilitation program.

We are a diverse and inclusive team providing excellent services to all our surrounding communities. Our team members are empowered to share their identities, ideas, and perspectives. A culture built on diversity, equity and inclusivity is essential to creating a safe and healing environment at Casa Pacifica.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (illustrated by typical activities):

• Provides therapeutic services during Group Rehabilitative hours to youth in the milieu including behavioral coaching, problem solving, anger management skills, and social skills training.
• Provides therapeutic services including one to one treatment, group treatments, co-treatments with other disciplines and community outings as identified by the treatment team.
• Provides immediate behavioral reinforcements, time-structuring activities, positive reinforcement, and/or cognitive behavioral approaches to youth in accordance with their treatment goals.
• Develops Group Rehabilitation program sessions, co-facilitates structured therapeutic recreation groups with cottage or recreation therapy staff.
• Plans and facilitates therapeutic recreation groups across five domains (physical, social, cognitive, emotional, spiritual).
• Provides information to the youth's treatment team on participation and engagement in the group rehab program.
• Maintains documentation such as progress notes, and daily communication updates.
• Attends and participates in appropriate staff training programs; participates in professional workshops, conferences, and/or seminars to keep abreast of recent research and techniques.
• Maintains confidentiality in all matters within the organization with respect to personnel, operations and youth. Comply with Federal and State regulations, as well as professional Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics.
• May serve within ratio based on program needs.
• Acts as a liaison with community volunteers
• Supports the Development Department with campus events (e.g. End of Summer Party, Christmas Party, Thanksgiving, Halloween, Prom)
• Communicate changes in or achievement of behavioral goals. Integrate the youths treatment plan and clinicians recommendations when working with the youth.
• Provides required trauma-informed care, supervision, and treatment in accordance with milieu program and individual treatment plans. Facilitates youth in development of social skills, personal competence, individual responsibility, and self-esteem; provides positive reimbursement experiences.
• Provides crisis management and intervention and participates in Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI approved de-escalation of youth, as necessary.
• Participated in client treatment team meetings with both internal and external stakeholders.
• May perform other duties as assigned from time to time.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

Must meet at least one of the following requirements prior to employment:

• Bachelor of Arts or Sciences Degree; (social work, sociology and psychology);
• Have a valid Child Development Training Permit
• Completed 12 semester units of Early Childhood Education, Adolescent Development, or Foster and Kinship Care Education and have at least 100 hours of experience working with youth.
• A valid certificate as an Alcohol Counselor, Drug Counselor or Alcohol and Drug Counselor, and have at least 100 hours of experience working with youth.
• A valid vocational training certificate, credential, or documentation demonstrating that the individual is a trade journeyperson who instructs children in vocational skills and have at least 100 hours of experience working with youth as a mentor, athletic coach, teacher, vocational coach, tutor, counselor, or other relevant experience as determined by the department.
• Previously been employed as a full-time staff or served as a volunteer at a group home, short-term residential therapeutic program, or substance abuse treatment program for at least one year.
• Relevant life experience in the child welfare, mental health or juvenile justice system as a consumer, mentor, or caregiver or other relevant experience as determined by the department.

In addition, individual must meet one of the following billing requirements:

• A minimum two (2) years of full-time experience providing direct care experience in a mental health setting and/or support services to mental health clients and their families

OR

• Possesses a bachelors degree in a mental health related field (Social-Behavioral Sciences including psychology, social work, or sociology) AND A minimum of six (6) months of full-time experience providing direct care experience in a mental health setting and/or support services to mental health clients and their families.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Must have good working understanding of child and adolescent development, behavior modification, teamwork, and group process. Aptitude to deal with severely emotionally disturbed adolescents in a variety of settings.
• Strong organizational, communication and leadership skills, strong human-relations skills, and excellent interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrate an understanding that the primary focus must be with the youth within the agency's services and programs
• Provide quality customer service to youth, visitors, general public, and fellow employees on a consistent basis. Effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.
• Have strong organizational, communication and leadership skills; strong human-relations skills, and excellent interpersonal skills.
• Consistently conduct self in a professional manner.
• Respect and maintain confidentiality and conduct professional conversations.
• Incorporates the agency's values in all aspects of work with youth, families, professionals from other agencies, and Casa Pacifica staff: Respect, Integrity, Compassion, and Courage.
• Have a Valid California Driver's License with excellent driving record. Use of personal car may be required; must show proof of insurance. Mileage reimbursement is provided.

WHAT WE OFFER
Casa Pacifica strongly believes in providing our employees with a comprehensive and competitive total benefits package that will support them across the many needs that arise in life. In addition to the salary information listed above, employees within this position will also be eligible for the following:

• Comprehensive Benefits package,
• 401k auto enrollment at 3% with up to 5% fully vested employer matching contributions made after first year of service
• 9 paid holidays
• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance options
• Flexible Spending and Dependent care programs
• Excellent Training opportunities including opportunities for CEUs
• Education/Tuition Assistance programs
• Group Discount Pet Insurance
• Aflac Hospital, Critical Illness, Accidental & Dental supplemental plan options
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Free Confidential Crisis Line 24/7, 365 days a year
  • 4 face-to-face or telephonic sessions per issue, i.e.,
    • Stress, Anxiety, Depression
    • Life transitions
    • Grief and Loss
    • Divorce
    • Conflict Resolution
    • Substance Abuse
    • Work-Life Counseling
    • Free Legal and Financial Consultations
    • Identity Theft Recovery Services

Casa Pacifica is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. All applicants will be given full consideration under state, local, and federal law.