What are the responsibilities and job description for the Recreation Specialist position at Heartshare Human Services Of New York?
HSVS is seeking a Recreation Specialist to play a vital role in supporting the overall well-being and development of youth in care. In collaboration with social work and casework staff, the Recreation Specialist conducts intake assessments, contributes to medical and service planning, and delivers individualized care and supervision. This role is responsible for designing and implementing comprehensive recreational and life skills activities tailored to residents needs, while promoting engagement, personal growth, and community connection.
Job Responsibilities
Conducts, in concert with social work/casework staff, intake assessments of clients and obtains full data on medical history of children and family; initiates medical case planning and maintains service plan updates.
Provide individualized care and supervision of each resident.
Develop a comprehensive activity/recreation plan for all residents.
Organize and conduct social/recreational/cultural activities.
Develop community contacts and resources to support the above activities.
Provide individualized skill assessment, instruction and supervision.
Accompany, supervise, and provide transportation for activities.
Assist families in planning activities for children on home visits and in engaging children in activities.
Help families locate resources in their own communities to support the child and familys social/recreational/vocational and cultural needs.
Network with employers in the community to find potential employment opportunities with residents.
Provide direct care coverage with flexible work hours.
Organize and facilitate independent living skills groups in the residence.
Record client progress in regard to independent living skills development.
Collaborate with inter and intra agency training and ILS initiatives.
Provide a therapeutic milieu and promote appropriate socialization.
Create a warm, caring, home-like environment.
Participate in the service planning and review process.
Deliver services in accordance with service goals and objectives.
Employ trauma-sensitive practices.
Accompany, supervise, and provide transportation (when necessary) for appointments, home visits, sibling visits and activities.
Promote family involvement and reunification as appropriate.
Provide counseling and support.
Ensure adherence to medication regimen.
Provide crisis intervention and behavior management.
Report incidents, occurrences or untoward events to the supervisor as soon as they occur and complete appropriate paperwork.
Complete all assigned documentation in a timely fashion.
Assist in residence household duties (general cleaning, laundry, shopping, meal planning and preparation); train and supervise children in developing these skills.
Attend supervision and meetings as scheduled.
Distribute and reconcile petty cash.
Qualifications
- Bachelors degree in a human service field required. Masters degree preferred.
- Therapeutic Recreation and National Council Therapeutic Recreation Certification eligibility is preferred.
- Experience supporting youth and their families, particularly those navigating serious emotional and behavioral challenges.
- Ability to work flexible shifts.
- NYS Drivers License.
Benefits
At HeartShare we offer a comprehensive benefit package based on full-time/part-time status. You can expect:
- Paid time off (holidays, vacation in accordance with school calendar, sick and personal)
- Professional development opportunities
- Team environment
- Medical and dental benefits
- Employer-paid life insurance
- Optional insurance (life, disability, etc.)
- 403(B) retirement plans
- Flexible spending account (dependent care, medical, parking, and transit)
- Employee assistance program
HeartShare is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). If you need to request accommodation during the recruiting process, please reach out to Leaves@heartshare.org.
About HeartShare
For over 100 years, HeartShare has dedicated itself to improving the lives of people needing special services and support. The HeartShare team, now 2,100 employees and growing, helps individuals develop to their fullest potential and lead meaningful and enriched lives.
