Institute for Community Living (ICL) is a non-profit organization servicing the NYC-Metro area and for over 35 years, we’ve provided life-saving care to New Yorkers in need that includes but is not limited to addiction assistance, mental health services, and housing support for all. Proudly doing so, with integrity, love, and respect. Our goal is to have a positive and long-lasting impact on the lives of the people and communities we serve with the hope of providing the care, support, and attention they need.

So, it is our pleasure to announce that we are currently seeking a full-time candidate for the role of Recreational Specialist (RS), to join our team! – Veterans preferred for specific VA Shelter locations.

By ICL definition, under the direct supervision of the Program Director, a Recreational Specialist is someone primarily responsible for developing and participating in programs involving art, music, dance, sports, games, crafts, and exercise for residents to help prevent or alleviate stress related to physical, mental, and social challenges. Such activities are designed to improve self-confidence and self-control and relieve depression and anger, helping to assure that time spent in the facility by the residents is directed in a manner with safe leisure time activities designed to engage the residents.

 

MIN. ROLE REQUIREMENTS & PREFERENCES:

LOCATION: New York, NY 10038 + Available 5 Days min. Monday to Sunday, with options for O.T. – Shift: Days & Hours TBD EDU/EXP: degree options below MUST be majored and/or concentrating (min. 24 credits) in the following human service fields… recreation, recreation therapy, and/or creative arts therapy with rehabilitation, social work, counseling, sociology, speech and hearing, community mental health, child and family studies, or education, as secondary options – OR – a practicum encompassing a substantial number of activities with the target population, alongside coinciding experience with providing direct services to individuals with mental disabilities – preferably in a shelter setting BA Degree or higher and 2+ years of recreation and/or therapeutic recreation programming or relevant human services exp. BA Degree with 1-year practicum and 1+ years of recreation and/or therapeutic recreation programming or relevant human services exp. Certifications: CPR & First Aid (must be obtained within 90 days of employment) Proper attire always – this includes work pants, boots, and outer/inner-wear with the ICL company logo (provided after training)

 

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Ability to stand, stoop, bend, and stretch for long periods of time Ability to effectively use computer software such as MS Word and Outlook Ability to consistently report for work as scheduled, being on-call if needed Knowledge of the causes and processes of mental illness and substance abuse disorder Ability to perform medium to heavy manual labor, including lifting objects weighing up to 20+ lbs Ability to work in a setting with diverse individuals with mental illness and/or behavioral disorders Strong problem-identification and solving skills with an awareness of self and one’s impact on others Ability to prepare accurate and timely documentation, reports, and other written material as assigned Ability to engage in active listening – attending to what other people are saying and asking questions as appropriate Ability to work both independently and as a team, to conform to all applicable safety and accountability measures Strong communication, listening, interpersonal, writing, and conveying skills – bi-lingual is a plus but not mandatory Ability to continually learn and apply knowledge with a willingness to participate in in-service training and development activities Ability to learn, understand, and comply with all state and city regulations, policies, and procedures regarding human services Basic knowledge of the benefits that participating in recreational or exercise activities can provide people with cognitive disabilities Ability to facilitate meetings and organize time effectively to accomplish all tasks in a timely way and meet deadlines without prompting Ability to follow all safety guidelines in accordance with the performance of the tasks mentioned below...

 

RECREATIONAL SPECIALIST TASKS:

Create, submit, and file all required documentation of activities Oversee the exercise area and use of exercise equipment and weights Monitor the use of computers that provide the availability of recreational software Attend scheduled supervision, training, and staff development meetings or assigned case conferences Effectively and efficiently respond and present info and questions to and from persons served and other employees Serve as a role model to residents including modeling appropriate interpersonal interactions, appearance, demeanor Actively and empathetically look for ways to assist residents, being compassionate and hopeful in helping others work toward recovery Work with residents and staff in a caring and respectful manner, and with due understanding of and consideration for cultural differences Immediately report serious incidents, allegations of abuse, or sensitive situations, completing incident reports in accordance with agency policy Provide and structure leisure time onsite activities in the evening, on weekends, and on holidays to foster a healthy cohesiveness among residents Whenever possible, seek to make community recreational resources available onsite and assist residents in gaining access to external community resources Comply and promote compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and agency policies helping to strengthen and maintain an ethical organizational culture Provide skill development sessions, instructing residents how to use low-cost NYC resources for recreational purposes and to plan leisure time outside the residence Ongoing develop. of linkages with community recreational/exercise and entertainment facilities and businesses that will allow Transitional Residence for Veterans residents free or discounted access Function as an effective team member, maintaining professional relationships and boundaries with co-workers, supervisors, and residents including performing share of work, cooperating with coworkers, and accomplishing resident tasks/goals Create, develop, implement, schedule, evaluate, and modify weekly recreational/exercise activities that strengthen cognitive abilities (e.g. current events), and increase the focus on mainstream interests such as interactive table games, sports, music, and movies with concentration and reasoning, to help encourage social integration rather than isolation Perform other job-related tasks as assigned in an organized and detail-oriented manner… Please Note: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty listed satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions unless this causes undue hardship to the agency.

 

If you feel that you’re a suitable candidate for this role and would like to join our organization, please submit your resume in response to this ad to contact a recruiter in HR for further related info to the role above or the benefits mentioned below…

 

ICL BENEFITS:

PLEASE NOTE: ICL Company Benefits are exclusive to employees working 20+ hours and EDU Leave is 40+ hours ONLY!

PAID Orientation and Training Choice of full and/or partial Health, Dental, and Vision Benefits (spousal and child coverage available too) Life & AD&D Insurance + Medical Flexible Spending Mental Health Services and Providers Educational & Parental Leave Tuition & Work-Life Assistance Commuter Benefits Plan Employee Assistance Program Matching 403B (non-profit) Payroll Benefits: Corporate Fitness Account / NYS College Savings Program / Etc. Discounts on select ticketed purchases provided by Plum Benefits And many more…