Recreation Specialist

POSITION OVERVIEW:
The Urban Resource Institute (URI), a not-for-profit 501(c) (3) organization established in 1980, operates shelter, legal and job training programs for domestic violence victims, residential and vocational programs for individuals with developmental disabilities. With a $70-80 million annual budget with over 600 staff by the end of the year, URI promotes safety, justice, health, and independence for vulnerable individuals and families residing in New York City.

Responsible for program planning and development. Must assist in planning cultural and recreational activities within the New York City area which are geared to bring pleasure and broaden the outlook of mothers and children. Must be able to coordinate all the steps of program planning, i.e., site arrangement, transportation, refreshments, etc., all within the budget set by the agency.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS, EDUCATION & ESSENTIAL SKILLS:
• Coordinate trips outside the facility by working with such resource people as staff, volunteers, mothers and other service agencies.
• Develop program on-site activities such as homework assistance, sports, games, movies, etc…
• Strengthen the informal relationships between mothers and children through shared responsibilities and experiences.
• Monitor, assist and escort families in all activities.
• Provide verbal and written feedback to professional staff to help them assess the need for counseling and medical services.
• Keep a permanent resource file of interesting, affordable activities for children and adults.
• Encourage and assist mothers to coordinate and implement their own ideas for educational and recreational activities.
• Research via the internet appropriate venues to expand new educational and cultural horizons for parents in order to offer enrichment activities to their children.
• Prepare written reports of all group activities as per agency requirements.
• Work in collaboration with other departments and agencies to maximize scarce resources.
• Regularly assess safety and well-being of clients.
• Participate in monthly staff meetings and in training seminars conducted to enhance and develop one’s skills.
• Perform groups for age appropriate children as needed.
• Perform other tasks as assigned by the Social Work Supervisor/Assistant Director.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
• A Baccalaureate Degree in Social Work or related field
• At least three (3) years experience preferred working with abused families or women with special needs.
• Demonstrated sensitivity and experience with and/or knowledge of domestic violence within and against disenfranchised communities including individuals whom identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and/or HIV-affected, the elderly and individuals with mental health issues.
• Have the capacity to build and sustain relationships with children and their mothers by using abilities in trust building, empathy, supportive assistance, and mediation.
• Employee must be computer-literate and must have knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.
• Excellent written and verbal skills are required.
• Must have ability to be flexible with schedule as needed.

Interested candidates may forward a copy of their resume to careers@urinyc.org for consideration.

Urban Resource Institute provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, and transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.