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Recreation Program Counselor

ADMIN FOR CHILDREN'S SVCS
place Bronx, 10451
local_atm $62,868 - $97,593 a year
work_outline
Full Time

About Job

  • ADMIN FOR CHILDREN'S SVCS
Posted On: 09/26/2025
  • Full-Time
Location
BRONX
  • No Exam Required
Department
DYFJ-JJPS SVCS & SUPPORT HJC

Salary Range:
$62,868.00 – $97,593.00

Job Description

THE SELECTED CANDIDATE WILL BE OFFERED A SALARY OF $62,868.00 - $72,298.00.

The Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) protects and promotes the safety and well-being of children and families through child welfare and juvenile justice services and community supports. ACS manages community-based supports and foster care services, and provides subsidized child care vouchers. ACS child protection staff respond to allegations of child maltreatment. In juvenile justice, ACS oversees detention, placement and programs for youth in the community.

The Division of Youth and Family Justice (DYFJ) provides a wide range of services and programs for youth at every stage of the juvenile justice process. Our goals are to (a) build stronger and safer communities and advance public safety by preventing juveniles from entering the New York City's juvenile justice system, (b) provide therapeutic treatment and services to youth in our custodial care, and (c) help juveniles access the tools they need to leave the justice system for good. We strive to help families and young people by providing supportive services that are responsive to the needs of individual youth and families.

Juvenile Justice Program Services (JJPS) ensures that youth served by DYFJ (from detention to placement) are receiving comprehensive and consistent medical, mental health, case management, social and educational services throughout their involvement with our system by: overseeing ACS’ entire array of programming and services for court involved youth, developing innovative programming and services for youth and families, strengthening mental health services, working together with stakeholders to identify trends, track data, and implement effective interventions, and coordinating training and staff development around specific clinical, mental health, and programmatic issues such as LGBTQ youth issues, family engagement, substance abuse, and the impact of trauma. In addition, JJPS organizes our family engagement and parent support work, and provides staff training on mental health, trauma, LGBTQ issues and Commercially Sexually Exploited Children.

DYFJ is currently seeking an enthusiastic and dedicated Recreation Program Counselor to join our team at a secured youth detention center. As a Recreation Program Counselor, you will play a pivotal role in providing counseling, guidance, and support to incarcerated youth. The Recreation Program Counselor at the Juvenile Detention Center is responsible for developing, coordinating, and facilitating recreational activities and programs aimed at promoting physical, social, and emotional well-being among detained youth. This role focuses on creating a positive and constructive environment that fosters personal growth, teamwork, and the development of essential life skills.

The Recreation Program Counselor will be responsible for performing the following duties but are not limited to:

  • Design and implement diverse and engaging recreation programs tailored to the youth’s interests, abilities, and developmental needs.

  • Create structured schedules encompassing sports, team-building exercises, and other age-appropriate activities.

  • Lead and supervise recreational sessions to ensure participant safety and well-being, while fostering positive relationships.

  • Instruct and encourage youth participation in various activities, promoting healthy lifestyles and teamwork.

  • Intervene in conflicts using effective resolution strategies and model appropriate behavior.

  • Collaborate with detention center staff and external partners to enhance program variety and quality.

  • Assess program effectiveness in meeting physical, social, and emotional needs, documenting participant engagement and progress.

  • Maintain accurate records and prepare reports on program impact and participant satisfaction.

  • Collaborate to design and execute programs catering to diverse youth interests and needs.

  • Promote healthy lifestyles through sports, exercise, and nutrition education.

  • Assist in implementing special projects and workshops.

  • Evaluate program effectiveness and provide feedback for improvement.

  • Serve as a liaison with recreational program vendors, ensuring compliance and quality.

  • Organize provider meetings and prepare progress reports and evaluations.

  • Undertake additional duties addressing youth cultural, educational, and recreational needs.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Section 424-A of the New York Social Services Law requires an authorized agency to inquire whether a candidate for employment with child-caring responsibilities has been the subject of a child abuse and maltreatment report.

TO APPLY

Please go to www.cityjobs.nyc.gov or www.nyc.gov/ess for current NYC employees and search for Job ID #736341.

No phone calls, faxes or personal inquiries permitted.

Note: Only candidates under consideration will be contacted.

COMMUNITY COORDINATOR - 56058


Minimum Qualifications


1. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college and two years of experience in community work or community centered activities in an area related to the duties described above; or
2. High school graduation or equivalent and six years of experience in community work or community centered activities in an area related to the duties as described above; or
3. Education and/or experience which is equivalent to "1" or "2" above. However, all candidates must have at least one year of experience as described in "1" above.


Preferred Skills


The preferred candidate should possess the following: - The ability to rapidly grasp and excel in adopting new programming modules, aiding in the training of fellow staff and contracted providers for effective implementation of programming. - Experience working directly with juveniles (ages 10-18), young adults, or adults in a group, community, educational, or institutional setting is preferred. - Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of correctional staff. - Ability to exercise independent judgment, prepare written reports and documents. - Knowledge of human development and behavior, counseling techniques, behavior modification and intervention techniques. - Ability to mentor and provide positive interaction, guidance and leadership to people in custody. - Excellent writing, communication, inter-personal, analytical, research, problem-solving, and organizational skills.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness


As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website at https://studentaid.gov/pslf/.

Residency Requirement


New York City residency is generally required within 90 days of appointment. However, City Employees in certain titles who have worked for the City for 2 continuous years may also be eligible to reside in Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam, Westchester, Rockland, or Orange County. To determine if the residency requirement applies to you, please discuss with the agency representative at the time of interview.

Additional Information


The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.

Shortlist

Job ID
736341
Title code
56058
Civil service title
COMMUNITY COORDINATOR
Title classification
Non-Competitive-5
Business title
Recreation Program Counselor
Posted until
10/25/2025
  • Experience Level:
    Experienced (Non-Manager)
Job level
00
Number of positions
1
Work location
560 Brook Avenue Bronx New Yor
  • Category:
    Social Services

Recreation Program Counselor