Recreation Specialist at MIDWAY LIVING INC – Queens, New York

Job Title: Recreation Specialist Reports to: Program Director or Director of Social Services

Department: Social Services Pay Range: $17 – $18 per hour [commensurate with experience]

Benefits: Medical/Dental/Vision

401K

PTO/Vacation Days

FLSA Status: ❒ Exempt Job Type: ❒ Full-time

❒ Non-exempt ❒ Part-time

Location:

Program:

JOB OVERVIEW

The recreation specialist is tasked with planning, organizing, and conducting recreational activities for children residing in temporary shelters. The role may require availability during early evening hours and occasional weekends.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Develop, coordinate, and facilitate family activities within the shelter, such as homemaking skills, healthy eating, budget shopping, and financial empowerment workshops, etc.

• Coordinate outings for clients and their children based on evolving client needs.

• Establish partnerships with external recreational programs and facilities.

• Serve as a link between the shelter and community-based recreational resources.

• Plan and execute special events within the facility.

• Arrange field trips and participation in community and Department of Homeless Services-(DHS)-sponsored holiday celebrations.

• Collaborate with community providers and institutions to create recreational opportunities for clients, students, and others (e.g., Big Buddy programs, PAL, Big Brothers/Big Sisters).

• Maintain relationships with museums, theaters, sporting events, and cultural programs to promote awareness and attendance at special events for clients.

• Accompany families to events to ensure a secure and structured environment.

• Organize and manage parent/escort volunteer groups.

• Effectively manage time and coordinate program activities accordingly.

• Coordinate transportation services to and from special events in collaboration with DHS and other partners as necessary.

• Maintain and submit logs documenting all completed and upcoming activities.

• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Program Director.

• Regularly update progress on the Midway Living portal.

• Fulfill other duties aligned with the scope and responsibilities of the position.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• High School Diploma or equivalent

• A minimum of 6 months of relevant work experience

• Completion of a 2-hour Mandated Reporter training course (can be completed upon hire)

QUALIFICATIONS & PREFERRED SKILLS

• Preferred bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish.

• Communication skills

• Professionalism

• Attention to detail

• Time management

• Possess a friendly, outgoing, and cheerful disposition, with strong interpersonal skills