Youth & Teen Counselor (Seasonal full-time)

ROOSEVELT ISLAND OPERATING CORPORATION (RIOC)

TITLE: Youth & Teen Counselor (Seasonal full-time)

DEPARTMENT: Youth Center

SALARY RANGE: $24.72/hour

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC) is a public benefit corporation and politic arm of New York State, whose mission is to develop, maintain, and operate the infrastructure of Roosevelt Island. As part of this mandate, RIOC operates and maintains several facilities including the Cultural Center, Sportspark, and the Motorgate Garage: as well as other outdoor spaces such as Firefighter’s Field, Southpoint Park, and Lighthouse Park, among other facilities and locations. Infrastructure operations also includes the Aerial Tramway, and a free Red Bus Service that stops at various points on Roosevelt Island; and a Public Safety Department that serves as the community’s first responders in coordination with the New York City Police Department. RIOC’s workforce is also comprised of union workers from Local 210, 32BJ, PSOB, and other administrative staff.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Reporting to the Youth Center Manager, the Youth & Teen Counselors provide targeted, skill and age-appropriate instruction, coaching and mentorship to youth and teens at Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation’s (RIOC) Youth Center (YC). TheYouth & Teen Counselor is responsible for creating and implementing the Youth Center’s programs and activities, providing quality customer service, and ensuring a safe, fun, and positive environment within the youth and teen programs. Youth & Teen Counselors also provide opportunities for learning, interaction, and academic/personal growth.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

Operations

• Ensure the health, safety, and well-being of participants in the program by always providing appropriate supervision.
• Be an agent of safety for participants and assist in daily COVID-19 wellness screenings.
• Explain principles, techniques, and safety procedures to participants in activities and demonstrate proper use of materials and equipment.
• Prepare the learning environment and necessary supplies for program activities. Assume responsibility for the cleanliness and organization of the program supplies and activity space.
• Greet new arrivals to activities, introducing them to other students, explaining rules, and encouraging participation.
• Establish and enforce rules for behavior and procedures for maintaining order among the participants for whom they are responsible.
• Maintain communication with Youth Center Manager regarding the program and special events calendar, as well as any concerns regarding participants, staff, or the facility.
• Ability to work on a team, take initiative, proactively address challenges, and maintain a positive attitude.
• Support the planning and implementation of all camp activities, including but not limited to summer learning initiatives, indoor/outdoor activities, special events, and culminating performances.
• Provide quality customer service to parents/guardians, participants, and visitors.

Programming

• Plan seasonal syllabus, coordinate, and promote the Roosevelt Island Youth Programs.
• Organize, lead, and promote program specialties that enhance the youth experience and development.
• Ensure daily activity lesson plans and projects are structured, age-appropriate (ages 7-18), and have clear learning goals; as well as communicate those objectives to students.
• Create and evaluate goal orientated activities as well as determine if they are producing the desired results.
• Promote character, education, leadership, and team building in all youth.
• Assist with youth development programs and collaborate with another counselor.

Administrative

• Perform administrative duties which support the Youth Center Program.

REQUIRED SKILLS:

• Must be knowledgeable and skilled in two or more of the following programs: sports/fitness & wellness, performing arts, and visual arts. Also, have prior experience successfully teaching and instructing youth.
• The ideal candidate will be great with children, outgoing, yet patient, and exceptionally responsible.
• Ability to follow directions and adhere to all policies/procedures.
• Open to feedback with a desire to grow professionally.
• Knowledge and history of working with youth and providing services consistent with positive youth development principals.
• Must have artistic and/or athletic interests and enjoy getting involved.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to collaborate as part of a team.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Youth Center Manager.
• Physically able to stand and walk most of the day.
• Ability to lift 50lbs.

Additional information:

• Candidates who are qualified to lead instruction in more than one activity preferred.
• Must be certified in CPR/First Aid and AED.
• Special education or experience is plus.
• Desired certification and training as a Lifeguard.
• Certifications and credentials in respective skill-based activity highly preferred.
• Available to work from Monday to Friday with the following breakdown based on the 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. operational hours:
• 8-hour daily shift (7-hour workday with 1-hour unpaid break time).
• Experience in DYCD programs.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

The successful candidate must have a broad range of skills, but above all, they must be curious, flexible thinkers who love learning new things and tackling challenges daily. In addition, the preferred candidate should possess the following:

1. Associate’s degree from an accredited college or university and two (2) years of full-time satisfactory professional experience working with youth and teens. Associate’s degree in Social work, Family Studies, Psychology, Education, Liberal Arts or related field preferred.

2. A four-year high school diploma or its educational equivalent approved by a State's Department of Education, or a recognized accrediting organization and four (4) years of full-time satisfactory experience as described in "1" above; or

3. A satisfactory combination of education and/or experience which is equivalent to "1" or "2" above. Graduate study in the field of social work, family studies, psychology, education, liberal arts, or other related fields may be substituted for up to one year of the required experience on the basis of 30 credits equaling one year of experience. Graduation from an accredited school may be substituted for one year of the required experience. However, all candidates must have at least two years of experience as described above.

What we offer:

NYS paid sick leave, monthly transit check or free parking at Motorgate.

RIOC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on candidates based on race, creed, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, military status or any other protected characteristic.

Pursuant to Executive Order 161, no State entity, as defined by the Executive Order, is permitted to ask, or mandate, in any form, that an applicant for employment provide his or her current compensation, or any prior compensation history, until such time as the applicant has been extended a conditional offer of employment with compensation. If such information has been requested from you before such time, please contact the Governor’s Office of Employee Relations at (518) 474-6988.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $24.72 per hour

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Required)

Experience:

• working with youth and kids: 2 years (Required)
• developing and executing lesson plans: 2 years (Required)
• summer camp: 2 years (Preferred)
• after school: 2 years (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• CPR First Aid & AED certification (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• New York, NY 10044 (Preferred)

Work Location: In person