Recreational Coordinator

Job Description

Job Description

Position Title: Recreation Coordinator
Reports To: Director of Social Services
Location: Practice of Peace Foundation – Bronx Shelter Home, NY

Position Summary:

The Recreation Coordinator at the Practice of Peace Foundation plays a key role in fostering a healing, supportive, and empowering environment for shelter residents. This position is responsible for developing and leading structured recreational and therapeutic activities that promote wellness, recovery, and community engagement. Activities are designed to enhance social development, build life skills, and improve overall well-being, with sensitivity to the diverse backgrounds and experiences of our residents.

Key Responsibilities:

• Organize and lead therapeutic, recreational, and educational group activities that support mental, emotional, and physical health.

• Plan and facilitate life skills workshops and peer support groups to promote wellness, recovery, and community reintegration.

• Implement creative arts programming such as music, art, or drama as therapeutic outlets for residents.

• Design and coordinate activities aligned with shelter goals, DHS performance targets, and trauma-informed care principles.

• Collaborate with community partners and volunteers to bring external enrichment opportunities into the shelter.

• Maintain a consistent weekly/monthly calendar of events and ensure timely communication of scheduled programs.

• Create visual displays and signage that reflect cultural, seasonal, and programmatic themes to enhance the shelter environment.

• Escort clients to off-site recreational or wellness events as needed.

• Accurately input client engagement data into the DHS CARES system and maintain required documentation.

• Monitor and document clients’ progress through attendance records, case notes, and activity reports.

• Work closely with the Director of Social Services to align recreational programming with individual client service plans and case goals.

• Participate in case conferences, staff meetings, and professional development trainings as required.

• Assist in onboarding and supervising volunteers or recreation aides, providing training and performance feedback.

• Prepare monthly reports on recreational program outcomes and contribute to funder reporting as needed.

• Ensure all recreational areas and materials are safe, clean, and inclusive.

• Provide crisis intervention and support in coordination with the Social Services team when needed.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Recreation Therapy, or a related field; OR equivalent professional experience working in shelter, social service, or community settings.

• Master’s degree in Art Therapy or a related clinical field is strongly preferred; licensure (e.g., LMSW, LCSW, LMHC) is a plus.

Preferred Qualifications & Other Requirements:

• Experience working with homeless populations, individuals with mental health challenges, or survivors of trauma.

• First Aid/CPR certification (or willingness to obtain upon hire).

• Certification in overdose prevention or willingness to complete training.

• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to engage individuals from diverse backgrounds.

• Bilingual in English and Spanish or other common local languages is a plus.

• Comfort working independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.

• Commitment to the mission and values of Practice of Peace Foundation, including dignity, equity, and holistic healing.

Neighborhood Housing Services of Queens CDC, Inc. (NHSQ) is a HUD-certified non-profit
counseling agency with over 28 years of experience in providing housing and advisory
services to the residents of Queens. Our mission is to preserve and revitalize underserved
neighborhoods in Queens by empowering individuals and stabilizing communities. We work
collaboratively with government agencies and businesses, guided by the needs of local
residents. Our target areas include Community Boards 1 through 4, encompassing
neighborhoods such as Long Island City, Astoria, Sunnyside, Woodside, Corona, Elmhurst,
East Elmhurst, and Jackson Heights.
In 2022, NHSQ made a significant impact by reaching over 8,500 individuals, counseling
more than 2,000 clients, and securing approximately $8.6 million in affordable financing for
first-time homebuyers. Our comprehensive programs include First-Time Homebuyer
education, Homeowner Services, Emergency Home Repairs, Workforce Development,
Affordable Housing & Tenant Services, Financial Capability, and Energy Efficiency &
Resiliency.

Company Description

Neighborhood Housing Services of Queens CDC, Inc. (NHSQ) is a HUD-certified non-profit\r\ncounseling agency with over 28 years of experience in providing housing and advisory\r\nservices to the residents of Queens. Our mission is to preserve and revitalize underserved\r\nneighborhoods in Queens by empowering individuals and stabilizing communities. We work\r\ncollaboratively with government agencies and businesses, guided by the needs of local\r\nresidents. Our target areas include Community Boards 1 through 4, encompassing\r\nneighborhoods such as Long Island City, Astoria, Sunnyside, Woodside, Corona, Elmhurst,\r\nEast Elmhurst, and Jackson Heights.\r\nIn 2022, NHSQ made a significant impact by reaching over 8,500 individuals, counseling\r\nmore than 2,000 clients, and securing approximately $8.6 million in affordable financing for\r\nfirst-time homebuyers. Our comprehensive programs include First-Time Homebuyer\r\neducation, Homeowner Services, Emergency Home Repairs, Workforce Development,\r\nAffordable Housing & Tenant Services, Financial Capability, and Energy Efficiency &\r\nResiliency.