Activity Specialist

Overview:  The Door is an unparalleled model for youth development, offering a comprehensive range of integrated services within a single site for over 11,000 New York City youth each year. Our mission is to empower young adults to reach their full potential by providing comprehensive youth development services in a diverse and caring environment. At The Door, youth can access health care and education, mental health counseling and crisis assistance, legal assistance, college preparation services, career development, housing supports, arts, sports and recreational activities, and nutritious meals – all for free and under one roof. By providing participants with our suite of integrated services, we seek to provide young people with the tools, resources, and opportunities they need to successfully transition to adulthood. 

The Activity Specialist will report to the Assistant Director of the Supportive Housing Program.  

Responsibilities: 

• Coordinate activities within the Housing program. 
• Plan and develop a structured recreation activities for residents of the Housing program, this will include onsite and offsite activities.
• Ensure activity calendars are up to date and accurate.
• Create budgets for activities that will be approved by Director.
• Create and Submit RFPs to finance in a timely fashion. 
• Work with outside vendors and management to ensure supplies arrive in timely manner to support programming. 
• Arrange for guest speakers and other external resources to visit Housing. 
• Monitor resident activities in the building and provide crisis intervention as needed. 
• Plan and facilitate structured recreational activities for residents onsite including but not limited to; community dinners, topic specific workshops, independent life skills instruction and field trips to community based venues. 
• Document all incidents and interventions with young people and building security. 
• Communicate appropriately with resident coaches and program management during and following crisis situations. 
• Attend all relevant meetings, trainings, workshops and outside events. 
• Other  responsibilities and functions as assigned by supervisor. 

Qualifications: 

• A minimum of a high school diploma or GED; Bachelors preferred 
• Minimum of 2 year experience with adolescents utilizing positive youth development principles 
• Experience working with diverse at-risk populations such as LGBTQ, homeless and mentally ill 
• Knowledge of social service systems and resources as they relate to the urban youth population 
• Demonstrate an understanding of and practice the principles of positive youth development 
• Understanding of  adolescent development, assessment, counseling and/or crisis management 
• Ability to engage young people positively 
• Ability to provide crisis intervention when necessary  
• Excellent oral and written communication skills 

Work Schedule:  Full time, Monday - Friday, 10:00am - 6:00 pm, 35 hours/weekly; may include evenings and weekends  

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive community. We support a broadly diverse team who will contribute to our organization. We are an equal opportunity employer for all regardless of race, color, citizenship, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, veteran or reservist status, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.