Weekend Recreational Specialist, RTF

Company Overview

The Child Center of NY strengthens children and families with skills, opportunities, and emotional support to build healthy, successful lives. Founded in 1953, The Child Center of NY has become a powerful community presence throughout the city. With 50 locations and 100 programs in NYC’s most under-served communities, our 1,000+ results-oriented professionals make a difference for more than 40,000 children and their families each year.

The Child Center Residential Treatment Facility (RTF) is a coeducational program in a warm, supportive environment that serves young people ages 12-18 who have had multiple psychiatric hospital placements or have been involved with the juvenile justice system. It is the only downstate RTF in the state that is a dual NYS Office of Mental Health/Office of Children and Family Services facility. We never consider it too late to give young people the help they need, and we are pleased to partner with these two agencies to ensure the young people in our care have the skills and support they need to achieve long-term success. Reflecting The Child Center’s dedication to comprehensive care, the RTF is staffed by clinical coordinators, psychiatric providers, a pediatrician, and 24-hour nursing staff, 24 hour youth advocates. Supports are individualized and tailored to the needs of the young people.

Position Summary

The Weekend Activity Specialist plays a key role in supporting the therapeutic goals of the RTF by providing engaging, skill-based weekend workshops and activities to youth ages 12–18. Specialists are responsible for delivering culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and age-appropriate programming that supports healing, creativity, and personal growth in a safe, welcoming environment.

Essential Functions

• Facilitate interactive workshops on weekends (e.g., art, music, dance, mindfulness, fitness, creative writing, cultural expression).
• Bring a specific skillset to life in ways that are accessible, therapeutic, and empowering for youth with complex trauma histories.
• Foster a safe space for emotional expression and group engagement through structured activities.
• Coordinate with unit staff to ensure safe supervision and therapeutic framing.
• Support youth recruitment in collaboration with unit leaders and social work team.
• Provide post-session feedback regarding attendance, participation, and impact following each session.

Hours

Saturday – Sunday | 11:00AM – 7:00PM

Qualifications

• Must be over 21 years of age
• Background in arts, wellness, recreation, education, or youth development
• Experience facilitating workshops or youth engagement in group settings
• Commitment to trauma-informed care and strengths-based approaches
• Clear communication, empathy, and flexibility in dynamic environments

The Child Center of NY is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status or any other category protected by Federal, State or local law. EOE M/F/D/V