Recreation Educational Specialist

COMMUNITY HOUSING INNOVATIONS INC•Town of Smithtown, NY

1d•$20 - $45,000

About The Position

Community Housing Innovations (CHI) is a not-for-profit housing and human services organization that aims to support social and economic independence. Our vision is to end generational poverty and foster upward mobility by ensuring that all families and individuals live in quality housing, have a home of their own, and a job to support them. We believe quality, affordable housing is the foundation for prosperity, personal fulfillment, and success. CHI is looking for a full-time Recreation/Education Specialist for our Smithtown location. You will be responsible for maintaining attendance and transportation records of school aged children and completing STAC and DSS transportation forms. The duties also include coordinating and facilitating educational programs for adults and children as well as organizing fundraisers and completing applications for local grants. The Recreation Education Specialist will network with outside agencies to promote and improve programming within the site. This is accomplished by performing the following functions:

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in education or related field, Extensive experience may be substituted for educational requirement.
Knowledge of community resources required.
One to two years experience in the homelessness, housing, human services, or a related field preferred.
Valid driver’s license.
Valid automobile insurance.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Proficiency in English required. Bi-lingual (Spanish) is a plus.
Basic competency in MS Windows, MS Office, and on the Internet.
Ability to formulate simple financial budgets.
Ability to tour properties, walk distances, climb stairs, etc.
Ability to prioritize, make appropriate decisions and judgment calls.
Ability to relate to the underserved, homeless and disabled populations.
Ability to work independently or as part of a team, be highly organized, assume responsibility, work well under pressure, meet deadlines, multitask, be flexible, and maintain a high level of attention to details.

Nice To Haves

Bi-lingual (Spanish) is a plus.
One to two years experience in the homelessness, housing, human services, or a related field preferred.

Responsibilities

Assess educational needs of children and adults.
Assist children and families with school enrollment.
Act as a liaison with DSS to ensure transportation is in place.
Attend CSE meetings and superintendent meetings as deemed appropriate.
Develop programs to enhance academic performance such as tutoring and homework assistance.
Act as a liaison between school districts and families.
Plan, organize, implement, and coordinate facility activities and recreational programs after school, weekends, and on school breaks.
Provide transportation to events as within agency guidelines.
Coordinate transportation for other activities for children.
Seek and act as a liaison with community agencies and resources.
Assist adults with meeting vocational/employment goals.
Coordinate training, education, job placement, and resources for customers to secure employment or training.
Assist adults in developing an employment portfolio.
Facilitate employment trainings for customers and staff through outside agencies.
Assist and support Case Manager(s).
Solicit donations in coordination with supervisor.
Develop and/or assist with camp program (site specific).