HELP Program - Job Title Details
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Title Information
Youth Recreation Specialist 1, G-14
Occupation Group
Health and Human Services
Salary Information
Salary Range
NYC Metro - From $53,765 to $67,780
Rest of State - From $50,678 to $64,693
(Salary may differ from what is listed for an agency and/or location. See HELP job postings for specific salary.)
Career Ladder Information
Below is a listing of titles that are most commonly used as steps for upward mobility for this title series.
| Title | Grade |
|---|---|
| Youth Recreation Specialist 1 | 14 |
| Youth Recreation Specialist 2 | 16 |
| Youth Recreation Specialist 3 | 19 |
Job Description
As a Youth Recreation Specialist 1, you would be responsible for planning, supervising, and coordinating the youth recreation activities in an Office of Children and Family Services residential facility. Up to approximately 40% of your time would be spent in dealing with physical education activities required by NYS Education Department regulations. If assigned to a smaller residential facility, you would serve as the head recreation professional. Under the guidance of facility management, you would also be responsible for the development and direction of the recreation program. You would be expected to promote and maintain a structured environment and be able to physically restrain youth, if required. Training on restraints will be required, and will be provided by the agency. You will also be responsible for data entry, as well as submitting schedules and reports on activities as required.
Agencies with this Title
Minimum Qualifications
You must meet the requirements below to qualify for this title.
You must have:
Either 1. a Bachelor's degree AND one year of experience working in a physical education or sports-oriented recreation program primarily for youth between the ages of 10 and 21;
Or 2. a Bachelor's degree or higher in physical education, recreation, leisure studies, outdoor education, health and fitness, therapeutic recreation, recreation management, outdoor/environmental education and camping, leisure recreation program delivery, management leisure studies, outdoor recreation, or in a closely related physical education or recreation degree.
Additional Requirements for Appointment
- Appointees who do not have a Lifeguard Certificate at the time of appointment must attain it prior to the completion of the probationary period. Appointees to these positions are required to maintain a Lifeguard Certificate for continued employment.
- Background Investigation: Because of the nature of the position there is an investigative screening that may include a thorough character investigation. All convictions must be reported. Conviction of a felony or misdemeanor or any falsified or omitted information may bar appointment or result in removal after appointment. Each case is determined on its own merits, consistent with the applicable provisions of state and federal laws.
Background Investigation/Justice Center Review: In some agencies, the names of all prospective employees will
- be checked against the Staff Exclusion List (SEL), maintained by the Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs. Prospective employees whose names appear on the SEL as having been found responsible for serious or repeated acts of abuse or neglect will be barred from appointment and may have their names removed from the eligible list(s) for the title(s);
- be investigated through a Criminal Background Check (CBC). You must report all convictions. Conviction of a felony or misdemeanor or any falsified or omitted information may bar appointment or result in removal after appointment. Each case will be determined on its own merits, consistent with the applicable provisions of state and federal law;
And may
- be screened against the Statewide Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment (SCR). Prospective employees whose names appear on the SCR may be barred from appointment.
You are responsible for payment of all required fees.