Recreational Counselor

Location: 219 East 121st St. New York, NY 10035

Our Mission

Since 1967, Odyssey House has been providing innovative services and programs to a broad population of individuals and families struggling with substance use and mental health disorders.

Odyssey House helps New Yorkers of all ages—and across all five boroughs—beat drugs and alcohol with highly individualized treatment programs.

Odyssey House provides high quality, holistic treatment impacting all major life spheres, including: psychological, physical, social, family, educational and spiritual in order to support personal rehabilitation, renewal and family restoration.

If that sounds different than other treatment programs, you’re right. Because Odyssey is where recovery gets real.

In Addition, Odyssey House Offers

• A 35-hour work week (as opposed to a 40-hour work week)
• Vacation Plan and Holiday Schedule
• Life Insurance
• Medical Insurance (Two Plans)
• Dental and Vision Insurance
• Additional Insurance Coverages (hospitalization, accidental, critical illness coverage)
• Long-Term & Short-Term Disability
• Flexible Spending Account/Health Reimbursement Account
• 403(b) Plan
• Corporate Counseling Associates (CCA) EAP benefit
• Ability Assist Counseling Services (through The Hartford)
• Commuter Benefits
• Educational Assistance Programs
• Special shopping discounts through ADP Marketplace and PlumBenefits
• RUFit?! Fitness Program
• Pet Insurance
• Legal Assistance
• Optum Financial Service through ConnectYourCare
• Benefit Advocacy Center through Gallagher

Major Functions

The Recreation Counselor will provide oversight over all Odyssey House recreational activities across the designated facility.

The Recreational Counselor works collaboratively with Director of Recreation and facility program Director and staff to facilitate a range of recreational activities which are focused on the promotion of physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual wellness as well as the identification of healthy life style alternatives.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of the facility recreation program.
• Develop and implement a “Run for Your Life” group curriculum focused on physical wellness and its relationship to recovery goals.
• Assist the Director of Recreation in all aspects of facility resident participation in the NYC Marathon.
• Assist the Recreation Director in all aspects of facility participation in annual Fun Day, “Run for Your Life” fund raiser, Therapeutic Community Association Athletics (i. e. Basketball, Softball, Soccer etc.).
• Maintain direct oversight of all Odyssey House recreation alumni, volunteers, including orientation, scheduling and supervising these individuals.
• Assist in the scheduling of facility recreational activities (i. e. sporting events, poetry slams, etc.).
• Participate in quality improvement activities.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirments: Education/Training and Experience Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

1. High School Diploma/GED required; CASAC or CASAC-T preferred

2. Bachelor’s Degree in Recreation Education, or Therapeutic Recreation preferred

3. Minimum of one (1) year of providing recreational services to chemically dependent and/or mentally ill clients.

4. Proficiency with computer operation (Microsoft Word, Excel, Electronic Health Record documenting and Outlook programs).

5. CPR/First Aid Certification required.

6. Must be able to work evenings and weekends and maintain a flexible schedule

Odyssey House is an equal opportunity employer maintaining a non-discriminatory policy on hiring of its personnel. Odyssey House, and its operational divisions, will not discriminate against any employee or applicant because of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, disability, marital status, sexual orientation or citizen status in all employment decisions including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, upgrading, demotion, downgrading, transfer, training, rate of pay or other forms of compensation, layoff, termination and all other terms and conditions of employment.