Recreation Attendant/Americorps-Catskill, NY na Mental Health Association of Columbia-Greene Counties Inc.

Are you looking for a rewarding career in Mental Health & Human Services? Apply today to join an amazing team, dedicated to advocating the health & well-being of individuals, families, and communities. The Mental Health Association of Columbia-Greene Counties Inc. (MHA) is seeking dedicated and enthusiastic AmeriCorps Members to serve with our after-school program, as Recreation Attendants.

POSITION: Part-time, Monday-Friday, during after school hours.

LOCATION: Catskill Elementary School- 770 Embought Rd. Catskill, NY 12414. Serving youth in grades K-5

The AmeriCorps program collaborates with many community organizations to provide support and services. MHA’s AmeriCorps members (members) must commit to one year of service directly in the community. Current slots available are 675 – 900 hours over the course of the year, with a bi-weekly living stipend ranging from $9,000 to $12,000 annually based on hours served. Upon successful completion of the program, members are also eligible for an Education Award, which can be applied toward college tuition or existing student loans.

Recreation Attendant- Facilitates an environment where youth can build friendships and engage in healthy social interactions through daily program activities. The position offers up to 18 hours per week over a 50-week school year.  

The Catskill Kids Club Afterschool program provides educational support, recreational opportunity, skill building, character education and a nutritional snack for each participant during three hours of structured daily activities. Collaborations with service providers offer specialized services for participating youth. With a focus on providing youth with a message promoting positive attitude regarding school, delaying childbearing and violence prevention, the program offers interesting and engaging alternatives in Catskill for youth (K-5th grade). The programs are available when school operates on a full day schedule and students are expected to participate in each 3-hour session. 

Job duties include:  

• Provide an atmosphere which builds friendships, encourages healthy social interactions, and promotes recreational opportunities for children.  

• Communicates clearly with youth employing active listening skills. 

• Establishes and maintains professional boundaries. 

• Defines expectations clearly. 

• Offers reassurance and encouragement. 

• Works to motivate youth to identify and select appropriate activities. 

• Respects youth and families’ cultural norms when selecting activities. 

• Plans and conducts age-appropriate activities in partnership with the youth that achieve their established goals.  

• Models and teaches socially acceptable behaviors. 

Requirements

• Must have an understanding of cultural family differences and values with the ability to remain non-judgmental.  

• Must have an understanding of HIPPA privacy laws and adhere to them.  

• Must be self-motivated.  

• Must have excellent verbal, written, communication, and interpersonal skills. 
•  Regular and steady attendance is a requirement for all positions. 

• Ability to work with a diverse population of urban, suburban and rural cultures and with community members from varying socioeconomic backgrounds.  

• Demonstrate a commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion through continuous development, modeling inclusive behaviors, and proactively managing bias.  

• Must be able to work regularly outside the office and in the field to engage with participants.  

• Must have an intermediate competency in Windows operating environment using Micro Soft Office applications, database, email, trainings and payroll.  

Candidates from historically underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply.   

All offers are contingent on the candidate’s ability to obtain a Statewide Central Registry and Fingerprint clearance and a valid NYS Driver’s License and a clean MVR preferred.  

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we do not discriminate in our employment practices due to an applicant's sex, race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship, age, creed, disability, veteran status, marital status, familial status, military status, domestic violence victim status, sexual orientation or gender identity/expression (including transgender status), predisposing genetic characteristics/genetic information or carrier status, ancestry, ethnic group identification, ethnic background, traits historically associated with race, reproductive health decision making, or any other category protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. At the Mental Health Association, we believe a diverse and inclusive workforce makes the best workforce. 

Benefits

Benefits include a living stipend, education award, Voluntary Telemedicine (Concierge Medical), Voluntary 401K plans, and EAP. Plus, you get to be part of a dynamic, diverse, and supportive behavioral health organization whose mission is to "Provide education and advocacy, and to enhance the wellbeing of individuals, families and communities."