Activity Specialist
Lake Villa, IL · On-site
About this role
Activity Specialist
The position of Activity Specialist offers flexible hours and involves providing direct and indirect therapeutic services to youth in a residential living environment. The goal is to promote learning skills for emotional, mental, and physical health and to create a therapeutic, safe, and structured environment as outlined in each youth's Individual Treatment Plan and the OHU Program Plan. The Activity Specialist also helps with overall recreation planning and implementation. This role includes the opportunity to take youth off campus to attend various events in the surrounding areas, such as Broadway shows, sporting events, and 5ks. Additionally, the Activity Specialist organizes fun and culturally enriching events for the youth.
Qualifications
Education
- Bachelor's degree in any other field with two years of supervised clinical experience in a mental health setting. Medicaid approved Bachelor's degree
Experience
- 1-year related experience in residential or related services
Other
- Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record with OHU-required levels of coverage for auto insurance
- DCFS background check & approval to transport youth
- Must be physically able to complete Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) restraint training
Job Duties Include:
- Provides care and treatment to youth that is strength-based, trauma-informed, and person-centered.
- Completes service documentation reflecting therapeutic interactions with clients.
- Guides the planning and implementation of summer recreation groups.
- Provides support and direction to staff leading summer groups.
- Leads the Youth Job Program via interviewing/selecting youth and overseeing the performance of duties.
- Identifies sites for community service for youth, as needed.
- Leads planning and implementation of annual events, such as residential youth holiday parties, dances, and celebrations.
- Develops and coordinates Summer Programming during summer break.
- Serves as holiday liaison for the department and oversees the completion of thank-you responses.
- Creates and maintains resource files of group curriculum/lesson plans to reuse as appropriate; creates and maintains a binder of local recreation resources.
- Provides information to homes and/or schools about available resources for outings and field trips.
- Seeks donations/discounted prices for outings and events in conjunction with the Fund Development department.
- Contributes to Clinical Meetings and Team Meetings as assigned.
- Transports youth to assigned activities.
- Provides on-call and crisis intervention services regularly.
- Adheres to Evidence-Based/Trauma-Informed Program.
- Perform on-call responsibilities on a residential campus.
Required Skills
- Proficient computer skills in a Microsoft Windows environment and adaptive skills to expand software application skills as necessary
- Highly organized, yet flexible, and can handle multiple priorities/projects well; ability to manage tight deadlines
- Ability to function well in a team environment and work well with outside vendors
- Resourceful in researching issues and developing solutions with minimal supervision
- Excellent interpersonal skills and effective communication skills (verbal, written, documentation, listening).
- Ability to write routine reports and verbally communicate in a clear manner.
- Ability to be professional and courteous with a strong customer service focus.
- Ability to exercise discretion and ensure confidentiality.
- Demonstrated ability to build professional relations.
- Demonstrated problem-solving techniques
We Invest in You!
- Competitive pay and benefits
- Tuition assistance up to $2500 per year
- Generous vacation and PTO plans
- Health, dental, vision, 403b Retirement, flexible spending accounts, Agency paid life and LTD, supplemental life insurance
- Career ladders, professional development, and promotion opportunities
- Leadership opportunities on site-based Center Management Teams
A Different Kind Of Employer - One Hope United is strong and ready to grow. Are you ready to grow with us?
- 800+ talented professionals strong, serving 10,000 children and families in Illinois and Florida
- Fiscally stable, $70 Million agency-- strong since 1895.
- Energetic leadership and a rich community of support
One Hope United does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. One Hope United is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Drug-Free Workplace. One Hope United participates in e Verify.
Company at a glance
One Hope United (OHU) is a nonprofit providing early childhood education, child and family services, clinical services, and residential programs for 130 years. We’re proud to serve over 10,000 children and families each year across Illinois and Florida. Through our evidence-based and trauma-informed practices, we empower children and families to see and create a future where, regardless of their past, they can reach their full potential.
Our Mission
One Hope United serves and advocates for the thriving of children, youth, and families through quality early childhood education, residential care, child welfare, and mental health services.
Our Vision
One Hope United seeks to advance child and family services through effective evidence-based practices, policy that focuses on nurturing healthy families, and partnerships that extend its reach.
Founded1895
Team Size501-1,000 employees
WorkspaceOn-site
IndustryIndividual and Family Services
Location
Lake Villa, Illinois, United States
Websiteonehopeunited.org
LinkedInLinkedIn
Top Benefits
- Competitive pay
- Tuition assistance
- Vacation
- Paid time off
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- 403b retirement plan
- Flexible spending accounts
- Agency paid life insurance
- Long term disability insurance
- Supplemental life insurance
- Professional development
Tired of cold applications?
Sign up with Clera and we'll reach out the moment a role actually fits you — no more spraying applications into the void.
Know someone who'd be great for this?