Classification: Full-time, Non-Exempt
Reports to: Director of Social Services and Program Director
Location: Bronx, NY
Status & Hours: Full-time. This position may include some evening and weekend hours. Lantern staff may be asked to adjust their work schedule depending on the operational needs of the site.
Who We Are: Lantern Community Services helps New Yorkers impacted by homelessness move from surviving to thriving by pairing safe, supportive housing with wraparound services that build lasting stability and independence. If you believe a steady home can be the start of everything else, you'll fit right in with our mission-first team. Lantern was also recognized as a Top 2025 Workplace by City & State New York — a great place to do meaningful work with people who care!
Where You Will Work: Hudson Bay is a brand-new, all-female shelter in the Bronx housing 200 women aged 55 and older.
About the Role: Lantern Community Services is seeking a responsible and self-motivated Recreation Specialist for Hudson Bay. The Recreation Specialist will be responsible for developing, organizing, and implementing activities and programs tailored to the specific needs of shelter residents. These activities provide safe and positive ways for residents to spend their leisure time, with the goal of engaging as many residents as possible through group activities that include creative arts, games, trips, and light exercise — all aimed at promoting self-confidence and relieving stress. Successful candidates should have prior experience providing compassionate care to vulnerable populations.
Essential Functions: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Foster a fun, nurturing, and welcoming environment for shelter residents.Organize and facilitate social and/or peer support events for shelter residents.Collaborate with an interdisciplinary team of site-based and cross-building staff to design and implement a variety of recreational, community-building, and life skills groups, including Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), shopping, light exercise, games, arts and crafts, and other activities.Encourage all shelter residents to participate fully in social activities to enhance socialization and ensure maximum use of recreational services.Develop linkages and act as liaison to external recreational programs and facilities.Escort shelter residents to off-site group outings and/or activities.Develop a resource guide for free and low-cost recreational resources in the area.Maintain inventory of recreation equipment and supplies.Plan and organize facility special events.Complete and maintain documentation of all group activities.Report concerns about shelter residents to the relevant social service staff and collaborate with them on effective interventions.Attend staff meetings, case conferences, supervisory sessions, and in-service training sessions.Assist with the design and production of bulletin boards and visuals for public spaces of the facility, reflecting cultural, seasonal, and programmatic themes.Perform other duties as assigned.
Required Education and Experience:
High School Diploma or equivalent required; Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution preferred.At least 2 years of experience providing recreational services in a human services setting.Experience developing program curricula, facilitating groups, and/or events that engage vulnerable populations in meaningful use of leisure time, including arts, exercise, trips in the community, personal growth, and stress management activities.Good interpersonal skills; high level of maturity and reliability.Must be comfortable with crisis intervention.Familiarity with harm reduction principles.Experience working in a shelter setting and/or with individuals experiencing mental illness.Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.Narcan trained preferred.Driver's License preferred.
Work Environment: This position operates within a shelter serving individuals who may experience mental illness, substance use, disability, HIV/AIDS, and other chronic health conditions.
Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, and/or kneel. They must also use their hands to type, handle, or feel. The employee is frequently required to talk or hear and must occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this role.
Equal Opportunity Employer: Lantern Community Services provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants. Lantern values the diversity of our clients, staff, Board of Directors, and partners. By bringing diverse individuals and viewpoints together, we create more vibrant, healthy, and just communities.
