Arts Program Counselor

Arts Program Counselor

Join the NYC Administration for Children's Services (ACS) as an Arts Program Counselor to develop and implement art-based interventions in a secure juvenile detention center, fostering positive emotional and behavioral development among incarcerated youth through creative expression.

Salary: $62,868.00 – $72,298.00.

ACS protects and promotes the safety and well‑being of children and families through child welfare, juvenile justice services, and community support. The Division of Youth and Family Justice (DYFJ) strives to build stronger, safer communities and advance public safety by preventing youth from entering the juvenile justice system, providing therapeutic treatment, and offering supportive services responsive to the needs of individual youth and families.

• Design, implement and administer a comprehensive year‑round art program tailored to the unique needs and interests of juvenile detainees.
• Work directly with youth to facilitate art projects and workshops, fostering teamwork, leadership skills, problem‑solving abilities, and critical thinking.
• Support the facilities and contracted providers in implementing special art projects, workshops, or events as needed.
• Cultivate self‑confidence in youth and contribute to violence reduction through art‑based activities and relationship‑building.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to develop and implement art‑focused programs and activities that promote creativity, self‑expression, and personal growth.
• Prepare reports and updates for supervisors and relevant stakeholders.
• Maintain accurate and up‑to‑date records of art programs, participant attendance, and any incidents or issues that may arise.
• Conduct training sessions for detention center staff on the benefits of art therapy and how to incorporate artistic interventions into their interactions with youth.
• Act as a liaison with contracted art programs and contract‑management units to ensure compliance with contracts and quality of services provided.
• Organize periodic provider meetings and prepare progress reports and annual evaluations of art program vendors.
• Perform additional duties as needed to meet the cultural, educational, and recreational needs of the youth in Secure Detention.

• A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college and two years of experience in community work or community‑centered activities related to the duties described above.
• High school graduation or equivalent and six years of experience in community work or community‑centered activities related to the duties described above.
• Education and/or experience that is equivalent to either of the options above. However, all candidates must have at least one year of experience as described in option 1.

• Relevant experience or demonstrated interest in working with at‑risk youth or in a juvenile detention or similar setting.
• Ability to mentor and provide positive interaction to youth in custody.
• Understanding of youth development principles and trauma‑informed care.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and prepare written reports and documents.
• Knowledge of various art forms and an ability to teach basic art principles.
• Strong writing, communication, interpersonal, problem‑solving, and organizational skills.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information.
• Flexibility and adaptability in a dynamic environment.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of detention facility staff.

Please visit https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). or https:// and search for Job  to apply. No phone calls, faxes or personal inquiries permitted. Only candidates under consideration will be contacted.

The City of New York is an inclusive, equal‑opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual’s sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity or pregnancy.