Program Assistant

About Sister José Women’s Center:

At Sister José Women’s Center, we believe everyone can play a part in ending women’s homelessness. You’ll fit in with our team if you’re a determined optimist with a heart for women who are homeless and alone.

Sister José Women’s Center is a low-barrier center that provides women with a safe environment to recuperate from the daily struggle of homelessness and extreme poverty. The overnight program provides a safe space for women who would otherwise be sleeping outside. Sister José Women’s Center is more than a place; we are a community built upon the values of compassion, dignity, and respect in a non-institutionalized setting. For many of our guests and their pets, we are home.

Job Summary:

The Program Assistant assists in program functions and flow for efficient day-to-day operations. This person provides excellent customer service and tends to the needs of all Sister Jose Guests in a professional, non-judgmental, and courteous manner. The Program Assistant models sound decision-making, positive personal accountability, and encourages paths toward self-sufficiency and positive outcomes.

Sister José Women’s Center offers a safe and compassionate environment that honors the dignity of all women. Reports to the Program Director as part of the Program Team.

Duties/Responsibilities:

May include but are not limited to the following:

• Provide an active presence inside and outside the Center during assigned shift.
• Assist and welcome guests in the drop-in setting, providing guidelines, answering questions, offering services and refreshments, and connecting guests to Case Navigators.
• Monitor guests’ compliance with program guidelines and provide appropriate guidance to those guests who are out of compliance.
• Communicate with guests in a positive, caring, confidential, and professional manner that respects and understands the importance of personal boundaries.
• Assist in maintaining cleanliness of kitchen and main areas.
• Interact with guests, volunteers, and fellow staff in a professional manner.
• Communicate any guest concerns to the Program Director or other administrative staff.
• Safeguard the inside and outside areas of the Center, prioritize safety for guests, volunteers, and staff.
• Ability to respond to and de-escalate crisis incidents.
• Communicates significant risk issues to the COO and/or Program Director.
• Perform other duties as assigned by Program Director, CEO, and COO

Must be a team-oriented individual who is willing to work hard, learn, and grow as a professional and person.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Ability to prioritize tasks and multi-task.
• Effective communication skills – written and oral.
• De-escalation skills, crisis management, and trauma-informed care practices.
• Work cooperatively in a team environment.
• Able to make hard decisions, uphold personal and professional boundaries, and work with challenging behaviors.
• Empathy, persuasiveness, and orientation to help others succeed.
• Comfortable working with individuals with mental health and/or substance abuse issues.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalency
• First Aid/CPR certification or ability to obtain
• Must be able to pass a background check to work with vulnerable adults.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Valid Driver’s license and clean driving record
• Bilingual – English/Spanish
• Two years’ experience working with people experiencing homelessness

Physical Requirements: Must be able to lift to 20 pounds at times

Hourly Rate:   $16 depending on experience and education

Hours: Varied schedule

Apply for this position by emailing a resume or job application to nicola@sisterjose.org  or laura@sisterjose.org. Position open until filled.