Program Assistant, Desert Programs

Position Title: Program Assistant

Organization: Jewish Family Service of San Diego

Department: Desert Programs

Position Type: Full-Time (37.5+ hours/week), Non-Exempt

Work Setting: Fully Onsite

Reports To: Outreach Supervisor

Pay Range: $19- $23/hour

Total Compensation:  

In addition to standard pay, compensation for this position includes:

• Comprehensive, low-cost healthcare coverage for employees


• Generous employer 401(k) contributions


• Employer-covered life insurance

Time Away from Work:

Being able to take time away from work is critical in bringing your best self to work. Time off benefits for this position include:

• Paid vacation time and sick leave


• 15 paid holidays, including Federal and Jewish holidays (as long as the holiday lands on a normal scheduled work day), and floating holidays


• 2 Wellness Days to be taken any time during the year to support employees’ mental wellness

Position Overview:

JFS is looking for a compassionate, mission-driven individual to join the Outreach team as the Program Assistant. In this role, you can use your people skills and customer service experience to make a meaningful difference in your community and help change lives across Riverside County. The Outreach Team provides services to unhoused individuals and those who are at risk of becoming homeless. An integral part of this position is assisting with security for staff and clients. This will require periodic walks around the office complex to ensure that clients are not loitering on the premises. The ideal candidate will possess excellent skills in de-escalation techniques and situational awareness. This position requires extensive interaction with clients, the ability to offload and distribute food and clothing donations as well as some administrative duties. The Program Assistant may assist other programs as needed.

Responsibilities:

• Be the “eyes and ears” of program staff, monitoring clients both inside and outside of the facility. This includes working with clients who may be dissatisfied with services or loitering outside the facility and doing so in a compassionate and non-confrontational manner


• Notify appropriate staff of any concerns regarding safety and security


• Adhere to all confidentiality protocols


• Work collaboratively with other service providers to ensure comprehensive services for program participants


• Assist in preparing reports, monthly program statistics, and other information


• Provide support as needed to the Outreach Team, including unloading and organizing donations


• Provide a high level of customer service


• Record accurate program data


• Assist with clean-up of facility as needed

Skills/Experience/Abilities That Are a Must-Have:

• Must have a valid CA driver's license, insurance, a reliable personal vehicle, and a willingness to travel off-site


• Ability to pass a pre-employment drug test


• Excellent written and oral communication skills


• Excellent communication, phone etiquette, and customer relationship skills


• Strong organizational skills with the ability to juggle multiple tasks, set priorities, effectively manage time, and meet deadlines; strong attention to detail


• Ability to work with individuals who may have mental health issues, substance abuse disorders and are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless


• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with clients, customers, community service providers and businesses


• Proven customer service skills and ability to provide conflict resolution


• Ability to show an unconditional positive regard to the client who turns for help we support


• Ability to stand and walk throughout the day as will as lift and carry up to 50 lbs. on occasion


• Ability to take on safety and security role as needed

Skills/Abilities We’d Like You to Have:

• 1-2 years of experience in a similar supportive role


• Bilingual


• Experience in working with marginalized individuals


• Experience working in a non-profit environment

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to lift 50 lbs

Important Notice:

Incomplete submissions will not be considered. Please, no phone calls. Please, principals only. Please, local candidates only (relocation is not provided).

About Jewish Family Service of San Diego
Jewish Family Service of San Diego is a client-centered, impact-driven organization working to build a stronger, more resilient community.  For over 100 years, Jewish Family Service has been a trusted resource for the entire community, offering an array of services that are always life-changing, and often life-saving.  At Jewish Family Service, we believe our employees are the backbone of our Agency.  We strive to ensure that each employee is treated with dignity and respect.  Our goal is your success.  Come work at JFS and be our partner in Moving Forward Together.  To learn more about JFS, please visit jfssd.org. 

*Jewish Family Service is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.