Program Associate - Casework Navigator

Overview

About Star Gospel Mission: Founded in 1904 in Charleston, South Carolina, Star Gospel Mission exists to transform lives through Jesus Christ by compassionately providing resources for people experiencing hardships. The Mission’s principal response is to provide housing options, counseling, and other human services to men, women, and children facing homelessness. It also responds to the needs of the community by offering emergency assistance to individuals and families.

Most importantly, Star Gospel Mission offers hope through the Gospel of Jesus Christ to anyone seeking spiritual transformation.

• Training & development

Hours: Monday - Friday, 9:00am-1:00pm

The Program Associate provides direct, day-to-day support to Mission guests and program participants, helping ensure that Star Gospel Mission’s programs are safe, structured, supportive, and Christ-centered. This role plays a critical presence-based function—supporting daily rhythms, reinforcing community expectations, and helping guests remain engaged in their recovery, stabilization, and growth.

Program Associates operate with a trauma-informed, dignity-centered posture, understanding that healing and transformation occur best in environments marked by consistency, clarity, accountability, and grace. While specific duties may vary by program or specialization, this role shares a common foundation of responsibilities that support the Mission’s overall program integrity.

• Help maintain a safe, orderly, and structured program environment consistent with Mission policies and expectations.
• Support daily schedules, routines, and program flow, ensuring participants know what is expected and where to be.
• Observe and report concerns related to safety, behavior, compliance, or guest well-being to appropriate leadership.
• Assist with monitoring attendance, participation, and adherence to community guidelines.
• Support conflict de-escalation and redirection using trauma-informed and Christ-centered practices.

• Build respectful, appropriate relationships with guests that promote trust, dignity, and accountability.
• Encourage guest participation in required and recommended program activities, meetings, and services.
• Offer consistent presence, listening, and encouragement while maintaining healthy boundaries.
• Assist guests in navigating daily challenges by directing them to appropriate staff, resources, or services.
• Reinforce personal responsibility, progress, and growth within the Mission’s structured program model.

• Interact with all guests in a manner that reflects Christ-centered compassion, patience, and respect.
• Apply trauma-informed principles, recognizing the impact of past experiences on behavior and decision-making.
• Avoid punitive or shaming responses; instead, support accountability paired with grace and clarity.
• Model emotional regulation, professionalism, and spiritual maturity in all interactions.
• Support the Mission’s spiritual life by honoring prayer, chapel, and faith-based programming.

• Assist guests and clients with intake processes, documentation, and basic needs navigation.
• Support goal-setting related to housing, employment, recovery, education, and personal stability.
• Help guests and clients connect with internal and external resources, appointments, and referrals.
• Track progress, participation, and outcomes using approved documentation systems.
• Maintain appropriate case notes and communicate relevant updates to program leadership.
• Reinforce personal responsibility, follow-through, and engagement with program expectations.

• High school diploma or equivalent required; additional education in human services, ministry, or related fields preferred.
• Prior experience working with vulnerable populations, recovery programs, housing programs, or ministry settings is helpful.
• Ability to work calmly and effectively in structured, relational environments.
• Commitment to Star Gospel Mission’s Christ-centered mission and values.