Program Assistant

Job Title: Program Assistant

FLSA Status: Full-Time: NE

Reports to: Program Manager

Schedule: Overnight Shift 11:30 pm – 8 am

Rate of Pay: $21.00 hourly

• Health, vision, dental, life, voluntary life and disability insurance
• Sick leave benefit – 1 day per month, 12 sick days per year (accrual and availability begins at hire)
• Vacation benefit – 10 vacation days per year, accrued at the rate of .0385 hours for each hour worked, excluding overtime (accrual begins at hire but may not be used until the completion of six months of employment)
• One floating day off for use, accrued immediately and again annually, but may not be used until the completion of the initial three-month introductory period of employment
• Pension Plan (after one year of continuous service)
• Voluntary Tax-Deferred Annuity Plan (403(b) plan)

The Salvation Army Social Services is seeking a Program Assistant for the Crossroads Men’s Emergency Shelter. The Program Assistant is responsible for the safety and security of households, staff, and volunteers who are temporarily staying at facilities that serve individuals or families without permanent housing. They treat all those receiving services with dignity and understanding, implement the rules of the program fairly and equitably, and bring any special or unusual concern to the immediate attention of the supervisor.

The shift may include day, swing, or overnight, weekends, and holidays.

• Provide strong customer service to guests through positive and supportive communication.
• Build and maintain professional relationships with shelter residents, partners, volunteers, and staff.
• Provide information and referrals to social service programs or connect guests with appropriate staff.
• Provide meal service in compliance with Serv Safe regulations during designated times.

• Understand and communicate expectations of bed agreements and program policies.
• Ensure compliance with policies and maintain accurate record-keeping.
• Maintain shift notes, program materials, client files, and data according to contract and organizational standards.
• Conduct guest unit/bed assignment checks to support adherence to program expectations.

• Perform general front desk duties, including answering phones and greeting guests.
• Follow program check-in procedures and assist guests in alignment with program services.
• Maintain accurate counts of guests, partners, and visitors on-site at all times.

• Address conflicts and mediate issues to maintain a peaceful and safe environment.
• Conduct routine safety checks inside and outside the shelter.
• Respond promptly to emergencies, including medical or safety concerns, following established protocols.
• Communicate urgent concerns through the appropriate chain of command.

• High School diploma or G.E.D. required.
• Experience working with homeless, addictions, mental illness, and other vulnerable populations preferred.

• Conflict Resolution: positive, solution-focused approach to conflict.
• Self-Direction: work independently within clear parameters in a team environment.
• Problem-solving skills: assess complex and changing situations, identify barriers and develop creative solutions.

• Demonstrated history of providing professional services.
• Demonstrated history of providing customer service in a professional setting.
• Desire to serve others by building on their strengths.
• Comfortable working in a crisis-oriented environment and responding appropriately to a person in crisis.
• Respond with humility to diversity and the needs of unhoused neighbors.
• Work effectively, cooperatively and respectfully with staff, volunteers, guests, partners and community members regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, partner status, faith, age, socioeconomic status, gender identification, and ability.
• Act with honesty and integrity; exercise appropriate discretion and maintain confidentiality of information.
• Work schedule as assigned, as part of a 24‑hour system, and stay awake at all times during work hours.
• Support The Salvation Army’s…