Program Assistant Jobs in Union, NJ (NOW HIRING)

Position Title

Program Assistant

Department

COMPASS Program – Elementary

Site/Location

Mitchel Community Center

210 Alexander Ave

Bronx, NY 10454

Job Classification 

Non-Exempt

Full Time

Salary

$ 22.00 Per Hour

Reports To

Program Director

MISSION STATEMENT

East Side House cares for the individuals, families, and communities we serve by expanding opportunities to live more fulfilling lives through education, career, and supportive services.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Summary/ Objective

East Side House (ESH) is a community resource in the Bronx and Northern Manhattan committed to expanding opportunities through education, career development, and supportive services. The COMPASS Elementary Program supports this mission by providing high-quality, structured, and engaging afterschool programming for children in community-based settings.

The Program Assistant plays a key role in supporting the daily operations of the program and works closely with the Program Director to ensure a safe, structured, and enriching environment for all participants. This position is hands-on and youth-focused, involving active engagement with students, support in activity facilitation, and collaboration with staff to ensure smooth program delivery.

The Program Assistant will help implement daily curriculum and activities, supervise and support students during structured and unstructured times (including snack, enrichment activities, and outdoor play), and assist in maintaining a clean, organized, and safe learning environment. This role also includes supporting administrative and operational tasks as directed by the Program Director, participating in staff meetings, and contributing to a positive and collaborative team culture.

Under the guidance and supervision of the Program Director, the Program Assistant is expected to communicate regularly, assist with program improvements, and provide consistent support to ensure program goals and youth development outcomes are met.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

Duties and Responsibilities of the Program Assistant include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Assist in the planning, coordination, and implementation of the COMPASS Program.
• Work closely with the Education Specialist to review, update, and support curriculum, instructional goals, and program design.
• Support daily program operations, including scheduling, activity implementation, and supervision of youth during structured and unstructured times.
• Maintain regular communication with the Program Director, staff, DOE teachers, parents, and community partners to ensure collaboration and program alignment.
• Assist with staff support functions, including onboarding, training support, supervision feedback, and participation in staff evaluations as directed.
• Help coordinate family engagement efforts, including newsletters, events, conferences, orientations, and outreach.
• Maintain accurate documentation, including attendance, snack logs, incident reports, timesheets, and other required records for compliance.
• Ensure compliance with ESH, DYCD, DOE, and DOH standards and support program quality assurance.
• Monitor student behavior and support positive youth development, emotional regulation, and social skills.
• Maintain clean, safe, and organized program spaces, and support supply inventory and purchase requests.
• Participate in staff meetings, professional development, and training sessions as required.
• Facilitate or support bi-weekly staff meetings and contribute agenda items as needed.
• Support special events, beautification projects, and other program-wide initiatives.
• Perform additional duties and special projects as assigned by the Program Director.

Other Duties

This job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all responsibilities. Duties may change at any time based on program needs.

Minimum Requirements:

• Associates degree or equivalent of 3+ years in youth services
• Familiarity with respective BX communities, key stakeholders, and resources
• Experienced in designing, planning, and implementing structured programs
• Enjoy being with students and foster their academic, social, emotional, and physical development through the duties outlined above
• High level of proficiency in administrative work
• Capacity to thrive under pressure while working on multiple tasks and projects
• Knowledge of the public education system and positive youth development best practices
• Strong communication skills, writing, organizational & critical thinking skills
• A team player with demonstrated commitment to working with urban youth and young adults from a strength-based perspective
• Bilingual (Spanish preferred), but not required
• Experienced in DYCD programming regulation and DYCD online
• Computer literate

Preferred Qualifications

• Successful completion of higher education coursework related to education and child development
• Experience implementing educational programming and working with students as a teacher, educational aide, after-school care aide, and/or daycare operator or assistant.
• A high sense of professionalism.

Competencies

• Communication Proficiency
• Team Building
• Problem Solving/ Analysis
• Public/Community Relations
• Customer Service
• Time Management
• Ethical Conduct

Clearance

Employees must be clear to work at ESH.  Employment is contingent upon successful completion of background checks and/or screenings.

Position Type and Expected Hours of work:

• School Year: Availability between 10 am - 6 pm; Monday-Friday
• Summer: Availability between 8 am- 6 pm; Monday- Friday
• Workdays/hours subject to change based on ESH’s needs.

Required Clearances

• Clearance by the Department of Health (DOH)
• Clearance from the New York State Child Abuse Registry
• Physical with TB screen
• Must obtain NYC Dept. of Health fingerprint clearance and State Central Registry (SCR) clearance ($25 fee)

Required Online trainings

• Mandated Reporter, 2 hours, https://www.hslcnys.org/hslc/
• Foundations of Health & Safety Training, 5hours, https://www.ecetp.pdp.albany.e

Supervisory Responsibility

This position may supervise assigned personnel, including front-line staff and/or support staff.

Work Environment

• Corporate casual. This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, and fax machines.

Travel

• Travel is primarily local during the business day.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee must regularly talk or hear. This is generally a sedentary role; however, some filing and site visits are required. This would require the ability to lift files, open filing cabinets, and bend or stand on a stool as necessary. Reasonable accommodations that allow a candidate to meet the requirements of the position will be considered.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer

AAP/EEO Statement

ESH encourages people with disabilities, minorities, veterans, and women to apply. Applicants and employees will not be discriminated against based on any legally protected category, including sexual orientation or gender identity. EEO/AA/Vet/Disability Employer.