Program Support Assistant Jobs in Maryland (NOW HIRING)

Title: Program Support Staff

Reports to: Program Support Manager

Employment Status: Full Time and Part Time

FSLA Status: Non-exempt

Pay rate: $21 per hour

Since its founding in 1972, Interfaith Works (IW) has provided extensive wraparound services to the most vulnerable residents of Montgomery County, Maryland. Our 14 interrelated and co-located programs prevent individuals from falling through the safety net, stabilize housing and financial circumstances, and empower individuals and families to lift themselves out of poverty and homelessness. Our team of 190 professionals administer programs that include emergency financial assistance, distribution of free food and clothing, vocational services, and a complete continuum of housing. Using our Lift Strategy: Prevent, Stabilize, and Empower, we support more than 35,000 individuals annually.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Program Support Staff (PSS) is responsible for supervising the day-to-day program activities to ensure safety and compliance with program guidelines. Under the direction of the management team, the seasonal program support staff implements procedures as needed, monitors medication and communicates activities using the communication log. Additionally, the PSS is accountable for persons entering and exiting the program during their shift, including volunteers, visitors, and other service providers. The PSS must provide excellent customer service to all individuals.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The essential functions include, but are not limited to the following:

• Provide excellent customer service and trauma-informed care by treating everyone with dignity and honoring personal choice.
• Provide ongoing emotional support to highly vulnerable clients in shelter or supportive hosing programs while monitoring their safety and well-being.
• Following training, use motivational interviewing, harm-reduction models, and other client-centered interventions to support clients in their goals and daily routines.
• Consistently employ crisis intervention, de-escalation, and mediation skills to maintain physically and emotionally safe environment. This includes calling 911 and the Crisis Center when appropriate.
• Monitor and prompt clients to take scheduled medication consumption; regularly communicate to case managers and program director's relevant concerns regarding client medication consumption.
• Provide detailed incident reports and log notes about both crisis events and routine client interactions.
• Monitor program related activities. This includes signing in/out of the program, medication consumption, meals, chores, and laundry.
• Ensure proper documentation of daily activities including incident reports and grievances
• Ensure safety of the program by conducting room searches.
• Greet, direct, and provide support to volunteers providing dinner and other supplies.
• Attend and participate in mandatory staff meetings and trainings as required by contract.
• Assume the responsibility for heating up and serving dinner in the absence of volunteers.
• Understanding and display of cultural humility and sensitivity.
• Perform other duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES)

• Minimum of a High School diploma with at least two years experiences working in any service delivery field, social service field.
• Excellent communication skills. Ability to listen well and refer guest/resident to the appropriate resources. Ability to document important behavior.
• Ability to work as a team member.
• Proficient with word processor, search engines, and other computer programs.
• Ability to interact well with volunteers and other visitors to the program (able to answer questions).
• Ability to recognize psychiatric or medical emergencies and contact the proper resource.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to use hands or fingers, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.

BENEFITS

Interfaith Works offers a comprehensive benefits package for its employees. Employees receive 14 paid holidays and 21 days of PTO. Benefits for full-time employees, those who work 30 hours per week or more, include access to subsidized medical, dental, and vision costs for employees and their families; employer paid long-term disability insurance as well as life and AD&D insurance. Employees have the option to purchase supplemental benefits that are fully portable, including short-term disability insurance, critical illness insurance, and more. All employees regardless of full or part time status have access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) at no cost to them.

NOTE

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbents will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will" relationship.

TO APPLY

Interested candidates must submit a resume with their application to be considered. Applicants must apply through our Career's Page. Please send any questions about the application process to hr@iworksmc.org. 

Interfaith Works is an equal opportunity employer which values diversity, equity, and inclusion. We are committed to a continued focus on equitable hiring, training, promotional practices, and policies. We are a drug-free workplace and comply with ADA regulations, as applicable.