The Program Assistant is responsible for assisting with the day-to-day operations and maintenance of the Recovery Home, as well as supporting the staff by providing quality services to the clients. The Program Assistant reports to and is supervised by the Program Director or their designee.

Location: New Joelyn’s Home is a residential treatment program on the Roxbury/Dorchester line for members of the LGBTQ community and female-identified allies who are diagnosed with substance use disorders. New Joelyn’s Home provides a bridge between treatment and re-integration into community living.

Essential Functions:

• Ensure smooth program operations and a therapeutic, trauma-informed milieu.
• Responsible for ordering, purchasing, picking up, delivery and inventory of food and supplies.
• Act in accordance with Victory Programs, Inc.’s Standards of Excellence & Philosophy Care at all times, including maintaining professional ethics, boundaries and client confidentiality.
• Provide guidance to residents participating in food preparation (including menu planning, proper food storage, sanitary and safety etc.).
• Manage linen supplies, including keeping inventory, ordering, distribution, collection and laundering, and coordinating laundry activities as necessary.
• Ensure that program is maintained in a state of good repair, orderliness and is a safe hazard-free environment.
• Ensure safety standards are being met at all times and conduct monthly fire drills for residents.
• Represent program at bimonthly agency-wide Safety Team meetings.
• Maintain cleaning schedule for the program space including but not limited to taking out rubbish, sweeping and mopping when needed. Contacts Facilities Department for repairs when needed. Assign and provide guidance/supervision of client daily chores.
• Collaborate with Program Director to assure coverage for all shifts including calling relief and/or other staff and arranging coverage staff vacation and/or calls, as needed.
• Assist in the admission of new clients by preparing bedrooms (i.e. cleaning the room, providing linens, pillow, etc.) and searching personal belongings. Assist in the orientation of new clients by completing admission paperwork and giving a tour of the program.
• Provide transportation for program clients, utilizing the program van, time permitting, and as deemed appropriate by Program Director or his/her designee.
• Provide milieu coverage as needed, including: monitoring and assessing the integrity of the program’s therapeutic milieu; empowering clients to act in accordance with the guidelines of the program; assisting clients in self-administration of medications; conducting controlled substance counts; answering phones and the front door.
• Maintain all documentation related to house management (i.e. work orders; mileage logs).
• Develop, implement, and facilitate and/or co-facilitate client groups and complete required group facilitation documentation.
• Input client/program data in to Electronic Health Records and The Virtual Gateway (ESM).
• Make emergency referrals (e.g. detox programs, DTA, hospital and after care placement).

Non-Essential Functions:

• Attend weekly staff meeting, trainings, seminars, workshops and rallies as requested by supervisor.
• Represent the program(s) in the community and to designated funders, as requested by supervisor and/or Program Director.
• Participate and support the agency in program holiday events, State House rallies, fundraising and advocacy events, HIV/AIDS rally and walk, and any additional functions.

Required Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or equivalent or a minimum of one year work experience in the field of addiction, HIV, and/or mental health or a certificate from a recognized counseling program or course of instruction.
• Must be at least 25 years of age.
• Valid Massachusetts Driver’s license with a positive point rating of 98. 99, 00, 01, 02 or 03.
• Current TB assessment (may be obtained upon hire).
• CPR certification (may be obtained upon hire).
• Basic knowledge of kitchen management and procedures to ensure safe and sanitary food preparation.
• Ability to work and relate to clients in a helpful, directive, firm, yet compassionate manner.
• Ability to work independently and cooperatively as a member of a professional team.
• Knowledge of the addiction recovery process, or willingness to acquire it within the first six months of employment.
• Demonstrated ability to work successfully in multi-cultural settings with diverse client groups.
• Proficient computer skills, including the use of Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Three work related references, at least one from a supervisor.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in the field of addiction or mental health.
• Strong organizational and record-keeping skills.

Hours: Full Time Monday-Friday 7:30am-3:30pm

Rate: $23.32

Victory Programs values a diverse workforce, as we collectively seek to create welcoming, inclusive and accessible environments for our employees and the people we serve. We strive to sustain healthy, functioning communities that respect and celebrate different experiences, identities, cultures and ideas.

Victory Programs has helped individuals and families in crisis for 45 years. Thousands turn to us yearly for shelter, sustenance, recovery, care, and professional, compassionate support. Most struggle with homelessness, substance use and mental health, and many live with HIV/AIDS. Our team of more than 200 staff across 19 programs works with people to develop and execute creative, safe solutions to the very real challenges our clients face.

Our benefit program includes a 75% health and 25% dental employer premium contribution, 100% employer paid disability and life insurances, 19 days of earned time in your first year, sick time, personal days, tuition remission, and a retirement savings opportunity.