Program Assistant - Oceanside, CA

Why join our team?

At Canine Companions, we’re dedicated to making a difference in the lives of people with disabilities. As an employee, you’ll help provide independence to individuals, while also giving a dog a meaningful job. Our commitment to our mission is reflected in our equally strong dedication to our employees. 

Our Employee Benefits 

We believe in offering a comprehensive benefits package to ensure the well-being and growth of our team: 

• Employer-Paid Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision benefits for staff 

• Paid Time Off: 14 paid holidays annually, including an Inclusion Holiday, plus 17 paid days off (PTO) during your first year 

• Retirement Savings: Employer-matched 403(b) retirement plan 

• Community Engagement: Additional paid hours to volunteer within your community 

• Employee Assistance & Wellness Programs: Support for both professional and personal well-being 

• Inclusion and Diversity Committee dedicated to ongoing efforts to foster a diverse and inclusive workplace by setting actionable goals and evaluating progress  

Employee Testimonial 
"I am regularly inspired by the commitment to excellence, generosity of spirit, and attitude of service demonstrated by my colleagues." 
— Senior Fundraising Team Member 

About the Position

The Program Assistant provides administrative, clerical, and office support with a high degree of accuracy, responsiveness, and discretion. 

Key Responsibilities  

• Administrative Support: Prepare correspondence, reports, and related projects using computer software. Make appointments and maintain scheduling. Attend meetings and record information. Assist with department projects; input data, organize, and disperse reports and files such as monthly reports, travel requests, and meeting notes; analyze reports, light bookkeeping, filing. Maintain files and appropriate records of correspondence, special projects, literature, and other documents. 

• Customer Service: Greet guests and volunteers in a professional and friendly manner; provide quality customer service. Receive and relay telephone messages accurately and promptly return phone calls regarding our organization and the applicant process. 

• Applicant & Client Support: Participate in client interviews and maintain confidentiality throughout the application process. May assist with graduate and/or puppy program when necessary, including processing applications, requesting records, answering questions, and completing ID cards. 

• Team Training Support: Assisting instructors with team training class needs. 

• Animal Care Support: May assist with dog care including grooming, exercising, and transporting to and from kennel and training area. 

• Records & Data Management: Maintain files and appropriate records. Input, organize, and disperse data and reports. 

Qualifications  

To be successful in this role, candidates should possess the following: 

Must Have: 

• Ability to perform several tasks concurrently, time management and organizational skills. 

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, internally and externally. 

• Ability to organize and maintain detailed records; complete necessary paperwork and meet deadlines. 

• Ability to use computers; word processing, spreadsheet, email, customer relations management database, internet-based phone system. 

• Knowledge of office equipment including, but not limited to copying, scanning, and uploading documents. 

Nice to Have:  

• Previous administrative or office experience preferred 

• Dog handling experience preferred 

• Prior experience working with people with disabilities desired 

Compensation 

• Salary Range: $20-23 per hour.

Inclusion and Diversity Commitment  

We recognize that people come with a wealth of experience and talent beyond just the technical requirements of a job. If your experience is close to what you see listed here, please still consider applying. Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is a key to innovation and excellence. Therefore, we encourage people from all backgrounds to apply to our positions.  

The base salary range above represents the low and high of the range for this position. Actual salaries will vary and may be above or below the range based on various factors, including but not limited to location, experience, and performance. The range listed is just one component of the total compensation package for employees. 

Pursuant to local Fair Chance Ordinances, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. 

Accommodation Request 

If you need accommodations during the interview process, please let us know. We are committed to ensuring all applicants have equal access to the opportunity to succeed. 

Salary : $20 - $23