Program Assistant

Job Title: Program Assistant (Part-Time)

Organization: H.O.P.E. Drop-In

Location: Altoona, PA

About H.O.P.E. Drop-In:

H.O.P.E. Drop-In in Altoona, PA, stands for Health, Opportunity, Purpose, and Empowerment. We are a welcoming and supportive center dedicated to serving individuals in our community who are navigating challenges related to mental health, addiction, and/or homelessness. We provide a safe and non-judgmental space where visitors can connect with others, engage in meaningful activities, access vital resources, and build supportive peer networks. Our mission is to provide a safe place for promoting Health, Opportunity, Purpose, and Empowerment for those in recovery. Anyone living with mental illness, or with a drug and / or alcohol addiction.

Position Summary:

H.O.P.E. Drop-In is seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic part-time Program Support Assistant to contribute to the positive and engaging atmosphere of our center. The Program Support Assistant will play a vital role in welcoming visitors, fostering a sense of community, encouraging participation in activities, and facilitating peer-to-peer support among individuals who may be experiencing mental health challenges, addiction, and/or homelessness. This position also includes the important responsibility of Saturday morning food donation pickups.

Responsibilities:

· Visitor Engagement: Warmly greet visitors, many of whom may be facing challenges related to mental health, addiction, and homelessness, ensuring they feel safe, respected, and welcome.

· Relationship Building: Interact with visitors in a friendly, patient, and understanding manner, getting to know them and building positive relationships based on trust and empathy.

· Activity Support: Encourage visitor participation in planned activities and programs designed to promote well-being, recovery, and connection, providing support and gentle encouragement as needed.

· Peer Support Facilitation: Help connect visitors with one another to foster peer-to-peer support and shared experiences, recognizing the unique challenges faced by individuals experiencing mental health issues, addiction, and homelessness.

· Community Building: Contribute to a positive and inclusive environment that is sensitive to the diverse needs and experiences of individuals affected by mental health challenges, addiction, and homelessness.

· Resource Connection: As appropriate and with training, provide visitors with information about available resources and support services relevant to mental health, addiction, and housing.

· Food Donation Pickups: Reliably pick up food donations on Saturday mornings (requires a valid driver's license and access to a vehicle).

· Light Administrative Tasks: Assist with basic organizational tasks as needed.

· Maintaining a Safe Environment: Help ensure a clean, safe, and welcoming environment that is conducive to the well-being of all visitors.

· Adherence to Policies: Follow all H.O.P.E. Drop-In policies and procedures, including those related to confidentiality and professional boundaries when working with vulnerable individuals.

Qualifications:

· Genuine interest in and compassion for individuals navigating mental health challenges, addiction, and homelessness.

· Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds and experiences with sensitivity and respect.

· Ability to create a welcoming and inclusive environment that is trauma-informed and understanding of the unique needs of our visitors.

· Enthusiasm for engaging individuals, some of whom may be facing significant challenges, in activities and fostering peer support.

· Reliability and punctuality, particularly for Saturday morning food pickups.

· Valid driver's license and access to a reliable vehicle.

· Ability to work independently and as part of a team, demonstrating patience and understanding.

· High school diploma or equivalent preferred.

· Demonstrated honesty, integrity, and trustworthiness in all interactions.

· Experience working with individuals experiencing mental health challenges, addiction, or homelessness is a plus, but lived experience and a strong commitment to our mission are also highly valued.

Schedule:

· Part-time, including Saturday mornings for food donation pickups. Specific weekday hours will be determined.

To Apply:

Interested candidates are encouraged to submit a resume and a brief letter of interest outlining their qualifications and why they are interested in this position at H.O.P.E. Drop-In to sburns@hopedropin.org . Please highlight any relevant experience, including lived experience, in your application.

H.O.P.E. Drop-In is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity at all levels of its organization. We especially encourage individuals with lived experience of mental health challenges, addiction, or homelessness to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $12.50 - $15.00 per hour

Expected hours: 25 per week

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Altoona, PA 16602 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Altoona, PA 16602: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $13 - $15