Program Assistant: Community Support Center and Prevention

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION:

The Partnership for Ontario County is a local nonprofit that has been a center of support in the Finger Lakes since 1998. The Partnership offers programs and services to strengthen the community and address the needs of individuals and families. Programs include the Community Support Center, Epic Zone Youth Clubhouses in Geneva and Bloomfield, Ontario County Youth Court, County Community Liaison Team, Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition, Suicide Prevention Coalition, Veterans Coalition, Leadership Ontario, and leads a monthly popup food pantry. Our team is composed dedicated individuals working together to make a meaningful impact in our community.

OVERVIEW AND PURPOSE OF JOB:

We are seeking a dedicated Program Assistant to join our team and help advance our mission of supporting community wellness. The ideal candidate is passionate about helping others, has an outgoing personality, and is familiar with counseling, mental health, public health, and social work.

This position provides essential support across multiple areas, with a primary focus on counseling services, community coalitions, and the Community Support Center.

Working closely with the Director of Community Wellness and Prevention, the Program Assistant supports three Ontario County prevention coalitions: Suicide Prevention Coalition, Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition, and the Veterans Coalition

In addition, this role supports a range of counseling services, including individual and group counseling, and helps respond to requests for social needs support. Key responsibilities include:

• Managing office calls and client intake
• Scheduling appointments and handling related report tracking, grant reporting, and administrative tasks
• Assisting with community outreach and support initiatives
• Supporting community group programs such as grief groups, fitness, and art therapy
• Providing support for the monthly pop-up food pantry

This position is collaborative, outgoing, and works across departments to ensure smooth day-to-day operations and strong community engagement.

ACTIVITIES AND FUNCTIONS:

Client, Counselor and Programs Support (40%)

• Conduct client intake calls and schedule counseling sessions with counselors.
• Assist with client requests for emergency support through the community led Neighbor to Neighbor program.
• Utilize motivational interviewing techniques to support clients.
• Act as a proactively friendly liaison with community partners to connect client support requests.
• Manage client records, data collection and analysis for program evaluation in excel and survey tools. Report data regularly to senior management and program partners.
• Proactively communicate with Counselors regarding client needs, progress, and scheduling. Support management in administering counselor contracts. Assist counselors in navigating online systems to access files.
• Maintain confidentiality in compliance with organizational and legal standards.
• Visit counseling offices to ensure that the client files and physical office spaces are appropriate for sessions.
• Provide support for program activities such as the mobile food pantry pop-ups and community therapy art and wellness programs.

Outreach, Communication and Administrative Support: (60%)

• Actively support and engage community coalitions including scheduling coalition meetings, taking minutes, supporting outreach programs and events, engaging new members and volunteers.
• Support communications across email, social media, and other channels.
• Assist in the creation and distribution of promotional materials across the county in hard copy, website and social media content.
• Participate in community meetings and represent the organization as needed.

Miscellaneous:

• Position offers schedule flexibility for the individual to set their own regular office hours (Monday to Friday) with availability for occasional evenings and weekends. Times may vary.
• Perform other duties as assigned, reflecting the evolving needs of the department and organization.

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

• Associate or Bachelor degree in human services, counseling, or a related field preferred, equivalent experience in client intake, counseling, or support. (Comparable experience may be considered.)

Interpersonal:

• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact with clients, counselors, and community partners.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Friendly warm and outgoing. Comfortable meeting new people and welcoming them into new spaces and programs.
• Ability to network and communicate in multiple platforms with Partnership staff, consultants, community, business, faith, public safety, education, government and health care leaders
• Experience with motivational interviewing helpful.

Skills and Abilities

• Familiarity with counseling techniques, including client intake and assessment.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 including Excel, and relevant cloud software tools.
• Ability to plan, train, organize and coordinate the activities of others
• Familiarity with grant writing and data reporting helpful
• Passion for wellness and holistic approach to physical and mental health is helpful.
• Valid NYS Driver’s License

The Partnership for Ontario County is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: From $21.00 per hour

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday
• Nights as needed
• Weekends as needed

Ability to Commute:

• Canandaigua, NY 14424 (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $21