Program Assistant - Friendship House

Job Purpose: The Program Assistant supports the mission of Friendship House by assisting with meal preparation, coordinating activities, and providing peer support and community-based services. This role supports members through Iowa Home Based Habilitation, Day Habilitation, and community integration, promoting independence, skill-building, and recovery. The position is hands-on and flexible, with training provided and opportunities to learn and grow on the job.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist with meal preparation, food service, and kitchen clean-up, following basic food safety and sanitation practices (training provided).
• Support planning, coordination, and facilitation of daily and special activities that promote recovery, skill development, and community engagement.
• Provide peer support, community-based support, Day Habilitation, and Home Based Habilitation services in accordance with individual service plans.
• Assist members with developing daily living skills, social skills, communication, coping strategies, and independence.
• Encourage participation in activities and model appropriate social and recovery-oriented behaviors.
• Support community outings, volunteer activities, and integration opportunities, including transporting members using agency vehicles as needed.
• Monitor member participation and attendance and assist with basic documentation to support billing and compliance.
• Provide guidance, encouragement, and problem-solving support to members in a respectful, person-centered manner.
• Assist with de-escalation and conflict resolution to help maintain a safe, supportive environment.
• Help with new member orientation and welcoming processes as assigned.
• Provide referrals and connect members to additional community resources as appropriate.
• Assist with setting up, organizing, and maintaining activity spaces, supplies, and program materials.
• Support safe operation of Friendship House by monitoring the environment and following agency policies and procedures.
• Communicate effectively with members, staff, and supervisors regarding program needs and member concerns.
• Participate in team meetings, trainings, and a collaborative, interdisciplinary approach to care.
• Maintain confidentiality and uphold ethical and professional standards at all times.
• Adapt to changing program needs and assist in multiple areas of programming as required.
• Perform other related duties as assigned to support Friendship House operations and services.

Additional Duties and Responsibilities:

• Accomplish all tasks as appropriately assigned or requested.

Competencies:

• Social Skills—the individual professionally interacts with members and models appropriate behaviors.
• Problem solving—the individual identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner and gathers and analyzes information skillfully.
• Oral communication—the individual speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations, demonstrates group presentation skills and conducts productive meetings.
• Written communication—the individual edits work for spelling and grammar, presents data effectively and is able to read and interpret written information.
• Leadership—the individual inspires and motivates others to perform well, accepts feedback from others.
• Quality management—the individual looks for ways to improve and promote quality and demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness.
• Judgment—the individual displays willingness to make decisions, exhibits sound, accurate, and ethical judgment and makes timely decisions.
• Planning/organizing—the individual prioritizes and plans work activities, uses time efficiently and develops realistic action plans.
• Safety and security—the individual observes safety and security procedures and uses equipment and materials properly.
• Interpersonal skills—the individual maintains confidentiality, remains open to others’ ideas and exhibits willingness to try new things.
• Delegation—the individual delegates work assignments, gives authority to work independently, and sets expectations and monitors delegated activities.

Experience and Education:

Required:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Knowledge of, and experience in working with adults with mental illness.

Preferred:

• Knowledge of community resources.
• Bachelor’s degree in a human services related field, or a minimum of 2 years relevant experience.
• Complete Peer Support Training and Certifications within 6 months of hire date.

Pay: From $18.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 403(b)
• 403(b) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Work Location: In person

Salary : $18