Program Assistant - P/T Weekends (Overnight) 7:00 PM - 7 AM

The Program Assistant is a direct-service position supporting adults experiencing homelessness in a busy emergency shelter environment. This is not an administrative or desk-based role.

Program Assistants help maintain a safe, respectful, and supportive environment while responding to resident needs, monitoring activity throughout the facility, documenting incidents and services, de-escalating difficult situations, and assisting with day-to-day resident needs.

The work can be fast-paced and unpredictable. Residents may be experiencing stress, frustration, conflict, behavioral health challenges, trauma, or crisis. Successful Program Assistants are patient, dependable, compassionate, and able to remain calm while using sound judgment and maintaining professional boundaries.

• →Provide respectful, client-centered support that helps residents feel valued, informed, and treated with dignity.
• →Monitor activity throughout the building and grounds to help maintain a safe and secure environment for residents, staff, volunteers, and visitors.
• →Respond to resident concerns, incidents, emergencies, and crisis situations calmly and professionally.
• →Help de-escalate conflicts and challenging interactions using respectful communication, sound judgment, and established safety procedures.
• →Assist residents with essential services including meals, clothing, laundry, hygiene needs, and maintaining safe and clean living spaces.
• →Orient residents and volunteers to services, expectations, available resources, policies, and program procedures.
• →Inform residents of available services, their rights, and available processes for addressing concerns or grievances.
• →Maintain accurate logs, records, incident reports, and other required documentation.
• →Communicate concerns, observations, and important information promptly to supervisors and team members.
• →Collaborate with staff, volunteers, and community partners to support coordinated services and continuity of care.
• →Follow program policies, procedures, safety expectations, and established guidelines.
• →Perform other duties as assigned to support safe and effective shelter operations.

This position may be a strong fit if you are comfortable with:

• Working directly with adults experiencing homelessness in a low-barrier shelter environment.
• Handling multiple priorities and changing needs throughout a shift.
• Interacting with residents who may be upset, frustrated, or experiencing a crisis.
• Using de-escalation techniques and professional judgment when conflict occurs.
• Walking and standing for much of the shift while frequently moving throughout the facility.
• Assisting with practical, hands-on resident needs in addition to safety monitoring and documentation.
• Working as part of a collaborative team where attendance, punctuality, and reliability are essential.
• Working weekends and holidays as part of a regular schedule.

• One year of related experience preferred, particularly experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness or other at-risk populations.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to build positive relationships with people from diverse backgrounds and experiences.
• Ability to remain courteous, patient, calm, and professional in challenging situations.
• Ability to intervene in and de-escalate conflict respectfully and effectively.
• Dependable attendance and punctuality.
• Ability to use, or willingness to learn, basic computer systems, email, online training platforms, and required software.
• Knowledge of basic personal care, housekeeping, and related support practices is helpful.

• No remote or hybrid work availability based on core and essential functions of the position.
• Adjusting or moving objects up to 50 pounds in all directions, which may include lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, or repositioning items as necessary to perform job duties.
• Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, ramps, poles, or other similar structures as required to perform job tasks.
• Engaging in communication with others to exchange information, which may involve speaking, listening, writing, or using electronic communication methods to ensure clear and effective understanding. This includes both verbal and non-verbal interactions with colleagues, clients, or external parties.
• Remaining in a stationary position, which may involve standing or sitting for extended periods, as required to complete tasks or duties associated with the role.
• Moving self in different positions to accomplish tasks in various environments including tight and confined spaces.
• Hearing and vision abilities, with or without correction, sufficient to drive safely and effectively observe and communicate with others.
• May involve working in various outdoor weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, snow, and high winds. Employees may be exposed to these elements for extended periods. Protective gear such as waterproof clothing, warm layers, or wind-resistant apparel will be necessary to ensure comfort and safety while performing job duties in inclement weather.

• CPR and/or First Aid certification must be obtained within six months of employment and maintained thereafter.
• ServSafe certification must be obtained within six months of employment and maintained thereafter.

At WHRC, Program Assistants play an important role in helping individuals experience safety, dignity, consistency, and compassionate support during a difficult period in their lives. This position is ideal for someone who values service, is comfortable in a demanding direct-care environment, and wants to be part of a team helping people move toward greater stability and independence.

Catholic Charities is committed to serving every person with:

• Dignity
• Compassion
• Humility
• Collaboration
• Excellence
• Integrity

We strive to create a trauma-informed workplace culture that promotes safety, empowerment, healing, and self-care while recognizing the infinite worth and promise of every individual.