Program Assistant

POSITION SUMMARY:        

Program Assistants provide operational and program support across Saint Mary's Community Services to help maintain safe, clean, organized, and efficient service environments. This position supports the day-to-day functions of assigned programs through responsibilities such as facility and program-area upkeep, cleaning and sanitizing, inventory and supply management, laundry operations, receiving and organizing donations or program materials, restocking, and other operational activities based on departmental needs.

Program Assistants work collaboratively with program staff to maintain service-ready environments, support the efficient delivery of services, and contribute to a welcoming and respectful experience for clients. Responsibilities may vary based on program assignment and operational needs.

Why St. Mary’s Community Services?

• Mission-Driven Leadership – Be at the heart of an organization dedicated to serving the most

vulnerable.

• Strategic Influence – Shape policies and initiatives that uplift lives and drive systemic change.
• Collaborative Environment – Work alongside a passionate team, community partners, and

dedicated stakeholders.

• Sustainable Impact – Lead an organization committed to long-term solutions for housing,

healthcare, and social support.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Support the daily operations of assigned programs and service areas to promote safe, organized, efficient, and consistent service delivery.
• Maintain assigned program areas in a clean, sanitary, organized, and service-ready condition in accordance with agency and departmental procedures.
• Perform routine cleaning, sanitizing, restocking, and facility upkeep throughout the assigned shift.
• Monitor program areas for cleanliness, safety hazards, maintenance concerns, and operational needs and report concerns promptly.
• Maintain, organize, and restock program supplies, materials, clothing, linens, and other inventory based on departmental needs.
• Assist with inventory counts, inventory documentation, receiving supplies, identifying shortages, and communicating replenishment needs.
• Receive, sort, organize, store, and distribute donations, supplies, clothing, or other program materials according to assigned departmental procedures.
• Perform laundry-related responsibilities, including collecting, washing, drying, sorting, folding, organizing, and restocking clothing or linens when assigned.
• Assist with the receipt, storage, distribution, collection, and management of vendor-provided supplies and materials.
• Operate assigned equipment safely and in accordance with manufacturer instructions, agency policies, and departmental procedures.
• Maintain storage, laundry, supply, donation, and other assigned operational areas in a clean, safe, and organized condition.
• Assist with opening, closing, and daily preparation of assigned program areas.
• Support program staff with operational needs that contribute to efficient client services and continuity of program operations.
• Interact with clients, Team Members, volunteers, donors, vendors, and community partners in a professional, respectful, and compassionate manner.
• Follow established health, safety, sanitation, infection-prevention, and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) requirements.
• Immediately report safety hazards, maintenance concerns, equipment malfunctions, supply shortages, incidents, or other operational concerns in accordance with agency procedures.
• Complete required operational logs, inventory records, checklists, and other assigned documentation accurately and in a timely manner.
• Attend and actively participate in team meetings, staff training, and other required sessions.
• Complete all mandatory training, in person or online, within required timelines.
• Check and respond to work emails and departmental communications regularly to remain informed of organizational and program needs.
• Work collaboratively with Team Members and assist with department priorities as operational needs change throughout the shift.
• Foster a welcoming, inclusive, and respectful environment that upholds the organization's values of dignity, compassion, and empowerment.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Physical & Mental Requirements

• Mobility: Frequent walking and standing; frequent bending, reaching, pushing, pulling, and repetitive movement; occasional sitting, squatting, kneeling, and climbing as required to complete assigned operational duties.
• Lifting: Frequent lifting, carrying, pushing, or moving items weighing up to 25 lbs.; occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, or moving items weighing up to 50 lbs., with appropriate assistance or equipment when necessary.
• Visual: Frequent use of overall and close-up vision to inspect program areas, monitor inventory and supplies, read labels and instructions, complete documentation, and safely operate assigned equipment.
• Hearing/Talking: Frequent communication with Team Members, clients, volunteers, donors, vendors, and other individuals in person, by phone, or by radio as required by the assigned program.
• Emotional/Psychological: Frequent attention to detail, organization, time management, prioritization, and decision-making while managing multiple operational responsibilities. Ability to remain professional, flexible, and composed in a fast-paced service environment and respond appropriately to changing program needs.
• Environmental: Work may occur in program facilities, laundry and storage areas, donation areas, shower and hygiene facilities, and other indoor or outdoor service environments. The position may involve regular exposure to water, cleaning products, soiled clothing or materials, odors, varying temperatures, and other conditions associated with assigned program operations. Appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) shall be used when required.

What You Bring:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• At least one year of customer service, facilities support, program operations, inventory, donations, laundry, homeless services, social services, or related experience preferred. Individuals with lived experience of homelessness are encouraged to apply.
• Demonstrated ability to work respectfully and professionally with individuals with diverse needs and backgrounds.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; ability to communicate effectively with clients, Team Members, volunteers, donors, vendors, and community partners.
• Knowledge of basic workplace safety, sanitation, and emergency response procedures.
• Ability to follow established cleaning, safety, equipment, and departmental procedures.
• Familiarity with basic inventory tracking, documentation, and recordkeeping.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities, respond to changing operational needs, and complete assigned tasks efficiently.
• Ability to think critically, solve problems, and maintain composure in fast-paced or challenging situations.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain clean, organized, and service-ready environments.
• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills.

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Paid time off

SMCS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace that values and respects all individuals. Employment decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and business needs, without regard to race, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.