Program Assistant - Hilo Outreach Prevention

The Salvation Army Southern California; Hilo (HI); On-site; USD 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A local nonprofit organization in Hilo seeks a Program Assistant focused on outreach and prevention services for youth homelessness. This role involves providing direct services, clerical support, and maintaining documentation while working under the Program Coordinator. The ideal candidate should possess strong communication and organizational skills, be culturally competent, and have a valid driver's license. This position offers opportunities for professional development and teamwork in a supportive environment.

Qualifications

• One year job-related experience is required.
• Valid Hawaii driver’s license is necessary.
• Must have valid TB and medical clearance.
• First Aid and CPR certification is required.
• Must pass DHS FBI/Criminal History & CAN clearances.

Responsibilities

• Provide outreach services to youth and families.
• Assist in follow-up with youth and community agencies.
• Maintain reports and case-file documentation.
• Perform clerical support tasks and manage office errands.
• Provide attendant care as needed.

Skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Cultural competency

Dependability

Education

HS graduate or equivalent

Tools

Office equipment (computers, photocopiers)

Job description

Department: Family Intervention Services

Position Title: Program Assistant – Hilo Outreach/Prevention

Supervisor: Program Coordinator

FLSA Status: Non-exempt

Date: Jan 2024

General Statement

The Salvation Army is a branch of the Christian Church, and the ultimate goal of all programs is a spiritual regeneration of all people.

Mission Statement

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by love for God. Its mission is to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ and meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

Unit Mission Statement

"To provide youth with skills for a healthy life, and instill purpose, hope and vision to youth and their families."

Essential Qualifications

• HS graduate or equivalent.
• One year job‑related experience.
• Valid Hawaii driver’s license.
• Valid TB and medical clearance.
• Valid First Aid and CPR certification.
• DHS FBI/Criminal History & CAN, and Salvation Army background clearances.

Preferred Qualifications

• Meets Authorized Driving standards of the Salvation Army, including passing initial and annual MVR clearances to drive for work‑related functions and driving company vehicles.

Job Summary

The Program Assistant (PA) can either be a full‑time or part‑time regular non‑exempt position under the Hilo Outreach/Prevention programs. The PA supports activities and services related to youth homelessness, street outreach, and housing assistance funded through the Hawaii County. The PA is supervised by the Program Manager of the Hilo Outreach/Prevention program and performs assigned activities, including direct and clerical services, to support Specialist staff members in the program.

Essential Functions

• Provide outreach and identified services to youth and families.
• Assist in follow‑up with youth, families and community agencies.
• Provide transportation services as necessary.
• Provide attendant care to youths.
• Maintain required reports and case‑file documentation.
• Provide clerical support: order supplies, maintain program files and records, write, type or duplicate correspondence, memos, forms and other program documents as required by staff.
• Greet all walk‑in clients and visitors and assist them to expedite the purpose of their visits.
• Receive, open, date and distribute incoming mail and be responsible for all outgoing mail.
• Perform light bookkeeping.
• Perform office housekeeping (vacuum, trash removal, desk organization).
• Perform all office errands as required.
• Assist in telephone reception and scheduling appointments.
• Maintain professional worker‑client and staff relationships at all times.

Other Functions

• Willing to accept and implement The Salvation Army philosophy.
• Ability and skill in communicating with people of different cultures/ethnicity.
• Ability and skill in relating to a wide range of people and situations, including youth, parents, agency workers, school personnel, law enforcement, businesses, civic groups, supervisors and similar personnel.
• Personal attributes: good judgment, dependability, understanding firmness, caring, organizational skills, ability to work under constant change and stress; organized, high energy; ability to perform responsibilities outside the job description if the need arises.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Mental Demands

• Work under stressful conditions.
• Interact with others with courtesy and tact.
• Work within an interdisciplinary team concept; participate in staff training and growth groups.
• Manage and prioritize multiple projects in an organized and efficient manner.
• Respond to crisis situations calmly and effectively.
• Complete projects on schedule.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Maintain regular and punctual work attendance; may require flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends.

Physical Demands

The position requires sitting; climbing and/or balancing; stooping, kneeling, bending, stretching, crouching and/or crawling; standing; walking; manual dexterity and eye‑hand coordination; use of vision; driving a vehicle; pushing/pulling/lifting/carrying 25‑50 pounds and occasionally more than 50 pounds; traveling by airplane. Implement safe restraints of youth involved in physical confrontation situations.

Communication Demands

The position requires talking to co‑workers, clients, vendors, written communication with co‑workers, clients, vendors; telephone use; responding to written or verbal requests; training/giving verbal and written instructions; receiving verbal and written instructions; writing/composing written language; reading; visiting/working at other sites; communication via the latest technologies.

Skills/Technical Knowledge

Prioritize multiple work tasks to meet tight deadlines.

Equipment Needs

Use office equipment such as computers, photocopiers, scanners, calculators, etc.

Description Of Work Environment

Most work will be indoors at Family Intervention Services. Attendance at trainings, both in Hawaii and on the mainland, may be required.