Program Assistant - Overnight

NJAC; Paterson (NJ); On-site; USD 22,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health insurance

Paid time off and holidays

Retirement plan with employer match

Job summary

NJAC in Paterson, NJ seeks a Residential Program Assistant to support adult residents in a state inmate work-release program. You will supervise the residence, monitor residents, and assist with transportation to medical appointments, interviews, and employment sites while maintaining rigorous safety procedures.

The role requires strong communication skills, a high school diploma or GED, and experience with MS Office and MIS systems. A valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle are expected.

Qualifications

• The candidate must have a high school Diploma or GED, with 2 years of experience preferred.
• Backup education beyond high school is acceptable; a Bachelor's degree is preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills are required for documentation and reports.
• Proficiency in a Windows environment and Microsoft Office is expected.
• Ability to navigate and utilize MIS systems is essential.

Responsibilities

• Supervise residents and program activities to ensure safety and order.
• Account for residents in real time and monitor movement in/out of facilities.
• Provide transportation and escort to medical appointments, interviews, and work sites.
• Conduct facility searches and monitor security to prevent contraband.
• Document contacts, update logs, and ensure accountability of residents.
• Maintain safe operating conditions and assist with daily vehicle maintenance.
• Notify supervisors during emergencies and coordinate with staff on duty.

Skills

Written communication

Verbal communication

Computer literacy

Windows environment

MS Office

MIS system navigation

Education

High school Diploma or GED

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Tools

MIS system

Microsoft Office

Windows

Job description

SUMMARY

Residential program for adult residents which are state inmates classified to a work release program. The Program Assistant provides essential support to ensure the smooth operation of the facility's programs and services. This role involves assisting with administrative tasks, monitoring residents, and maintaining the facility. The Residential Program Assistant contributes to creating a safe, secure, supportive environment that aids residents in their transition back into the community while following established protocols and procedures approved by NJAC and the NJ Department of Corrections.

Schedule

Overnight; Tuesday-Saturday

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

include but are not limited to the following:

• Supervise the residence, its residents and program activities
• Account for each resident in and outside of the facility on a real time basis
• Ensure the safety and security of residents and staff in the facility
• Provide supervision and surveillance of the residents, visitors, facility and perimeter
• Ensure contraband is not brought into the facility by conducting facility searches
• Monitor entry and egress of residents
• Monitor doors, medicine, and supplies.
• Conduct random tours of the residential facility and premises documenting time of tour, client accountability and facility concerns
• Conduct urine and alcohol testing
• Implement appropriate safety and security procedures.
• Responsible for providing transportation and escorting clients to and from medical appointments, interviews, employment sites and other approved destinations as necessary
• Implement appropriate security procedures in the facility and vehicles. Ensure safety of clients at all times.
• Document all phone and resident contacts and make appropriate entries in correct logs to insure continuation of services and client accountability
• Assess and meet physical needs of residents.
• Oversee daily maintenance of program vehicle and submit appropriate reports.
• Update daily travel log.
• Pick-up and deliver agency related business and house supplies.
• Remain on duty until relief coverage arrives. Facility may never be left with single staff coverage at any time.
• Notify Supervisor or appropriate on call staff person in emergency situations.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

None other than residents

Compensation & Benefits

• Hourly Rate $18/hr
• Comprehensive health insurance
• Paid time off and holidays
• Retirement plan with employer match

QUALIFICATIONS, EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE

The successful candidate must be successfully cleared by NJDOC and NJAC prior to employment commencement. Successful background, driving record and criminal record clearances required at hire and/or at random in the future.

High school Diploma or G.E.D w/ 2years experience; Bachelor’s degree preferred

Relevant work experience with human service clients

Proficiency in written and verbal communication

Computer literate with prior experience utilizing a Windows environment and Microsoft Office

Ability to navigate and utilize MIS system

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

Access to a currently registered vehicle and a valid driver’s license

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The employee in this position will be required to climb stairs, may be required to lift up to 50lbs., stand, walk, reach with arms and hands, climb or balance, use fingers, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. Vision abilities required by this job include close vision. Individuals must be physically capable of operating the vehicles safely, possess a valid driver's license, must have use of an insured vehicle, and have a satisfactory driving record.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environmental characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

ASSOCIATION PHILOSOPHY

All Association employees must be committed to NJAC’s philosophy: To promote social justice and human dignity in the policies and institutions which govern offenders and victims of crime through educational, legislative and rehabilitative programs.

The NJAC is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and will consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, lawful political affiliation or group membership, physical handicap, age, marital status, sexual orientation, prior involvement in the criminal justice system, off the job lawful activities or physical appearance.