Program Assistant

Program Assistant – New Directions for Young Adults (transitional independent living program)

About NDYFA: New Directions for Young Adults (NDFYA) is a transitional independent living program that helps young adults get on the road to a healthy independent life. We are a multi-disciplinary program that provides clinical, vocational, academic, financial, life management, social skills, fitness, and other support services to young adults with autism, developmental disabilities, and other mental health issues.

Program Assistants at New Directions work one-on-one with clients to develop life management skills and complete various tasks specific to each client's particular needs and struggles. Program assistants act as "mentors" to the young adults in our program providing direct guidance, support, and feedback to clients in their home, office, and community environments.

Position Type: Part-Time (with opportunity to transition to Full-Time)

We are seeking a motivated, compassionate, and energetic Program Assistant to join our team. The ideal candidate is dependable and demonstrates strong interpersonal skills, a positive attitude, patience, understanding, and a genuine desire to make a difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities and mental health issues.

This position requires flexible availability, including weekend shifts, and the ability to attend weekly staff meetings every Tuesday from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide individualized supervision and guidance on life management skills to clients in their apartments.
• Teach and support independent living skills such as cleaning, organization, grocery shopping, meal preparation, and medication management.
• Assist clients with academic and vocational goals, offering encouragement and accountability.
• Supervise and participate in group and community social activities (e.g., trips to the beach, bowling, movies, or local restaurants).
• Provide transportation to clients as needed to and from appointments, including transportation for groups of clients to and from activities.
• Accurately document client appointments, progress, and daily notes in the program's database.
• Collaborate with the team to maintain a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all participants.

Qualifications:

• College graduate or currently pursuing an AA or Bachelor's degree in education, psychology, social work, or a related field preferred.
• Strong communication, organization, and time-management skills.
• Responsible, reliable, and able to exercise good judgment.
• Demonstrate patience, empathy, and teaching ability.
• Ability to participate in moderate physical activities alongside clients.
• A clean driving record and a successful background check are required.
• Previous experience with childcare or youth mentorship preferred.
• Previous experience with academic tutoring or education support preferred.
• Prior experience with mental health, social services, or community-based programs preferred.

New Directions for Young Adults will compensate potential applicants with a competitive hourly rate commensurate with experience. There is an opportunity for advancement to join our supportive and collaborative team for full-time employment. Applicants will also gain meaningful, hands-on experience in the human services field.

All applicants must submit a resume to be considered for this position.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $18.00 per hour

Work Location: In person