Temporary Program Assistant

Job Title: Temporary Program Assistant

FLSA Status: Temporary, Full-Time - non-exempt

Employment End Date: 12/31/2025
Reports to: Shift Supervisor

Schedule: Varies, 40hrs/week, may include nights and weekends

Supervises: N/A

Rate of Pay: $21/hour

Closing Date: 10/07/2025

Benefits: Temporary; Full-Time, Non-Exempt employees are eligible for but not limited to the following:

• Sick leave benefit - 1 day per month, 12 sick days per year (accrual and availability begins at hire; sick time accrual is pro-rated for part-time hours.)

Function

The Salvation Army Denver Metro Social Services (DMSS) is seeking a program assistant. The program assistant role is responsible for the safety and security of the households, staff, and volunteers who are temporarily staying at facilities serving individuals or families who do not have permanent housing. Program Assistants treat all those receiving services with dignity and understanding. Program assistants implement the rules of the program fairly and equitably. Any special or unusual concern is to be brought to the immediate attention of the supervisor. Assigned shift may include: overnight, weekends or days.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Customer Service: provide strong customer service to guests, which always includes positive and supportive communication.
• Build and maintain professional relationships with shelter residents, partners, volunteers and staff.
• General front desk/reception duties include are but not limited to answering phones, adhering to program check-in procedures, greeting and assisting guests in alignment with program services and procedures.
• Provide information and referral to social service programs as needed or refer to appropriate staff as needed.
• Maintain accurate count of guests, partners and visitors who are on site at all times.
• Understand and communicate expectations of bed agreement at program location, ensuring compliance with policies and accurate record-keeping.
• Communicate urgent concerns following the appropriate chain of command and communication methods.
• Build and maintain professional relationships with shelter residents, partners, volunteers and staff.
• Address conflicts and mediate issues to ensure a peaceful and safe environment.
• Conduct routine safety checks both inside and outside the shelter, ensuring the premises remain secure and all residents are safe.
• Respond promptly and effectively to emergency situations, including medical or safety concerns, following established shelter protocols to protect the well-being of households and staff within the protocol.
• Provide meal service in compliance with ServSafe regulations during designated times.
• Maintain all shift notes, program materials, client files and data, in accordance with contract and organizational policies.
• Conduct guest unit/bed assignment check as assigned to support guests' adherence to program expectations.
• Pack up client items when abandoned or when guests are asked to leave, in accordance to program policy and only when assigned.
• Assist with the cleaning and upkeep of the facility, both indoors and outdoors, ensuring the shelter remains clean, organized, and welcoming.
• Complete all required training in adherence to the training schedule and in compliance with contract, organizational and program needs.
• Attend all staff meetings as assigned.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.
• This description should not be interpreted as all inclusive. It is intended to identify the major responsibilities and requirements of this position. The incumbent may be requested to perform job-related responsibilities as well as other tasks not stated in this position description.

Education, Experience, Skills, Qualifications

Education

• High School diploma or G.E.D. required.

Skills

• Conflict Resolution: provide a positive, solution-focused approach to conflict.
• Self-Direction: work independently within clear parameters within a team environment.
• Problem solving skills: Ability to assess complex and changing situations, identify barriers and develop creative solutions.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated history of providing professional services.
• Demonstrated history of providing customer service in a professional setting.
• Desire to serve others by building on their strengths.
• Comfortable working in a crisis-oriented environment and responding appropriately to a person in crisis.
• Ability to respond with humility to diversity and the needs of our unhoused neighbors.
• Ability to work effectively, cooperatively and respectfully with staff, volunteers, guests, partners and community members regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, partner status, faith, age, socio-economic status, gender identification, and physical or mental ability.
• Act with honesty and integrity; exercise appropriate discretion and maintain confidentiality of information.
• Ability to work schedule as assigned, working as a part of a 24-hour system, and staying awake at all times during work hours.

Background Check

• Continued employment will be contingent upon a biennial (every two years) background check that is processed in accordance with The Salvation Army's policies.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to maneuver.
• Ability to remain in a stationary position.
• Ability to grasp, push, pull, and reach overhead.
• Ability to operate telephone.
• Ability to lift 25 pounds.
• Ability to respond to emergency situations.
• Ability to access and produce information from the computer.
• Ability to understand written information.
• Qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential duties of the position with or without accommodation.

A request to modify or adjust these requirements may be made to your supervisor and HR. The Salvation Army would attempt to satisfy requests if the accommodation needed is reasonable and presents no undue hardships.