Carey Program Assistant

Cambridge Preschool Program; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 30,000 - GBP 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A community support organization in Cambridge is seeking a Program Assistant to provide essential support for formerly homeless clients within the Carey Permanent Supported Housing Program. The role involves building positive relationships with residents, collaborating to address their needs, and maintaining accurate documentation. Candidates should have experience working with vulnerable populations, possess strong communication skills, and be flexible for evening or weekend shifts. This position offers a unique opportunity to make a positive impact on the community.

Qualifications

• Must have 1 year experience working with homeless or formerly homeless clients.
• Experience in human services or related settings preferred.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills are required.

Responsibilities

• Build positive relationships with residents and provide on-site support.
• Collaborate with the Program Coordinator to address resident needs and concerns.
• Respond to emergencies and incidents while on site.
• Maintain accurate documentation, including incident reports.

Skills

Ability to relate to clients coming from homelessness and program staff

Knowledge of mainstream resources for individuals

Strong verbal and written communication skills

Working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel

Ability to remain calm and professional in crisis situations

Flexibility to work evening, weekend, or holiday shifts

Education

1 year experience working with homeless or formerly homeless clients

Experience in human services, residential programs, or related settings

Job description

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICE PROGRAMS:

The Department of Human Service Programs (DHSP) creates and coordinates services that enhance the quality of life for Cambridge residents. Driven by the needs of residents, DHSP’s extensive services and programs touch almost every sector in the city: from newborns to senior citizens, from school‑aged children to homeless families, from non‑profit organizations to local employers.

ABOUT THE ROLE:

The Carey Permanent Supported Housing Program provides housing at the Cambridge YMCA. Case management services are provided to 22 formerly homeless men. The Carey Program Assistant is responsible for providing support to program participants to ensure they can successfully maintain their housing. This position will work collaboratively with the Carey Team, which consists of the Program Coordinator and the Multi‑Service Center Director.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

This position will:

• Build positive relationships with residents and provide on‑site support.
• Collaborate with the Program Coordinator to address resident needs and concerns.
• While on site this position will respond to emergencies and incidents, following.
• Maintain accurate documentation, including incident reports and communication notes.
• Support residents by serving as liaison to the Program Coordinator.
• Support residents in connecting to community resources.
• Participate in team meetings, training, and case conferences to ensure coordinated care.
• Attend monthly community dinner.
• Uphold resident confidentiality.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Education and Experience

• 1 year experience working with homeless or formerly homeless clients.
• Experience in human services, residential programs, or related settings preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to relate to clients coming from homelessness and program staff in a positive manner.
• Knowledge of mainstream resources for individuals.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Working knowledge of computer programs such as Microsoft Word and Excel strongly preferred.
• Ability to remain calm and professional in crisis situations.
• Flexibility to work evening, weekend, or holiday shifts as needed.
• The City of Cambridge’s workforce, like the community it serves, is diverse. Applicants must have the ability to work and interact effectively with individuals and groups with a variety of identities, cultures, backgrounds, and ideologies.

CORI REQUIREMENTS:

• This position is subject to Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) checks.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS, WORKING CONDITIONS, WORK FLEXIBILITY AND ACCOMMODATIONS:

• Ability to access, input and retrieve information from a computer.
• Ability to answer phones and maintain multiple files.
• Ability to lift a minimum of at least 15 lbs.
• Main work environment is a busy community center.

Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:

• Resume
• Cover letter