Program Assistant - MoCo Reconnect

Pathways To Housing DC Inc • Wheaton, Maryland, United States • $50k - $55k / year • 1m ago

Pathways to Housing DC is an innovative and nationally recognized nonprofit organization dedicated to ending homelessness for individuals facing serious mental illnesses, co-occurring substance use disorders, and other medical challenges in our nation’s capital and Maryland. As one of the pioneers of the “Housing First” model, we firmly believe that housing is a basic human right that should not be contingent upon any preconditions.

The MoCo ReConnect Drop-in Center is a unique approach in Montgomery County as the only dedicated youth space specifically centering the needs of youth ages 16-24, particularly those impacted by housing insecurity, seeking alternative opportunities to traditional education pathways, or just needing a safe space to feel heard and valued. The Drop-in center brings together, for the first time under one roof, a collaboration of agencies providing outreach, case management, education, housing assistance, and employment training. The Drop-in center provides additional services such as meals, laundry, showers, mental health support, sexual health education, relationship building, and civic engagement.

The Program Assistant plays a vital role in supporting these initiatives by providing administrative, clerical, and reception support for the Montgomery County Programs. This position is essential in ensuring that our services run smoothly and effectively, allowing us to continue our mission of providing housing and support to those in need.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Front Desk & Client Services

Greet all individuals entering the drop-in center in a warm, trauma-informed, and culturally respectful manner
Ensure sign-in protocols are followed by all youth and visitors
Open and close the center daily, including completing opening/closing checklists and ensuring lobby readiness by 10:00 a.m.
Maintain a professional and welcoming front desk environment
Monitor and maintain cleanliness and organization of shared spaces, including hygiene facilities and supply areas

Administrative Support

Respond to phone, email, and in-person inquiries, route calls and messages to appropriate team members
Sort and distribute daily mail to staff or youth mailboxes
Support coordination and communication with other Pathways offices and programs
Assist in the scheduling of youth programming, appointments, and service activities
Perform general clerical duties, including filing, data entry, document preparation, and supply inventory management
Maintain a database of client needs, center usage, and related reportable metrics
Enter and update client data in Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) and other required platforms
Ensure data accuracy and assist with reports to support program evaluation and compliance
Maintain confidentiality and professionalism when handling sensitive client information

Facilities & Office Coordination

Monitor and restock office supplies, including front desk materials and program-specific forms
Coordinate with vendors and facilities staff for maintenance needs, copier service, or mail delivery issues
Ensure that common areas (lobby, kitchen, meeting rooms) are tidy, stocked, and welcoming

Safety & Compliance

Follow safety procedures for visitors and clients, including sign-in protocols and emergency drills
Assist with distribution of keycards, ID badges, or visitor passes as needed
Support COVID-era protocols or future public health requirements (e.g., health screening, sanitation of surfaces)

Team Support & Special Projects

Provide event coordination support for staff meetings, training, and client celebrations
Attend team meetings and contribute to ongoing improvements in office processes and culture
Performs other related duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

High School Diploma or GED required. Bachelor's Degree Preferred
Minimum one (1) year of experience in office administration, receptionist work, or customer service in a youth, nonprofit, or community-based setting
Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate respectfully and clearly with youth and team members
Highly organized and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel and Word
Ability to maintain professional decorum and confidentiality, even under challenging circumstances
Demonstrated patience, flexibility, creativity, compassion, and sensitivity to LGBTQIA+ youth, minority populations, and young people from diverse ethnicities and backgrounds
Bilingual candidates strongly encouraged to apply