Program Assistant

Position Title:

Program Assistant (PA)

Bridges to Housing Stability, Inc. ("Bridges") is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Howard County, MD. Bridges’ mission is to provide a path to self‑sufficiency to prevent and end homelessness through affordable housing solutions and advocacy in Howard County. To that end, Bridges provides affordable housing and/or case management to households who are precariously housed and overburdened with rent, facing eviction and at risk of homelessness, or already homeless.

For more information, please see (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

The PA’s primary responsibility is to be the first point of contact to clients, potential clients, and the general public and to provide office administrative support to Bridges management and staff. The PA will support efficient office operations by communicating effectively with all elements of the Bridges community, including vendors, clients, donors, and volunteers. The PA will manage and distribute resources to include in‑kind donations, gift cards, and other small grants.

The PA also assists staff with tasks further outlined below.

• Maintain Bridges’ standards of confidentiality and professionalism
• Represent Bridges’ mission and standards effectively with the public
• Serve as first point of contact and record keeper for visitors, general phone calls, and client‑related emails through Bridges’ website
• Handle incoming and outgoing mail ensuring its proper distribution
• Assist with preparing expense authorizations and documentation as needed
• Ensure community resources are available to clients and housing advocates through the website, client emails, and displayed in the lobby
• Perform other duties as assigned, including client support services as needed

• Serve as the secondary point of contact for phone screenings of applicants for Bridges services in the absence of the Program Associate
• Conduct initial assessment (phone screening) of potential applications
• Coordinate receipt of program related in‑kind donations, record in the donor database and curate materials for articles in social media and the monthly newsletter to showcase the contributions
• Lead the distribution of seasonal client support to include school supplies, thanksgiving meal baskets, and holiday gifts
• Support the Volunteer Coordinator in the management, training, and coordination of projects for program‑related volunteers
• Create and send monthly client resource newsletter and ensure mailing list is up to date
• Oversee spending of small grants
• Order, track, and disburse gift cards and work with the Bookkeeper to reconcile the inventory quarterly
• Perform other duties as assigned

• A commitment to Bridges’ vision to increase affordable housing in the County to prevent and end homelessness
• Associate’s Degree either in a human services/administration, business or related field; (Note that 3+ years of relevant experience may be considered in substitution for education)
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Proven problem solver
• Ability to adapt and learn new skills
• Strong skills in Excel, Word and Power Point
• Familiarity with Social Media preferred
• Bilingual applicants encouraged to apply

Intentionality in organizational practices is a core value of Bridges to Housing Stability, Inc. resulting in culturally competent services, materials, resources, and programs. Our hiring and business practices appreciate the strengths offered through different backgrounds. Bridges is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.

This is a full‑time (40 hours a week), salaried position. After a 90‑day probationary period, there is opportunity to work from home 1-2 days a week.

HR-Office Manager

$40,000 to $45,000

Bridges provides medical, dental, vision and life insurance, short‑term disability, Bridges’ retirement account matching (up to 3% of salary), $600 annual phone allowance, and flexible leave.