Pathfinders - Program Assistant (Social & Environmental Justice Program - SEJ)

Pathfinders:

 PROGRAM ASSISTANT POSITION DESCRIPTION 

JOB TITLE: Program Assistant 

SUPERVISOR: Assigned Case Manager 

OBJECTIVE: To assist with daily operations of the Drop-In Center, and support with program structure of youth ages 11-25. 

RESPONSIBILITIES 

1. Supervise and interact informally with clients as a positive adult role model. Maintain direct and constant individual or group interaction with the youth inside of the center. 

2. Take an active role in monitoring kitchen/locker room/shower/laundry room/computer lab access and also with preparing and debriefing for scheduled programs. 

3. Participate in client orientations. 

4. Participate in groups/programs. 

5. Assist staff with overall center management. This includes documentation, filing and supportive related duties. 

6. Other duties may be assigned. 

QUALIFICATIONS 

1. Individual must possess a high school diploma or equivalent. 

2. Individual must be 21 years or older. 

3. Possess experience/interest working with teens and young adults. 

4. Be emotionally stable. 

5. Possess a non-judgmental attitude. 

6. Willingness to work cooperatively with paid staff and accept supervision. 

7. Demonstrate a lifestyle and value system that is in accordance with the interests of the clientele served (NASW Code of Ethics). 

8. Be able to adhere to program policies/procedures (i.e. confidentiality and boundaries). 

TRAINING: Scheduled orientation and training sessions, on-going training with the assigned supervisor during the shift. Updated 03/2023 

EVALUATION: Evaluation consists of on-going interaction and feedback between volunteer/intern and supervisor, aimed at helping the volunteer/intern’s job performance. The volunteer’s will have the opportunity to participate in the written evaluation of their experience and training provided by on-shift supervisors. 

COMMITMENT: Position requires a six month commitment or a specific time agreed upon with the Volunteer Manager. Volunteers/interns are expected to work a minimum of 3 hours per week. 

BENEFITS: Ability to grow, learn and experience situations effecting adolescents and their families. 

Opportunity to assist Pathfinders in providing quality services to youth and families. All Pathfinders internships are unpaid unless an intern is also serving as an AmeriCorps member with the agency. 

Compensation:
This internship is part of the Lawrence University Social & Environmental Justice Cohort, which provides an opportunity for Lawrentians to explore social and environmental justice impact careers, gain professional experience, and develop as leaders. Students complete a full-time summer 2026 internship with an identified social and/or environmental justice impact organization in Milwaukee or Appleton, while participating in ongoing reflection with fellow students, Professor Jason Brozek, the Career Center, community leaders and alumni.  Students may apply for as many positions as they are qualified for and interested in. Each student in the SEJ program will receive a $5k stipend to help cover housing and transportation costs and living expenses. For additional details and to see other SEJ opportunities, please see the SEJ Cohort webpage.

• Before applying, you must meet with a Career Center's Ty Collins for a resume review, or your resume must achieve green status in VMOCK.  If your resume does not meet professional expectations, you may be asked to resubmit your resume.  Please make an appointment with Ty here on Handshake.
• Once your resume is approved, you will then apply directly to one or more of the designated SEJ Internship options in Handshake by February 13, 2026 at 11:55 p.m. A separate application should be prepared for each position.
• Complete this form to indicate your transportation needs. The form only needs to be submitted once.

Please ask Michelle Buchinger for more details about how funding works Michelle.m.buchinger@lawrence.edu