Program Assistant (LTFC)

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

The Long-Term Foster Care (LTFC) program at Lutheran Family Services Rocky Mountains (LFSRM) provides care and support to Unaccompanied Children (UC) in federal custody as they wait for their immigration case to be resolved so they can transition to a more long term program or living arrangement. UCs are placed with licensed foster families and attend public school while they are in the program, allowing them to have more normalized experiences in family based environment.

JOB SUMMARY & RESPONSIBILITIES

The Program Assistant plays a key role in supporting impactful child and family programs at Lutheran Family Services Rocky Mountains. This position keeps programs running smoothly by managing documentation, data, communications, and event logistics, ensuring families, foster youth, and foster / adoptive parents receive timely and organized support. The Program Assistant also helps coordinate donations, prepares materials for staff and clients, and contributes to welcoming, mission-driven program environments. Through strong organization and commitment to service, this role helps strengthen families and uplift the communities we serve.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES

Occupational Competencies

Meet standards of practice : Familiarity with or the ability to learn social work practice and human development, including appropriate local, state, and federal regulatory rules.

Deliver services within diverse cultural communities : Skills and sensitivity in working with individuals and families from a variety of cultural and ethnic backgrounds with a variety of challenges.

Communicate professionally with colleagues in other fields : Ability to communicate professionally and cooperate with members of the other professions involved with the clients.

Apply person-centered care : Skilled in the treatment of individuals as partners in planning, developing and assessing care, to make sure it is appropriate for their needs. Put them at the heart of all decisions.

Build helping relationships : Experience with developing a collaborative helping relationship, addressing any ruptures or strains in the relationship, fostering bonding and gaining trust and cooperation through empathic listening, caring, warmth and authenticity.

Foundational Competencies

Active Listening : Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Social Perceptiveness : Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

Service Orientation : Actively looking for ways to help people.

Coordination : Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

EXAMPLE ACTIVITIES

• Reviews and tracks required documentation and manages filing according to regulatory requirements and agency policies. Assist with file audits to ensure compliance and with opening, maintaining, and closing files.
• Supports data tracking and reporting according to program requirements.
• Supports with financial processes including on-call, expense reports, credit card logs, and foster care billing, working directly with program and financial staff to ensure timely and accurate reports.
• Assist with program and agency groups and events, including recruitment, retention, and marketing events.
• Supports the program staff in referring to comprehensive services for clients to include but not limited to : therapeutic, health, education, cross cultural and other pertinent resources.
• Drives or arranges for transportation for clients to appointments when appropriate.
• Obtains the services of an interpreter whenever necessary to ensure culturally and linguistically appropriate delivery of services.
• Participates in community outreach activities that advance the work of LFSRM.
• Supports office-wide operational tasks and support other program assistants.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

TRANSPORTATION

Must maintain a valid driver's license and carry personal auto liability insurance at the level of

$100,000 / 300,000 / 100,000.

• Frequent local regional travel. May be required to transport clients in personal vehicle.

REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED). One or more years of relevant work experience and / or training preferred.

VACCINATION POLICY

Due to policy requirements from the Office of Refugee Resettlement, staff in this Long-Term Foster Care Program who work directly with Unaccompanied Children must present proof of immunization or immunity (within 120 days of hire) to the following diseases : Varicella, MMR, Tdap, and annual Influenza; or an approved exemption from Human Resources.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.