Job Overview
The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD (“The HARRIS CENTER”) is looking for a Program Assistant to join our team. The Program Assistant serves under the general direction of the Program Director for Independent Living. The Program Assistant utilizes a combination of administrative and secretarial skills to support Independent Living. This position will interface internal and external providers and vendors. Primary duties include on-site coordination of facility maintenance, emergency response/disaster preparedness, supply/food purchasing and delivery, paraprofessional schedules/coverage, and liaising with external vendors as necessary. Program Assistant will maintain all time and leave records for all paraprofessionals/Psychiatric Technicians. The Program Assistant will respond to routine requests and use judgment and initiative (with supervisory consultation) to determine necessary response/action in non-routine situations.
What you will do:
- Communicates and works with callers, patients, staff and visitors appropriately; demonstrating a professional, polite and culturally sensitive manner.
- Possess strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Works collaboratively with Agency stakeholders to fulfill requests and/or share the required information.
- Provides new paraprofessional staff with orientation and on-site training.
- Obtains the additional accesses required for on-site job responsibilities (i.e. med carts, lab access, and maintaining key counts) for designated staff.
- Maintain program databases and spreadsheets tracking admissions, discharges, census, and incidents.
- Coordinates duties and maintains an accurate accounting on the following: facility repairs and work orders; ordering office and program supplies; and inventory control.
- Compiles and enters data for all paraprofessional leave time in KRONOS (i.e. enter work schedule) and ensures 24/7 paraprofessional coverage of Independent Living.
- Complies with The Harris Center policies and procedures and contractual requirements including punctuality, attendance and access to the facility.
- Other duties as assigned.
What qualifications you will need:
- Bachelor’s degree (B.A.) from four-year college or university preferred.
- Prior experience at a psychiatric residential program.
- Demonstrate the ability to deliver professional customer service in a collaborative environment with many stakeholders.
- De-escalation & behavior management experience preferred.
- Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, Power Point and Outlook.
- Knowledge of HIPAA Privacy and Security Rules.
- Possess strong verbal and written communication skills, and interact effectively at all levels within the organization.
- Possess critical thinking, problems solving and listening skills.
- Must have well-developed interpersonal, organizational and collaborative skills with a desire to provide a high level of customer service.
- Ability to maintain absolute confidentiality of all work-related matters.
What we have to offer:
The HARRIS CENTER offers competitive salary, excellent benefits package, retirement plans with company matching, prior service credit towards generous PTO accrual, outstanding wellness programs and professional development.
Employees can also take advantage of business casual dress code, corporate discounts, and gym memberships. New hire referral bonus, discounts are also available on an optional basis. These include mobile phone service, fitness centers and other wellness amenities.
What else you should know:
#3101
Shift: Monday – Friday, 5:15am – 1:45pm, with some weekends and/or holidays, as needed.
This positions is located at 6160 South Loop East Freeway, Houston, TX 77087.
About us:
The HARRIS CENTER is the state-designated Local Mental Health Authority and Local Intellectual and Developmental Disability (IDD) Authority serving Harris County, Texas. As the largest behavioral and developmental disability care center in Texas, The HARRIS CENTER provided care to over 79,000 people in fiscal year 2019 and has an annual budget of over $275 million.
As part of its mission to transform the lives of people with behavioral health and IDD needs in the third largest county in the United States, The HARRIS CENTER provides a full continuum of services at 86 different sites across Harris County. In addition, services are provided in more than 42 different languages as well as sign language in order to better serve what is one of the most diverse and multi-cultural communities in the nation.
By utilizing the unique expertise of its more than 2,300 employees, The HARRIS CENTER is committed to meeting the behavioral health and IDD needs of Harris County residents and giving them hope to live to their fullest potential.
