What Does a Program Assistant Do?

Program assistants are usually entry-level or junior employees assigned to a department that handles a specific program in the organization. They assist the team they are assigned to in the implementation of the programs. They usually take care of administrative or clerical activities while also getting exposure to actual program management. Program assistants get trained to handle agendas from inception, to sourcing, to implementation, to evaluation. They may also handle documentary support for business cases or other presentation materials that the team may need for a specific part of the program management cycle.

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Program Assistant Responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real program assistant resumes representing typical tasks they are likely to perform in their roles.

Lead classes in anatomy/physiology, medical terminology, transcription.
Manage oversight of budget/finance, personnel and continuous program improvement.
Assist in achieving and maintaining DoD certification and national accreditation where applicable.
Instruct students in C++ and Java programming, robot design and construction.
Introduce students to various computer pro- gramming languages (HTML, CSS, JavaScript).
Present information about RSVP to community organizations.
Learned many specialize USDA computer programs to create contracts and other require documentation.
Provide technical assistance to loan closing participants regarding FSA procedural requirements for loan closing.
Plan and implement the AmeriCorps program.
Develop and write code in Java.
Train staff and customer providing hands-on care and compassion.
Work with the GIS system for the mapping of farm locations.
Assist in the creating, editing and proofreading of committee reports.
Create scripts and programs for GIS data manipulation and automate map generation.
Educate youth k-12 on a variety of classes in and outdoor classroom.

Program Assistant Job Description

Between the years 2018 and 2028, program assistant jobs are expected to undergo a growth rate described as "much faster than average" at 13%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. So if the thought "should I become a program assistant?" Has crossed your mind, maybe you should take the growth rate into account. In addition, the number of program assistant opportunities that are projected to become available by 2028 is 52,200.

Program assistants average about $16.92 an hour, which makes the program assistant annual salary $35,193. Additionally, program assistants are known to earn anywhere from $27,000 to $45,000 a year. This means that the top-earning program assistants make $15,000 more than the lowest earning ones.

As is the case with most jobs, it takes work to become a program assistant. Sometimes people change their minds about their career after working in the profession. That's why we looked into some other professions that might help you find your next opportunity. These professions include an assistant technology coordinator, assistant program coordinator, assistant program manager, and assistant program leader.

Learn More About Program Assistant Job Descriptions

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12 Program Assistant Resume Examples

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Daniel Hughes Program Assistant Contact Information Merced, CA (860) 555-4651 dhughes@example.com Skills Community Services Physical Activity Child Care Treatment Plans Mental Health Travel Arrangements Program Goals Non-Profit Organization HIV Counselors Employment History Program Assistant 2019 - Present University of California Press Merced, CA Assist program participants with developing and using a functional communication system to communicate needs and interact with others. Assisted in classes and activities for youth engaged in recreational activities to include active and passive participants. Assist the maintenance staff in securing an area during a maintenance emergency. Provided corporate quality support for coconut operations facility in the Philippines through phone and e-mail communication. Assist our grant department with multiple grant reports, including the GCC After-School Program, and Food Pantry. Maintained abreast knowledge of mental health diagnosis, disabilities and treatment procedures. Program Counselor 2018 - 2019 Management and Training Wilberforce, OH Develop lines of communication between the department and community by explaining mental health programs. Maintained communication with schools, Juvenile Court system and other social services that were needed during and after the program. Provided encouragement to help participants meet their personal goals and mental health challenges. Educate clients on their symptoms surrounding their mental health, substance abuse and recovery. Student Volunteer 2014 - 2017 BIG BROS BIG SISTERS LONE STAR Columbus, OH Process applicant background screenings for volunteers through the Department of Children and Families and the Department of Motor Vehicles. Implement marketing, communication, web development and graphic design. Performed routine clerical operations, such as filing patient charts, organizing medical records and receiving telephone calls. Maintain clean and safe environment for workers, customers and visitors at all times. Education Master's Degree Nursing 2017 - 2018 Central State University Wilberforce, OH Bachelor's Degree Nursing 2011 - 2014 Excelsior College Albany, NY


Bruce Reynolds Program Assistant Contact Info Indianapolis, IN (220) 555-5908 breynolds@example.com Skills Project ManagementEnsure ComplianceCommunicationRecreational FacilitiesProgram SupportRole ModelRecreation FacilitiesPositive GroupSocial DevelopmentSpecial Events Employment History Program Assistant 2018 - Present YMCA of Greater Indianapolis Indianapolis, IN Performed all administrative functions for staff psychiatrist. Assisted the special education teacher with summer preschool to kindergarten transition. Understand emergency procedures, and apply appropriate behavior-management techniques. Recreation Program Coordinator 2017 - 2018 YMCA of Greater Indianapolis Indianapolis, IN Follow policy and procedures for storage and refrigeration of food ingredients and practice good health and hygiene. Plan and organize recreational activities for clients to participate in during weekend, night, and holiday periods. Developed and implement school wide data collection policies for student information. Resident Advisor 2016 - 2017 Passavant Memorial Homes California, PA Received medication, restraint, safety, and CPR training within compliance. Served as resource and role model for undergraduate students. Provide mentorship to 52 residents and collaborate with residential life and administrative staff. Complete incident reports upon confronting students who violate university and housing policies and procedures. Education Bachelor's Degree Kinesiology 2013 - 2016 California University of Pennsylvania California, PA


Marie Nelson Program Assistant Boston, MA (680) 555-7901 mnelson@example.com Experience Program Assistant2019 - Present Massachusetts Institute of Technology•Boston, MA Provide daily communication and support as required to Case Management team. Manage employees and personnel records; administer benefits enrollment and programs; administer HR budget; and handle workplace issues. Provided care/supervision, oversight/accountability for program participants. Identified and resolved conflicts between public and bank, employees and management, clarifying work relationships and alleviating communication problems. Participated in cross-functional and/or multifunctional teams (e.g., project management, process improvement). Supported budgeting and bookkeeping procedures. Community Program Assistant2018 - 2019 Action for Boston Community Development•Boston, MA Assisted Executive Director and program staff in all areas of office management and fund development. Coordinated hundreds of onsites for community outreach and to spread awareness of products and services. Assisted HR with hiring and termination of contracted associates, time-off requests, and payroll processes. Promote efficient and effective communication between the Command, FRG, community resources and family members. Designed and implemented individual treatment plans and facilitated group therapy and education classes for convicted adult sex offenders. Summer Camp Counselor2015 - 2018 YMCA of Greater Indianapolis•Boston, MA Led the children through daily activities of arts & crafts, hiking, kayaking, swimming, and archery. Assist counselors in providing a safe environment for day campers ages 5 to 12 Knowledge of archery, kayaking and fishing Planned daily activities for children to express themselves. Organized and conducted various therapeutic and socio-recreational activities. Recognize and respond to opportunities for problem solving in group * Maintain open communication and interaction with leadership and youth. Showed teamwork by assisting other Junior Counselors. Skills Staff MembersChild CarePublic SchoolsPositive AttitudeDirect SupervisionProgram StaffStaff MeetingsFinancial StatementsLesson PlansCommunity Resources Education Bachelor's Degree Psychology2012 - 2015 University of Massachusetts Boston•Boston, MA

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Program Assistant Skills and Personality Traits

We calculated that 12% of Program Assistants are proficient in Patients, Customer Service, and Data Entry. They’re also known for soft skills such as Compassion, Problem-solving skills, and Time-management skills.

We break down the percentage of Program Assistants that have these skills listed on their resume here:

Patients, 12%
Transition Coordinator Assistant supporting the Program Transition Coordinator assisting on correspondences when dealing with patients transitioning to the adult care.
Customer Service, 9%
Provide administrative support and customer service related to enrollment and assist the Director and Assistant Director with program administration.
Data Entry, 8%
Conducted intake and interviewed clients; maintained agency records and Welfare Management System; ensured accurate documentation for data entry.
HR, 6%
Performed HR functions including entry of payroll and monitoring of staff certification requirements.
Excellent Interpersonal, 6%
Utilized excellent interpersonal skills during daily parents meetings to discuss the on-ice progress of their children.
Data Collection, 4%
Enhance data collection processes by developing efficient compilation methods, strict guideline adherence and maintain initiative for gathering all pertinent information.

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Some of the skills we found on program assistant resumes included "patients," "customer service," and "data entry." We have detailed the most important program assistant responsibilities below.

The most important skills for a program assistant to have in this position are compassion. In this excerpt that we gathered from a program assistant resume, you'll understand why: "social and human service assistants often work with people who are in stressful and difficult situations" According to resumes we found, compassion can be used by a program assistant in order to "cited for excellence in interpersonal communications, teamwork, compassion, flexibility and reliability. "

Another commonly found skill for being able to perform program assistant duties is the following: problem-solving skills. According to a program assistant resume, "social and human service assistants help clients find solutions to their problems." Check out this example of how program assistants use problem-solving skills: "help build programs; data entry; form creation; student/faculty/staff service; problem resolution; clerical support"

Another skill that is quite popular among program assistants is time-management skills. This skill is very critical to fulfilling every day responsibilities as is shown in this example from a program assistant resume: "social and human service assistants often work with many clients" This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "maintain supervisor and bureau calendars for scheduling appointments, deadlines, arrangements for meetings, travel and program / project responsibilities. "

A program assistant responsibilities sometimes require "interpersonal skills." The responsibilities that rely on this skills are shown by this resume excerpt: "social and human service assistants must make their clients feel comfortable discussing sensitive issues" This resume example shows how this skill is used by program assistants: "maintained cpr and first aid certifications and participated in ongoing sensitivity and interpersonal workshops to meet the clients' needs. "

Another common skill for a program assistant to be able to utilize is "communication skills." Social and human service assistants talk with clients about the challenges in their lives and assist them in getting help a program assistant demonstrated the need for this skill by putting this on their resume: "provided support to department as necessary (phone, communications, scheduling appointments, specified projects within office and studio. )"

Lastly, this career requires you to be skillful in "organizational skills." According to program assistant resumes, "social and human service assistants must often complete lots of paperwork and work with many different clients." This resume example highlights how program assistant responsibilities rely on this skill: "created dynamic organizational literature, from flyers to advertising, to press releases, covering a variety of topics. "

See the full list of program assistant skills.

After discovering the most helpful skills, we moved onto what kind of education might be helpful in becoming a program assistant. We found that 61.7% of program assistants have graduated with a bachelor's degree and 9.6% of people in this position have earned their master's degrees. While most program assistants have a college degree, you may find it's also true that generally it's possible to be successful in this career with only a high school degree. In fact, our research shows that one out of every seven program assistants were not college graduates.

Those program assistants who do attend college, typically earn either business degrees or psychology degrees. Less commonly earned degrees for program assistants include communication degrees or political science degrees.

Once you've obtained the level of education you're comfortable with, you might start applying to companies to become a program assistant. We've found that most program assistant resumes include experience from Johns Hopkins University, Brookdale Senior Living, and ChildServe. Of recent, Johns Hopkins University had 201 positions open for program assistants. Meanwhile, there are 99 job openings at Brookdale Senior Living and 77 at ChildServe.

Since salary is important to some program assistants, it's good to note that they are figured to earn the highest salaries at The Aspen Institute, Champlain College, and Brigham and Women's Hospital. If you were to take a closer look at The Aspen Institute, you'd find that the average program assistant salary is $59,258. Then at Champlain College, program assistants receive an average salary of $57,670, while the salary at Brigham and Women's Hospital is $56,554.

View more details on program assistant salaries across the United States.

We also looked into companies who hire program assistants from the top 100 educational institutions in the U.S. The top three companies that hire the most from these institutions include University of Washington, Boston University, and Americorps.

In general, program assistants fulfill roles in the education and non profits industries. While employment numbers are high in those industries, the program assistant annual salary is the highest in the government industry with $41,993 as the average salary. Meanwhile, the professional and education industries pay $40,495 and $36,940 respectively. This means that program assistants who are employed in the government industry make 20.5% more than program assistants who work in the health care Industry.

The three companies that hire the most prestigious program assistants are:

Johns Hopkins University201 Program Assistants Jobs
Brookdale Senior Living99 Program Assistants Jobs
ChildServe77 Program Assistants Jobs

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What Assistant Technology Coordinators Do

An assistant program coordinator performs administrative support tasks and assists in organizing programs and activities under a program coordinator's supervision. Their responsibilities typically include monitoring the expenditures and schedules, preparing and processing documents, handling calls and correspondence, creating requests and proposals, communicating with vendors and suppliers, and updating records. They must also assist staff in various tasks and resolve issues promptly and efficiently. When it comes to employment opportunities, an assistant program coordinator may work at learning institutions, government agencies, and private companies.

In this section, we compare the average program assistant annual salary with that of an assistant technology coordinator. Typically, assistant technology coordinators earn a $4,569 higher salary than program assistants earn annually.

Even though program assistants and assistant technology coordinators have vast differences in their careers, a few of the skills required to do both jobs are similar. For example, both careers require cpr, powerpoint, and administrative tasks in the day-to-day roles.

These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. A program assistant responsibility is more likely to require skills like "patients," "customer service," "data entry," and "hr." Whereas a assistant technology coordinator requires skills like "crisis intervention," "windows," "staff training," and "medicaid." Just by understanding these different skills you can see how different these careers are.

Assistant technology coordinators tend to make the most money in the government industry by averaging a salary of $40,524. In contrast, program assistants make the biggest average salary of $41,993 in the government industry.

On average, assistant technology coordinators reach similar levels of education than program assistants. Assistant technology coordinators are 0.5% less likely to earn a Master's Degree and 0.2% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

What Are The Duties Of an Assistant Program Coordinator?

An assistant program manager takes supervision of the employees within an organization. Assistant program managers provide help in projects' practical management systematically. They plan and monitor project budgets and work calendar. Part of their job is to work on projects with cross-functional teams. They manage and deliver the application programs of the companies. Also, they make an arrangement of program activities based on the set deadline. Skills necessary for this job include customer service, program management, and communication skills.

The next role we're going to look at is the assistant program coordinator profession. Typically, this position earns a higher pay. In fact, they earn a $6,251 higher salary than program assistants per year.

While the salary may be different for these job positions, there is one similarity and that's a few of the skills needed to perform certain duties. We used info from lots of resumes to find that both program assistants and assistant program coordinators are known to have skills such as "data collection," "cpr," and "powerpoint. "

But both careers also use different skills, according to real program assistant resumes. While program assistant responsibilities can utilize skills like "patients," "customer service," "data entry," and "hr," some assistant program coordinators use skills like "mental health," "professional development," "crisis intervention," and "community agencies."

It's been discovered that assistant program coordinators earn higher salaries compared to program assistants, but we wanted to find out where assistant program coordinators earned the most pay. The answer? The government industry. The average salary in the industry is $41,967. Additionally, program assistants earn the highest paychecks in the government with an average salary of $41,993.

On the topic of education, assistant program coordinators earn similar levels of education than program assistants. In general, they're 4.9% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.2% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

How an Assistant Program Manager Compares

Assistant program leaders are skilled professionals who are responsible for assisting program leaders in executing activities related to the goals and objectives of an organization. These assistant program leaders must train employees about the daily operations and quality performance to achieve improvements in their productivity. They are required to provide outstanding customer service to develop relationships and earn a reputation for increasing customer satisfaction. Assistant program leaders must also lead the assigned team to communicate the organization's sales goals that drove maximum results.

The assistant program manager profession generally makes a higher amount of money when compared to the average salary of program assistants. The difference in salaries is assistant program managers making $18,209 higher than program assistants.

While looking through the resumes of several program assistants and assistant program managers we discovered that both professions have similar skills. These similarities include skills such as "customer service," "hr," and "data collection," but they differ when it comes to other required skills.

As mentioned, these two careers differ between other skills that are required for performing the work exceedingly well. For example, gathering from program assistants resumes, they are more likely to have skills like "patients," "data entry," "excellent interpersonal," and "word processing." But a assistant program manager might have skills like "program management," "apm," "kids," and "mental health."

Assistant program managers typically study at similar levels compared with program assistants. For example, they're 4.8% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.4% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Description Of an Assistant Program Leader

The fourth career we look at typically earns lower pay than program assistants. On average, assistant program leaders earn a difference of $974 lower per year.

While both program assistants and assistant program leaders complete day-to-day tasks using similar skills like customer service, cpr, and powerpoint, the two careers also vary in other skills.

While some skills are shared by these professions, there are some differences to note. "patients," "data entry," "hr," and "excellent interpersonal" are skills that have shown up on program assistants resumes. Additionally, assistant program leader uses skills like math, leadership, pet, and customer satisfaction on their resumes.

Now, let's take a closer look at the financials in each career. The finance industry tends to pay more for assistant program leaders with an average of $40,595. While the highest program assistant annual salary comes from the government industry.

In general, assistant program leaders reach similar levels of education when compared to program assistants resumes. Assistant program leaders are 3.1% less likely to earn their Master's Degree and 0.2% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

What a Program Assistant Does FAQs

How Can I Be A Good Program Assistant?

To be a good program assistant requires excellent communication skills, strong time management abilities, and keen attention to detail. Most program assistants are responsible for performing general office duties such as answering phone calls, keeping records, data entry, and addressing customer concerns.

What Are The Roles Of A Program Assistant?

The roles of program assistants can vary depending on the industry, but the main focus is carrying out administrative tasks that impact the daily operations of a business. Most program assistants are responsible for performing general office duties such as answering phone calls, keeping records, data entry, addressing customer concerns and so on.

Have more questions? See all answers to common community and social services questions.

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Updated October 2, 2020