Program Assistant
San Francisco Pretrial Diversion Project
San Francisco, CA 94103$25 - $30 an hour
Job Description
Position Title:
Program Assistant
Location:
San Francisco
Department:
Client Support Services
FLSA Status:
Non-exempt
Reports To:
Client Services and Operations Manager
Revision Date:
Jan 2026
ABOUTUS
The pretrial stage is a critical juncture in the larger criminal justice process; whether or not someone gets out of custody after arrest is a major determinant of the ultimate outcome of the case, as those who remain in jail are more likely to face a conviction than those who are released. In addition, the presumption of innocence and constitutional protections against excessive bail are two of our most foundational legal principles. Despite these facts, and against the backdrop of mass incarceration nationwide, jail populations in San Francisco and across the country are disproportionately composed of pretrial individuals.
We work to address this critical issue by providing alternatives to pretrial incarceration. By doing so, the San Francisco Pretrial Diversion Project does its part to prevent unjust harm and unnecessary incarceration. Rather than languishing behind bars, newly arrested people can be released to our services to receive care, support, case management, and referrals to outside treatment providers. Our services are diverse and wide-ranging in recognition of the many needs that justice-involved people may have. Further, San Francisco has been the seat of new bail reform initiatives in California, which has afforded us the opportunity to continue to grow and build on our 45 years of experience overseeing pretrial services in the City and County.
SUMMARY
The Program Assistant is responsible for performing all front desk duties, while providing exemplary customer service to a diverse population. Communicates confidently and clearly, while maintaining attentiveness, patience and respectful demeanor. Assists in maintaining the health and safety of the office. Provides administrative and program support as needed by the Client Services and Operations Manager.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Greet clients and visitors at the front desk and answer/route incoming telephone calls in a courteous and professional manner. Provide superior customer service, at all times.
Review, prioritize, track, direct voicemails and messages to the appropriate personnel and department.
Assist clients with general questions regarding court reminders and dates, treatment plans requirements, resources, and payment information.
Connect clients with an assigned Case Manager. If no assigned case manager, reach out to relevant program supervisor
Maintain the client database by accurately entering and updating client information.
Process client payments and required service documentation.
Greet and assist vendors. Provide all visitors with a Guest ID badge
Process and deliver postal mail and faxes on a daily basis to the correct personal and department.
Assist the Lead Program Assistant and Operations Manager with ordering office supplies and maintaining the health and safety of the reception area, bathrooms, kitchen areas and overall office environment.
Provide administrative support for various programs including scanning and filing client records and documentation.
Punctuality and regular and reliable attendance.
Perform other duties as directed, developed or assigned.
Greet guests and provide them with superb customer service.
Ensure the front desk is neat, presentable, and stocked with all the necessary supplies such as pens, forms, and paper.
Answer all client questions and incoming calls.
Redirect phone calls to the appropriate department and take down messages.
Accept all letters and packages, and distribute them to their appropriate departments.
Monitor, organize and forward emails.
Track and order office equipment and supplies within authority a - Maintain records and files.
Oversee the office budget.
Requirements:
High school diploma or relevant qualification.
A minimum of 2 years of proven experience in a customer facing service or similar role.
Good understanding of customer service and office administration.
Superb written and verbal communication skills.
Excellent organizational and multitasking abilities.
Strong knowledge of MS Office programs.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY None.
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
Vaccination Requirement: San Francisco Pretrial requires all employees to be working on-site, fully vaccinated, with booster shot, and in continuous CDC compliance against COVID-19. Applicants are required to submit proof of vaccination prior to beginning employment, and ongoing as requested. In accordance with the law, San Francisco Pretrial will accommodate employees who cannot be administered the COVID-19 vaccine for medical or religious reasons, and applicants should contact our HR department if they have questions about this requirement or wish to request an accommodation. Must secure finger image screening and semi-annual TB screening.
Education and/or Experience: Minimum High School Diploma or GED. Two years previous paid work experience. Must meet all San Francisco Sheriff Department (SFSD) jail clearance criteria.
Language Skills: Bilingual (Spanish) preferred. Read, write, and verbally communicate effectively and professionally with other employees, clients, and outside agencies. Ability to diplomatically deal with difficult situations and people, while exhibiting a consistent level of professionalism.
Technical Skills: Strong computer skills required. Proficient in Microsoft Office suite products and Google applications.
Reasoning Ability: Ability to think independently, to exercise independent discretion, and to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of factual situations where no specific guidelines exist. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, report or schedule form and to exercise good judgment in applying that information.
Other Skills & Abilities: Able to work with little or no supervision under pressure. Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail. Ability to get along with and work cooperatively with others.
Background Checks and/or Licensing Requirements: Criminal Background check by the SF Sheriff’s Department. Reference checks.
Equipment/Machinery: Operate equipment such as, but not limited to, personal computer, calculator, fax machine, copier, phone, security system, and door locks.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Stand and walk or sit alternatively depending on specific needs of the day. Estimate 20% of time is spent on feet and 80% sitting at a desk.
Occasional need to perform the following physical activities: bending/stooping/squatting, climbing stairs, pushing, pulling, twisting, lifting and reaching above shoulders.
Occasional need to perform standing and walking activities.
Constant need to perform the following physical activities: writing/typing, grasping/turning, finger dexterity.
Lifting/carrying up to 10 lbs. frequently and 25 lbs. occasionally.
Vision requirements: constant need to complete forms, read reports, view computer screens. Frequent need to see small details. Frequent need to see things clearly beyond arm's reach.
Hearing requirements: constant need to communicate over telephone and in person.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
EMPLOYEE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I have read, understand, and voluntarily commit myself to the general guidelines contained in this document. I also understand that this is only a basic description of my job, and it does not, nor is it intended to, outline all of the specifics of the responsibilities that I will be expected to perform. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Program Assistant
Location:
San Francisco
Department:
Client Support Services
FLSA Status:
Non-exempt
Reports To:
Client Services and Operations Manager
Revision Date:
Jan 2026
ABOUTUS
The pretrial stage is a critical juncture in the larger criminal justice process; whether or not someone gets out of custody after arrest is a major determinant of the ultimate outcome of the case, as those who remain in jail are more likely to face a conviction than those who are released. In addition, the presumption of innocence and constitutional protections against excessive bail are two of our most foundational legal principles. Despite these facts, and against the backdrop of mass incarceration nationwide, jail populations in San Francisco and across the country are disproportionately composed of pretrial individuals.
We work to address this critical issue by providing alternatives to pretrial incarceration. By doing so, the San Francisco Pretrial Diversion Project does its part to prevent unjust harm and unnecessary incarceration. Rather than languishing behind bars, newly arrested people can be released to our services to receive care, support, case management, and referrals to outside treatment providers. Our services are diverse and wide-ranging in recognition of the many needs that justice-involved people may have. Further, San Francisco has been the seat of new bail reform initiatives in California, which has afforded us the opportunity to continue to grow and build on our 45 years of experience overseeing pretrial services in the City and County.
SUMMARY
The Program Assistant is responsible for performing all front desk duties, while providing exemplary customer service to a diverse population. Communicates confidently and clearly, while maintaining attentiveness, patience and respectful demeanor. Assists in maintaining the health and safety of the office. Provides administrative and program support as needed by the Client Services and Operations Manager.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Greet clients and visitors at the front desk and answer/route incoming telephone calls in a courteous and professional manner. Provide superior customer service, at all times.
Review, prioritize, track, direct voicemails and messages to the appropriate personnel and department.
Assist clients with general questions regarding court reminders and dates, treatment plans requirements, resources, and payment information.
Connect clients with an assigned Case Manager. If no assigned case manager, reach out to relevant program supervisor
Maintain the client database by accurately entering and updating client information.
Process client payments and required service documentation.
Greet and assist vendors. Provide all visitors with a Guest ID badge
Process and deliver postal mail and faxes on a daily basis to the correct personal and department.
Assist the Lead Program Assistant and Operations Manager with ordering office supplies and maintaining the health and safety of the reception area, bathrooms, kitchen areas and overall office environment.
Provide administrative support for various programs including scanning and filing client records and documentation.
Punctuality and regular and reliable attendance.
Perform other duties as directed, developed or assigned.
Greet guests and provide them with superb customer service.
Ensure the front desk is neat, presentable, and stocked with all the necessary supplies such as pens, forms, and paper.
Answer all client questions and incoming calls.
Redirect phone calls to the appropriate department and take down messages.
Accept all letters and packages, and distribute them to their appropriate departments.
Monitor, organize and forward emails.
Track and order office equipment and supplies within authority a - Maintain records and files.
Oversee the office budget.
Requirements:
High school diploma or relevant qualification.
A minimum of 2 years of proven experience in a customer facing service or similar role.
Good understanding of customer service and office administration.
Superb written and verbal communication skills.
Excellent organizational and multitasking abilities.
Strong knowledge of MS Office programs.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY None.
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
Vaccination Requirement: San Francisco Pretrial requires all employees to be working on-site, fully vaccinated, with booster shot, and in continuous CDC compliance against COVID-19. Applicants are required to submit proof of vaccination prior to beginning employment, and ongoing as requested. In accordance with the law, San Francisco Pretrial will accommodate employees who cannot be administered the COVID-19 vaccine for medical or religious reasons, and applicants should contact our HR department if they have questions about this requirement or wish to request an accommodation. Must secure finger image screening and semi-annual TB screening.
Education and/or Experience: Minimum High School Diploma or GED. Two years previous paid work experience. Must meet all San Francisco Sheriff Department (SFSD) jail clearance criteria.
Language Skills: Bilingual (Spanish) preferred. Read, write, and verbally communicate effectively and professionally with other employees, clients, and outside agencies. Ability to diplomatically deal with difficult situations and people, while exhibiting a consistent level of professionalism.
Technical Skills: Strong computer skills required. Proficient in Microsoft Office suite products and Google applications.
Reasoning Ability: Ability to think independently, to exercise independent discretion, and to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of factual situations where no specific guidelines exist. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, report or schedule form and to exercise good judgment in applying that information.
Other Skills & Abilities: Able to work with little or no supervision under pressure. Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail. Ability to get along with and work cooperatively with others.
Background Checks and/or Licensing Requirements: Criminal Background check by the SF Sheriff’s Department. Reference checks.
Equipment/Machinery: Operate equipment such as, but not limited to, personal computer, calculator, fax machine, copier, phone, security system, and door locks.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Stand and walk or sit alternatively depending on specific needs of the day. Estimate 20% of time is spent on feet and 80% sitting at a desk.
Occasional need to perform the following physical activities: bending/stooping/squatting, climbing stairs, pushing, pulling, twisting, lifting and reaching above shoulders.
Occasional need to perform standing and walking activities.
Constant need to perform the following physical activities: writing/typing, grasping/turning, finger dexterity.
Lifting/carrying up to 10 lbs. frequently and 25 lbs. occasionally.
Vision requirements: constant need to complete forms, read reports, view computer screens. Frequent need to see small details. Frequent need to see things clearly beyond arm's reach.
Hearing requirements: constant need to communicate over telephone and in person.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
EMPLOYEE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I have read, understand, and voluntarily commit myself to the general guidelines contained in this document. I also understand that this is only a basic description of my job, and it does not, nor is it intended to, outline all of the specifics of the responsibilities that I will be expected to perform. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.