Position Opening Summer 2026_ Now Accepting Applications

The Harry Tompson Center is seeking a full-time Health Program & Direct Services Assistant to support daily shelter operations and help provide compassionate, trauma-informed care to unhoused individuals in New Orleans. This role combines direct service, healthcare support, program development, and operational coordination within St. Joseph Rebuild Center, a collaborative day shelter serving more than 200 guests each day. This person will provide information on available resources, listening to guests needs attentively, help navigate resources and healthcare systems for guests, and will help track data to monitor program activities. 

Full-time position. Reports to the HTC Assistant Director.

The primary responsibilities of the HTC Health Program and Direct Services Assistant are:

❖    MEDICAL CLINIC ACTIVITIES

• Helps manage and coordinate volunteer-run medical clinic including responding to guests who present with medical needs by providing referrals to our clinic or the hospital, aiding in 911 calls for medical emergencies, managing supply inventory, charting patient encounters, overseeing lice treatments and providing basic first-aid (maintaining appropriate scope of practice), helping guests achieve healthcare goals.

• Coordinating and supporting medical volunteers to operate clinic, including developing and implementing protocols for care.

• Preparing wound care kits, heat exhausting kits, lice removal kits, cold kits, etc. and distributing them with discernment. 

• Keeping the clinic clean and organized.

❖    DIRECT SERVICES

• Support the operation of HTC services including, the Entrance Intake, Phone Rooms, Phone Lockers, Showers, Courtyard Open Hours, and resource referrals/linkages. 

• Oversee HTC service operations when Assistant Director is absent.

❖    PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT

• Work with Assistant Director with mid-term and long-term goals as it relates to program development and research, creating educational opportunities for staff and guests, refining or adopting new HTC/Rebuild Center policies to promote public health, safety and align with best practices.

❖    CENTER ENVIRONMENT

• The bulk of HTC services happen between 730am-1230pm M-F. Timely arrival at 7am is essential to help us open the Center and properly serve guests. 

• Ability to perform in an outdoor environment in New Orleans. HTC has a unique design, and we are primarily outdoors (our facility is an open-air courtyard/garden space). Our team works alongside our guests in the heat, rain, and varying weather. It’s important that this individual stay hydrated and be comfortable working in outdoor conditions.

• Requires full range of body motion. Requires standing and walking for extended periods of time.  Occasionally lifts and carries items weighing up to 30 pounds. 

• Ability to perform office duties in a shared co-working space. 

• Help maintain a calm, organized and safe environment for guests and supplies.

• Create signage to aid Center operations and promote a trauma-informed environment

❖    GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Participate in HTC and Rebuild Center staff meetings.

• Provide suggestions for service improvements to HTC Assistant Director and HTC staff.

• Miscellaneous tasks on an as-need basis

An overarching aspect of this position is the willingness to interact with and engage the individuals who frequent the Rebuild Center in a meaningful fashion. This position is well-suited for people who are patient, friendly, flexible, have a sense of humor and work well with others.

Dress Code: Business casual.

Schedule: The daily hours of operation for the Rebuild Center are Monday – Friday from 7:00AM to 3:00PM. The Health Program and Direct Services Assistant’s daily responsibilities may shift depending on the availabiliy of volunteers, HTC service offerings and the schedule of the Assistant Director.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required in Social Work, Public Health, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred.

• Experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness or housing instability strongly preferred.

• Prior experience in human services, community health, or direct service settings preferred.

Knowledge & Skills

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to effectively engage and build relationships with a diverse range of individuals, including guests experiencing homelessness, community partners, volunteers, and healthcare professionals.

• Familiarity with trauma-informed care principles and de-escalation techniques; ability to apply these approaches in a dynamic environment.

• Understanding of barriers to healthcare access and a demonstrated interest in supporting individuals in navigating health systems.

• Ability to maintain appropriate boundaries while providing compassionate, client-centered support.

• Basic knowledge of healthcare or clinical environments (e.g., patient intake, documentation, or first aid) preferred but not required.

• Knowledge of MS Word, Excel and Outlook

• Knowledge of grammar, spelling, and punctuation to type patient information

• Skill in operation of a computer and other office equipment

• Ability to speak and write clearly and concisely

Personal Attributes

• Demonstrated initiative and ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team.

• Flexibility and willingness to take on a wide range of responsibilities in a fast-paced, evolving environment.

• Strong problem-solving skills, creativity, and adaptability.

• Patience, empathy, and a commitment to serving vulnerable populations with dignity and respect.

• Ability to remain calm and professional in high-stress situations.

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Salary & Benefits: $40,000-$50,000 annual salary depending on experience.

• Paid Leave & Holidays: Full-time employees accrue ~80 hours (2 weeks) of paid leave annually during the first two years (pro-rated for part-time). Leave begins accruing at hire and is available after a 90-day probation period. All employees receive 14 paid holidays.

• Sick Leave- Full-time employees accrue around 80 hours (2 weeks) of sick leave annually.

• Health Insurance: Full-time employees are eligible the first of the month after hire. HTC covers 100% of employee premiums and up to 25% of dependent/spouse costs (up to $1,000/month total). Employee contributions are payroll deducted.

• Retirement: Full-time employees are eligible for up to a 3% employer match after ~6 months, with an equal employee contribution.

How to Apply

Applicants must submit a resume and cover letter addressing the following questions to be considered for this position. Please note that applications without a cover letter addressing these questions will not be reviewed.

          1. What draws you to this role and motivates your work with the unhoused community?

2. HTC values flexibility, teamwork, and taking initiative. Please elaborate on how you have demonstrated these attributes in previous positions. 

Please submit your resume and cover letter to ebussen@harrytompsoncenter.org with the subject line "Health Program and Services Assistant” - [Your Last Name]." Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Harry Tompson Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer and strongly encourages applications from people of color, persons with disabilities, women, and LGBTQ+ applicants.