Program Assistants

Becoming a Program Assistant

What are the requirements to become a Program Assistant (PA) in North America?
  • PA applicants must have either a U.S. Social Security Number or a Canadian Social Insurance Number.
  • At a minimum, PA applicants to Level 1 trainings must have already graduated (i.e., earned a Certificate of Completion) from a Level 1 IFS training program.
  • At a minimum, PA applicants to Level 2 trainings must have already graduated from a Level 2 training program.
How can I apply to be a Program Assistant (PA)?

You may apply on the Program Assistant webpage of our website when applications become available. Those who have graduated will receive email notifications when applications open.

Applications are open for two weeks.

I’m not a U.S. or Canadian citizen — can I still apply to be a PA?

If you are International and interested in being a Program Assistant, please reach out to our International Partners regarding PA opportunities outside of North America.

How will I know if I’ve been selected to be a PA?

Once submitted, your application will be reviewed by the Trainers of that specific training. If selected, the Trainers will contact you directly with next steps and additional details.

What is the PA Administrative Orientation, and is attendance required?

Our PA Administrative Orientation is a FREE 60-minute webinar that will introduce you to the administrative expectations and role of an IFSI Program Assistant. 

No, this Orientation is not mandatory, however it is highly recommended that all applicants attend prior to applying.

IFSI holds these orientations quarterly and upcoming dates can be found on the PA Development webpage.

How do I register for a PA Development Workshop?

Only those who have completed a PA Administration Orientation webinar are eligible to register for an upcoming full-day PA Development Workshop.

Once you've completed the PA Administrative Orientation, you will be added to an email list and notified when registration opens.

Is the PA Development Workshop required before becoming a PA?

No, the PA Development Workshop is not mandatory. However, many Trainers consider this when selecting newer PAs.

The next PA Development Workshop is full — will I be notified when the next one opens?

If you have attended the PA Administrative Orientation in full, you'll remain on the notification list for when future PA Development Workshop opportunities become available. 

Are Continuing Education (CE) credits available for the PA Development Workshop?

Yes, the PA Development Workshop does offer 7.0 hours of IFS and Continuing Education Credits.

Current Program Assistants

Does IFS offer On-Site Accommodation for my training?

Please see the On-Site Support for IFS Trainings Section HERE

When should I expect to receive my stipend payments?

Payments can only be sent after checking the acknowledgement of payment on the stipend request form. (including submitting your W9). If we didn't receive that, we cannot pay you.  

Payments are sent on the following payment schedule:

  • Level 1 in 3 sessions + Bridge Days:
    • After each main 4-day session
  • Level 1 with 6 sessions: 
    • After sessions 2, 4, and 6
  • Level 2 or Level 3:
    • After the final training day
How can I update my contact or payment information?

Email talentmanagement@ifs-institute.com with the subject line: Training Number - Nickname - PA Contact Update

Can I apply for Continuing Education (CE) credit as a PA?

PAs are eligible for CE. Please fill out the form that was sent to you. 

While we do advertise that full attendance is mandatory, we encourage participants to apply for CE credit if only a small portion of time was missed.

Attendance records are submitted to our CE provider along with the participant’s application.

The CE provider will review the information and determine eligibility based on their criteria.

Will I receive a Certificate of Completion for serving as a PA?

Program Assistants do not receive a Certificate of Completion.  You can use your participation for IFS Certification, and the Certification team has access to your record. 

We recommend that you apply for CE as a record of your participation. 

I’d like to use my PA experience toward IFS Certification. What documentation do I need?

Our Certification team has access to your record on our database.  Make a note of the job code of the training for your Certification application. 

Can I list “IFS Program Assistant” on my resume or website?

Yes! Being a PA strengthens professional growth, so please feel free to add this to your website and/or resume.

I haven’t received my stipend payment. Who should I contact?

Our checks are mailed directly from Chase Bank and can look like junk mail. Please make sure not to throw them away or shred them.

Our Controller, Mary Mitrovich, is available to assist you.

How to request:

Email Mary@IFS-Institute.com with the subject line: Training Number - Nickname - Check Confirmation

Do I need to complete a tax form (W-9)?

Yes, all United States citizens need to provide a W9 when they receive their PA stipend request. Non-United States citizens do not need to complete this form.

⚠️Things to remember when sending in your W-9 form:

  • If you want the check made out to you personally, you must provide a Social Security Number
  • ⚠️When you provide your EIN, payments will go to the company name and not you individually. You must list your company name on the "Pay to Name" field on your PA stipend request form.

 

I’ve moved — how do I update my tax information?

Our finance team is available to assist you.

How to request:

Email  Finance@IFS-Institute.com with the subject line: Training Number - Nickname - Tax Form Update

You will need to provide a new updated W9 form attached to the email. Blank IRS forms are available HERE. 

 

I didn't receive my 1099 tax form.

Our finance team is available to assist you.

How to request:

Email Finance@IFS-Institute.com with the subject line: Training Number - Nickname - 1099 Form

I realize I do need an updated manual for my training. How do I request that?

Training manuals are shipped about 3-4 weeks before your training start date.

  • If you have not received your manual one week before your training begins, please use this form to request one.