PA Website
Your central IFS Institute resource for Program Assistant information, role expectations, orientation details, workshops, and announcements.
Program Assistant Resources
Program Assistant One Stop Shop
Your one-stop shop for Program Assistant information, applications, orientation, professional development, role resources, and ongoing support.
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PA Administrative Orientation
New to the PA role—or returning after some time away? Start with the free 60-minute orientation to learn the administrative expectations and role of an IFS Institute Program Assistant.
Resources
Applications & Getting Started
Learn about the PA role, review requirements, and access the application portal.
PA Applications
Review Program Assistant prerequisites, responsibilities, stipend information, and application guidance before applying.
PA Application Website
Ready to apply? Use the Submittable application portal to submit your Program Assistant application.
Resources
Development & Ongoing Support
Build confidence, strengthen your skills, and stay connected with the PA community.
PA Administrative Orientation
A free 60-minute live orientation introducing administrative expectations and the Program Assistant role.
- Designed for current, experienced, and new Program Assistants.
- Live attendance is required; recordings are not provided.
- No CE credits are offered.
- Required before registering for PA Development Workshops.
PA Development Workshops
Experiential learning opportunities designed to help Program Assistants deepen effectiveness in the role.
- Requires completion of PA Administrative Orientation and IFS Level 1 Training.
- Limited to 42 participants with a 3:1 participant-to-staff ratio.
- Registration fee is $225.
- 7 CE credits are offered.
PA Growth Track
Explore the pathway for ongoing Program Assistant development and continued growth in the role.
PA Handbook
Review role expectations, policies, responsibilities, administrative guidance, and practical resources for serving as a Program Assistant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get quick answers about prerequisites, selection, stipends, orientation, workshops, CE credits, and other common Program Assistant questions.
Program Assistant FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to apply to be a Program Assistant? +
Applicants must meet the published training-level prerequisites and have either a U.S. Social Security Number or Canadian Social Insurance Number.
Can I apply to be a PA for the same training I am plannined to attend as a participant? +
No. If you are applying to attend a training as a student, you should not also apply to be a Program Assistant in that same training.
Who selects Program Assistants? +
Program Assistants are selected by each training’s Lead and Assistant Trainers. Questions about a training’s selection schedule should be directed to the trainers.
What is expected of a Program Assistant? +
PAs are expected to attend all training days, participate in staff meetings, support the training team, complete assigned administrative tasks, model Self-leadership and professional boundaries, support reflection and practice groups, and work responsibly with their own parts as they arise.
Are Program Assistants paid? +
The PA role is a volunteer position with a stipend intended to offset expenses. PAs in Level 1, 2, and 3 trainings receive a $155 daily stipend, including scheduled Level 1 Bridge Days when applicable. There is no stipend for sessions fewer than two hours. Program Assistants are not charged tuition.
Do I need to complete PA Administrative Orientation? +
IFS Institute encourages current, experienced, and new PAs to complete the free 60-minute orientation. Orientation completion is required before registration opportunities for PA Development Workshops are offered.
Do PA Administrative Orientation sessions offer CE credits? +
No. The orientation is free and does not offer CE credits. Live attendance and registration are required, and recordings are not provided.
Who can attend a PA Development Workshop? +
Participants must have completed PA Administrative Orientation and an IFS Level 1 Training. Standard and advanced workshop offerings may have additional audience guidance based on PA experience.
How do I register for a PA Development Workshop? +
When registration is scheduled, details are emailed to eligible participants who have completed PA Administrative Orientation and meet the training prerequisite. Workshop availability is limited.
Can international Program Assistants use these resources? +
International Program Assistants are welcome to use relevant development resources; however, administrative procedures may differ for trainings organized by International Partners. The PA application information on the IFS Institute website is specifically for North American trainings organized by IFS Institute.
Need Help?
Still have questions?
Reach out with questions about the PA role, applications, or resources.