Resident Advocate-Alura (89350)

Paycom - ATS; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 33,000 - 47,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

401(k) matching

Paid holidays

Job summary

HomeFirst seeks a Resident Advocate for the Motel Program in San Jose, providing interim shelter, case management, and wraparound services to unhoused individuals and families. You will collaborate on housing plans, coordinate with staff, and promote harm-reduction practices, including safety and crisis response.

The role emphasizes trauma-informed care, confidentiality, and community collaboration, with shifts including day, swing, and grave, reporting to the Motel Program Manager.

Qualifications

• AA degree or two years of higher education or two years of field experience in social services.
• Sensitivity to the needs of unhoused individuals.
• Experience working with unhoused population.

Responsibilities

• Care, safety and supervision of program participants and guests.
• Document notes into HMIS within 3 business days.
• Complete intake of potential participants and VI-SPDAT assessments.
• Develop, update and reassess housing plans with participants.
• Lead weekly workshops on topics such as financial literacy, tenant rights, resumes and credit repair.
• Display de-escalation and crisis response as needed.

Skills

Sensitivity to unhoused needs

Unhoused population experience

Education

AA degree or 2 years higher education

Job description

Job Details: Job Location: Alura Motel - San Jose, CA 95112, Position Type: Full Time, Education Level: High School, Salary Range: $28.95 - $28.95 Hourly, Travel Percentage: None, Job Shift: Day, Job Category: Nonprofit - Social Services,

POSITION: Resident Advocate PROGRAM/LOCATION: Motel Program - Alura, San Jose, CA SHIFT: Day, Swing, Grave REPORTS TO: Motel Program Manager STATUS: Regular Full Time, Non-exempt COMPENSATION: $28.11/Hourly

ABOUT HOMEFIRST

Established in 1980, HomeFirst™ is a nonprofit organization passionately working to end homelessness. We serve the Bay Area community through low-barrier programming and systems leadership – meeting each person where they are by offering support and resources that address immediate and long-term housing needs. With nearly 45 years of experience, we view housing as a fundamental human right and understand that solving homelessness requires a collaborative effort.

OUR VALUES

• Kindness: We act with empathy toward others.
• Passion: We ignite change to fulfill our mission.
• Excellence: We deliver exceptional service to our communities.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Motel Program will provide interim shelter at five underutilized motels and hotels across the city of San Jose. The Alura Motel Program (AMP) is intended to provide Emergency Interim Housing opportunities and is a referral-based only program with no drop-in services provided to the public. The AMP will support program participants by providing services to include case management, housing problem-solving, meals and other wraparound supportive services. These services are informed by a harm reduction philosophy with an emphasis on educating participants on how to avoid risky behaviors and engage in safer practices, including connection to evidence-based treatment options. All sites may serve single adults and/or families.

QUALITIES:

The Resident Advocate is committed to ending homelessness via the principles of Housing First and Harm Reduction. They demonstrate this commitment through their proactive and creative approach to program interventions and services. They recognize the time sensitivity required to support those in crisis to maintain or secure housing stability and exercise empathy toward those we serve.

Ideal candidates are knowledgeable and sensitive to the needs of our unhoused populations. Enjoy practicing a strength-based approach in fast-paced and rapidly changing environments. Are welcoming and accepting of all backgrounds and beliefs without judgment or bias. Utilize highly developed communication skills, including demonstrated ability to effectively de-escalate and manage, including those who may be experiencing severe mental illness or may be intoxicated.

HomeFirst is a culturally diverse company in a similarly diverse community, and the Program Manager desires to work with people from various social and economic backgrounds. To that end, the Program Manager cultivates a connected and mutually supportive team.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

The position reports to the Motel Program Manager.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Direct Client Service (90%)

• Responsible for the care, safety and supervision of program participants and guest
• Implement and enforce AHP guidelines and site rules
• Welcome all agency guests to the facility, including program participants, volunteers, staff, and community members
• Check guests into and out of the facility using the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS)
• Document all notes of services provided into HMIS within 3 business days
• Complete intake of potential participants including thorough and accurate VI-SPDAT assessments
• Work with participants to execute their personalized housing plan
• Provide direct guest support with developing, updating, and reassessing housing plans
• Make timely and appropriate decisions in emergency situations, including awareness of the need for safety of all participants involved, mandated reporting, and contacting appropriate staff/responding agencies
• Promote and lead weekly workshops for participants on site to include topics such as financial literacy, tenant rights and mediation, resume building, job search and credit repair, etc.
• Respond to guest crises using de-escalation and Mental Health First Aid techniques as applicable
• Adhere to HomeFirst’s service delivery practices, including Trauma Informed Care, client- centered practice, and Crisis Prevention Intervention model
• Complete and submit Incident Reports, Behavioral Contracts, and Gross Violations as needed
• Provide information, referrals, housing resources, and program support to program participants
• Distribute clothing, linens, toiletries, and any other items supplied by the program
• Restock program supplies and submit supply order request in a timely manner
• Inspect cabins and complete inspection sheets on site
• Support with participants treatment of property prior to move-in
• Provide general site clean-up, reporting any maintenance or janitorial needs to the Shift Manager or Program Coordinator in a timely manner
• Conduct room, facility, and perimeter checks
• Assist with set-up and break-down for any special events or activities
• Complete and file all paperwork in a timely manner
• Maintain professional conduct, attitude and appearance
• Communicate to and delegate tasks to next shift
• Maintain confidentiality regarding clients, personnel, and other internal agency affairs
• Conduct business according with employee handbook, exercising judgement and serving the best interests of the agency and community
• Maintain compliance with agency/EIH site policies and procedures
• Provide socialization skills- empathetic listening, problem solving, information and referral, mediation, crisis intervention
• Committed to treat each participant with respect and dignity
• Demonstrated conflict resolution skills

General (10%)

• Represent HomeFirst and the program appropriately to volunteers, donors, outside agencies and the public
• Assist with office-related tasks as needed
• Attend all mandatory meetings, workshops, and trainings
• Perform other general duties as assigned

The Resident Advocate is relentless in their commitment to ending homelessness via the principles of Housing First and Harm Reduction. They demonstrate this commitment through thoughtful, strategic program design and a scientific approach to performance improvement. Their participation in the continuous testing, analysis, and refinement of programs reflects their personal pursuit of excellence in all that they do.

BENEFITS

HomeFirst provides comprehensive benefits, including 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage and additional wellness options like chiropractic care, mental health support, pet insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program. We offer a 401(k)-retirement plan with generous matching, life and disability insurance, flexible spending accounts, commuter benefits, and workers’ compensation. Employees enjoy 12 holidays, sick leave, and PTO starting at 15 days annually, increasing with tenure, plus 4 hours of civic engagement leave annually to volunteer.

ORGANIZATIONAL EQUITY STATEMENT

At HomeFirst, diversity, equity, and inclusion guide our services, workplace, and decisions. Recognizing housing as a social justice issue, we prioritize equitable practices, honor lived experiences and uphold dignity for all. By fostering belonging, accountability, and continuous improvement, we embed DEI values in our processes, recruitment, and leadership, striving for excellence at every level.

HomeFirst is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Aff…

HomeFirst participates in the E-Verify program, as required by law.

HomeFirst is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, please let your recruiter know.

QUALIFICATIONS: QUALIFICATIONs (YOU HAVE)

• AA degree (or equivalent of 2 years of higher education) or two years of field experience in social services
• Sensitivity to the needs of unhoused individuals
• Experience working with unhoused population

OTHER:

• Ability to regularly lift up to 30 lbs.
• Sensitivity to the needs of unhoused individuals and families
• Desire to continually develop skills and increase knowledge