Resident Advocate (Swing Shift) Friday-Tuesday

HomeFirst; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 51,000 - 69,000; Full time

Job summary

HomeFirst is seeking a Resident Advocate for the swing shift in San Jose to provide day-to-day on-site support, ensuring participant needs are met and safety protocols are followed.

You will manage on-site amenities, coordinate with program staff, document services in HMIS, conduct intakes, and help participants develop personalized housing plans through trauma-informed care and crisis intervention techniques.

Qualifications

• AA degree (or equivalent of 2 years of higher education) or two years of field experience in social services.
• Sensitivity to the needs of unhouses individuals.
• Experience working with unhoused population.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Direct care, safety and supervision of program participants and guests.
• Document services in HMIS within 3 business days.
• Complete intake and VI-SPDAT assessments.
• Develop and reassess personalized housing plans with participants.
• Provide information, referrals, and housing resources.
• Conduct site safety checks and incident reporting as needed.
• Lead weekly on-site workshops (financial literacy, tenant rights, resume building, etc.).
• Maintain confidentiality and professional conduct.

Skills

Client Service

Crisis Intervention

De-escalation

Case Management

Communication

Education

AA degree or 2 years higher education

Tools

HMIS

Microsoft Office

Data entry systems

Job description

POSITION: Resident AdvocatePROGRAM/LOCATION: Via Del OroSHIFT: Swing - 3:30pm - 11pmREPORTS TO: Program ManagerSTATUS: Regular Full Time, Non-exemptCOMPENSATION: $28.95/HourlyProgram Summary:The Resident Advocate is responsible for the overall day-to-day operation on site and responds to program participants needs on an as needed basis. They facilitate the flow of on-site amenities like access to clinical services, workshops, laundry supplies and food services ensuring each participant essential needs are met. They also ensure participant, staff and guest safety through regular check-ins and monitoring of the site grounds and sleeping units.Responsibilities:Direct Client Service (90%)Responsible for the care, safety and supervision of program participants and guestImplement and enforce EIH guidelines and EIH site rulesWelcome all agency guests to the facility, including program participants, volunteers, staff, and community membersCheck 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 daysComplete intake of potential participants including thorough and accurate VI-SPDAT assessmentsWork with participants to execute their personalized housing planProvide direct guest support with developing, updating, and reassessing housing plansMake 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 agenciesPromote 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 applicableAdhere to HomeFirsts service delivery practices, including Trauma Informed Care, client- centered practice, and Crisis Prevention Intervention modelComplete and submit Incident Reports, Behavioral Contracts, and Gross Violations as neededProvide information, referrals, housing resources, and program support to program participantsDistribute clothing, linens, toiletries, and any other items supplied by the programRestock program supplies and submit supply order request in a timely mannerInspect cabins and complete inspection sheets on siteSupport with participants treatment of property prior to move-inProvide general site clean-up, reporting any maintenance or janitorial needs to the Shift Manager or Program Coordinator in a timely mannerConduct cabin, facility, and perimeter checksAssist with set-up and break-down for any special events or activitiesComplete and file all paperwork in a timely mannerMaintain professional conduct, attitude and appearanceCommunicate to and delegate tasks to next shiftMaintain confidentiality regarding clients, personnel and other internal agency affairsConduct business according with employee handbook, exercising judgement and serving the best interests of the agency and communityMaintain compliance with agency/BHC site policies and proceduresProvide socialization skills- empathetic listening, problem solving, information and referral, mediation, crisis interventionCommitted to treat each guest with respect and dignityDemonstrated conflict resolution skillsGeneral (10%)Represent HomeFirst and the program appropriately to volunteers, donors, outside agencies and the publicAssist with office-related tasks as neededAttend all mandatory meetings, workshops, and trainingsPerform other general duties as assignedSkills, Abilities, and Knowledge:Proven ability to develop client service or housing plansAbility to work with people of diverse social backgrounds; strong interpersonal skillsStrong written and oral communication skillsWorking knowledge of Microsoft applications, email, and internet, and able to learn data entry using web-based database systemsHigh level of flexibility and ability to prioritize appropriatelyWork effectively within a teamStrong sense of accountabilityStrong customer service skillsAbility to multitask efficientlyAdvocacy and case management skillsKnowledge of local social service resources/providersEffective problem-solving skillsDemonstrate strong leadership skillsExcellent organizational skills and ability to complete tasksReliable; excellent punctuality and attendance for scheduled work shiftsAbility to work flexible hours, especially nights, weekends and overnights. Must be available by telephone, on-call, and as needed during employees scheduled availabilityAble to take initiative and work independently and productively with minimal supervisionAbility to meet deadlines and complete multiple tasks in a timely mannerAbility to maintain professional conduct, attitude, and appearance at all timesMust be able to work under pressure, handle stressful situations, and maintain flexibilityOther:Able to perform sedentary work;Able to lift up to 30 lbs. on occasion;Ability to use keyboard and read computer screens for extended periods;Able to stand/sit for extended periods, kneel, reach and bend related to the completion of duties;About HomeFirst:Established in 1980, with 40+ years of experience, we are the premier Silicon Valley provider of homelessness services. We believe that everyone has the potential to get housed and stay housed. We relentlessly focus on eliminating barriers to housing and creating stability for everyone we serve.HomeFirst serves more than 6,000 adults, veterans, families, and young adults each year at multiple locations from Gilroy to Menlo Park all of Santa Clara County as well as southern San Mateo County.Services include:Homelessness preventionEmergency and cold-weather sheltersComprehensive Veterans ServicesRapid Rehousing programsBridge Housing CommunitiesEmergency Interim HousingAffordable permanent housingPermanent Supportive housingStreet-based outreachHomeFirst is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by law. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with applicable federal, state, and local law. Additionally, HomeFirst Services 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.HomeFirst takes pride in its safety values, the wellness of our team, and respect for everyone we serve. Due to this commitment, HomeFirst Services is mandating that all employees be vaccinated or render a religious or medical exemption effective September 13, 2021.Minimum Qualifications:AA degree (or equivalent of 2 years of higher education) or two years of field experience in social servicesSensitivity to the needs of unhouses individualsExperience working with unhoused population