Resident Advocate-First Street (Swing Shift)

POSITION: Resident Advocate

LOCATION: San Jose, CA  

STATUS: Full-time Non-Exempt                                   

COMPENSATION: $25.99 hourly

Swing Shift -Tuesday-Saturday 3PM-11:30PM

OPPORTUNITY

Emergency Interim Housing (EIH) Program 

The EIH Program is a housing-focused, low-barrier and harm reduction program designed to serve adults experiencing homelessness. The EIH program is a referral-only based program that provides each participant with access to a private unit with restroom, shower, and furnishings. The EIH provides onsite comprehensive support services with the goal of assisting all program participants transition from EIH into permanent housing.

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. Resident Advocates initiate Housing Problem Solving conversations and support the service plan developed by internal and external case managers and service providers to aid in the transition to permanent housing.

THE ORGANIZATION:

HomeFirst™ is a leading provider of housing services; prevention, outreach, shelter, interim, and permanent housing programming for individuals who are housing insecure or unhoused in the Bay Area of California. We serve more than 5,000 adults, Veterans, families, and youth each year through a continuum of care, which meets people where they are and works to support a housing plan specific to each individual.

HomeFirst has more than 450 staff working across two Bay Area counties including Sonoma and Santa Clara County, with further expansion into at least one other county expected. HomeFirst operates more than 15 locations, including The James F. Boccardo Regional Reception Center (BRC)- the largest shelter in Santa Clara County, Family Living Centers, Labath Landing Interim Housing in Rohnert Park, and more. Our core services include, but are not limited to:

• Prevention
• Street-based Services
• Emergency Housing
• Permanent Housing Interventions
• Supportive Services
• Affordable Housing
• Systems Leadership

HomeFirst is committed to a culture of demonstrating our core values.

Activism | Creativity | Excellence | Passion| Respect | Responsibility | Teamwork

Benefits of joining the HomeFirst team:

• Professional growth opportunities within the organization
• 100% medical coverage for employees with an opportunity to add dependents at a shared cost of 50%
• Chiropractic benefits with 20 annual visits
• Flexible and hybrid work schedules may be available
• 401K match up to 5% with immediate vesting
• Generous PTO, accrual begins with 120 hours annually and increases with tenure
• 11 observed holidays with 4 additional PTO hours for Civic Engagement provided annually
• Access to our Emergency Assistance Program (EAP)
• Pet insurance options available

DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

Direct Service (70%)

• Responsible for the care, safety and supervision of program participants and guest
• Utilize supervision appropriately, maintaining open lines of communication
• Implement and enforce EIH guidelines and EIH site rules
• Check participants into and out of the facility using the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS)
• Complete intake of potential participants including thorough and accurate VI-SPDAT assessments
• Provide direct guest support with developing, updating, and reassessing housing problem solving plans
• Work with participants to execute their personalized housing plan and communicate success and challenges with case manager(s) /services team(s)
• 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 participant 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
• Provide information, referrals, housing resources, and program support to 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 units/rooms 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 Supervisor or Program Manager in a timely manner
• Conduct units/rooms, facility, and perimeter checks
• Assist with set-up and break-down for any special events or activities
• Maintain confidentiality regarding program participants, personnel and other internal agency affairs
• Maintain compliance with agency/EIH site policies and procedures
• Provide socialization skills- empathetic listening, problem solving, information and referral, mediation, crisis intervention
• Participate in opportunities for learning and skill maintenance/development

Documentation (20%)

• Documents, via progress notes in HMIS, all case management activity within 3 business days and maintains all other case file paperwork and documentation
• Participates in ongoing analysis of and program alignment with industry best practices
• Complete and submit incident reports, behavioral contracts, and gross violations as needed
• Conducts ongoing re-assessments of the resident’s needs and status, and documents assessment in HMIS

General (10%)

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

CANDIDATE 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. They apply this same passion in their care and attention for the details, contract compliance, and pursuit of performance benchmarks.

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. Resident Advocates engage in active listening, are reliable, possess good problem-solving and teamwork skills. They utilize highly developed communication skills, including demonstrated ability to effectively de-escalate and manage, including those who may be experiencing serious mental illness or may be under the influence or impaired. 

QUALIFICATIONS:  

Education and Experience
Although we value academic achievement, we recognize and celebrate individual journeys; therefore, experience and knowledge are prioritized.

• ​​ AA degree (or equivalent of two years of higher education)OR two years of field experience in social services
• Sensitivity to the needs of unhoused individuals
• Fluent in Microsoft Office Suite 
• Experience working with unhoused population, preferred.
• Bi-lingual capabilities a plus

Skills, Abilities, and Knowledge

• 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.
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• High level of flexibility and ability to prioritize appropriately.
• Work effectively within a team.
• Strong sense of accountability.
• Strong customer service skills.
• Effective problem-solving skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to complete tasks.
• Ability to meet deadlines and complete multiple tasks in a timely manner.
• Ability to maintain professional conduct, attitude, and appearance at all times.
• Must be able to work under pressure, handle stressful situations, and maintain flexibility.

This role is further responsible for modeling the values and principles of HomeFirst within the agency and the broader community.

• The Resident Advocate is relentless in their commitment to ending homelessness via the principles of Housing First and Harm Reduction.

• The Resident Advocate can collaborate seamlessly with employees across the organization, external stakeholders, and our communities.

• HomeFirst is a multifaceted company in a diverse field, and the Resident Advocate desires to work with people from various social and economic backgrounds.

ABOUT THE AGENCY:

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

HomeFirst Services 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.