Resident Advocate-Labath Landing

Position: Resident Advocate

Location: 6050 Labath Avenue, Rohnert Park  

Employment Type: Regular Part-Time, Non-Exempt

Compensation: $22.05 Hourly Swing, Grave shifts Available

Full Time: Sunday thru Thursday 

Program Summary:

EMERGENCY INTERIM HOUSING (EIH)

HomeFirst will operate the first EIH property in Rohnert Park (RP). The site will be an adult referral-based only program with no drop-in services provided. The EIH RP site will consist of 60 adult sleeping units with access to community restrooms, showers, and a community space that consists of a shared kitchen, computer lab, pet area, and vehicle parking. The EIH RP site will offer a variety of supportive services, community engagement, and direct contributions to help each participant achieve stable housing. The EH RP site will be fully staffed and operate seven days per week, 24 hours per day, 365 days a year.

Support Services onsite include access to 24/7 operations staff, case management, workshops, linkage to clinical services, and local resources. Additionally, HomeFirst will engage the surrounding community to become involved in the EIH programs and be good neighbors.

RESIDENT ADVOCATE

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 case management services, workshops, laundry supplies, and food services ensuring each participant's 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.  

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 serious mental illness or may be intoxicated.

HomeFirst is a culturally diverse company in a similarly diverse community, and the Resident Advocate desires to work with people from a variety of social and economic backgrounds.

Duties / Responsibilities:

Direct Client Service (90%)  

• Responsible for the care, safety, and supervision of program participants and guest
• Implement and enforce EIH community guidelines and EIH 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 to 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 the 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, 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 a 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 requests 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 Director or Shift Supervisor in a timely manner
• Conduct cabin, facility, and perimeter checks
• Assist with set-up and break-down of 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 the next shift
• Maintain confidentiality regarding clients, personnel, and other internal agency affairs
• Conduct business according to the employee handbook, exercising judgment and serving the best interests of the agency and community
• Maintain compliance with agency and EIH site policies and procedures
• Provide socialization skills- empathetic listening, problem-solving, information and referral, mediation, crisis intervention
• Committed to treating each EIH guest with respect and dignity
• Demonstrated conflict resolution skills

General (10%)

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• 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 training
• Perform other general duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications:

• AA Degree (or the 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 an unhoused population

Skills, Abilities, and knowledge:

• Proven ability to develop client service or housing plans
• Ability to work with people of diverse social backgrounds, strong interpersonal skills
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Working knowledge of Microsoft applications, email, and the internet, and able to learn data entry using web-based database systems
• High level of flexibility and ability to prioritize appropriately
• Work effectively within a team
• Strong sense of accountability
• Strong customer service skills
• Ability to multitask efficiently
• Advocacy and case management skills
• Knowledge of local social service resources/providers
• Effective problem-solving skills
• Demonstrate strong leadership skills
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to complete tasks
• Reliable; excellent punctuality and attendance for scheduled work shifts
• Ability to work flexible hours, especially nights, weekends, and overnights.  Must be available by telephone, on-call, and as needed during employee’s scheduled availability
• Able to take the initiative and work independently and productively with minimal supervision
• 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

Other:

• 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;

Benefits of joining the HomeFirst team

• Professional growth opportunities within the organization

About HomeFirst Services:

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 Services 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 prevention
• Emergency and cold-weather shelters
• Comprehensive Veterans’ Services
• Rapid Rehousing programs
• Bridge Housing Communities
• Emergency Interim Housing
• Affordable permanent housing
• Permanent Supportive housing
• Street-based outreach

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 laws. 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 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.