Resident Advocate-Felipe Weekends Only

HomeFirst • San Jose, CA

11d • $29 - $29 • Onsite

About The Position

The Resident Advocate works in HomeFirst’s Bridge Housing Communities (BHC)-Felipe program in San Jose, providing interim housing support to unhoused adults. The program offers a safe, private, and secure environment where participants can build stability and self-sufficiency while transitioning to permanent housing. Each site includes sleeping cabins and shared community spaces, and provides supportive services and community engagement. The sites operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with on-site security.

The Resident Advocate is responsible for participant care, safety, and supervision; welcomes and checks in guests; completes participant intake and housing-plan support; responds to emergencies and crises; leads workshops; and provides referrals and other direct support. The role also includes site and cabin inspections, facility and perimeter checks, basic clean-up, event support, recordkeeping, shift handoffs, and representing HomeFirst to the public. This is a part-time, non-exempt position working graveyard shifts on weekends and reporting to the BHC Program Manager.

Requirements

• An associate degree, equivalent to two years of higher education, or two years of field experience in social services.
• Experience working with the unhoused population.
• Sensitivity to the needs of unhoused individuals and families.
• Ability to develop client service or housing plans.
• Ability to work with people from diverse social backgrounds and strong interpersonal skills.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft applications, email, and the internet, and ability to learn data entry using web-based database systems.
• Flexibility and ability to prioritize appropriately.
• Ability to work effectively within a team and a strong sense of accountability.
• Strong customer-service skills and ability to multitask efficiently.
• Advocacy and case-management skills.
• Knowledge of local social-service resources and providers.
• Effective problem-solving skills and strong leadership skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to complete tasks.
• Reliability, punctuality, and consistent attendance for scheduled shifts.
• Ability to work flexible hours, especially nights, weekends, and overnights; be available by telephone, on-call, and as needed during scheduled availability.
• Ability to take 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.
• Ability to work under pressure, handle stressful situations, and remain flexible.
• Ability to regularly lift up to 30 pounds.
• Desire to continually develop skills and increase knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Provide care, safety, and supervision for program participants and guests.
• Welcome agency guests, including participants, volunteers, staff, and community members.
• Check guests into and out of the facility using the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS).
• Conduct intake of potential participants, including accurate VI-SPDAT assessments.
• Develop, update, and reassess personalized housing plans with participants.
• Make timely and appropriate decisions in emergencies, attend to participant safety, complete mandated reporting, and contact appropriate staff or responding agencies.
• Lead weekly on-site workshops for participants.
• Respond to guest crises using de-escalation and Mental Health First Aid techniques when applicable.
• Follow HomeFirst service-delivery practices, including Trauma Informed Care, client-centered practice, and the Crisis Prevention Intervention model.
• Complete and submit incident reports, behavioral contracts, and gross-violation documentation as needed.
• Provide information, referrals, housing resources, and program support to participants.
• Distribute clothing, linens, toiletries, and other program-supplied items.
• Inspect cabins and complete inspection sheets.
• Perform general site clean-up and promptly report maintenance or janitorial needs to the Shift Manager or Program Coordinator.
• Conduct cabin, facility, and perimeter checks.
• Assist with setup and breakdown for special events and activities.
• Complete and file paperwork in a timely manner.
• Maintain professional conduct, attitude, and appearance.
• Communicate with and delegate tasks to the next shift.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding clients, personnel, and internal agency matters.
• Follow the employee handbook and agency and BHC site policies and procedures, exercising judgment in the best interests of the agency and community.
• Provide socialization support through empathetic listening, problem-solving, information and referral, mediation, and crisis intervention.
• Treat each BHC guest with respect and dignity and use conflict-resolution skills.
• Represent HomeFirst and the program appropriately to volunteers, donors, outside agencies, and the public.
• Assist with office-related tasks as needed.
• Attend mandatory meetings, workshops, and training.
• Perform other general duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Part-time employees are eligible for California statutory paid sick leave, accruing one hour for every 30 hours worked.
• Part-time employees can access mental health support and an Employee Assistance Program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Education Level: High school or GED