Resident Advocate-Mabury (90286)

HomeFirst • San Jose, CA

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The Resident Advocate works at HomeFirst’s Bridge Housing Communities (BHC) site in Mabury, San Jose, providing direct support to unhoused adults in interim housing. 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 operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with on-site security.

The role is responsible for participant care, safety, and supervision; welcoming and checking in guests; conducting participant intake and assessments; and developing and supporting individualized housing plans. The Resident Advocate also responds to crises and emergencies, leads weekly workshops, provides referrals and resources, maintains the facility, completes records and reports, and coordinates tasks with incoming staff. The position also represents HomeFirst to visitors and community partners and performs general office and other assigned duties.

Requirements

• Associate 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.
• Experience working with the unhoused population.
• 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, with ability to learn web-based database data entry.
• Flexibility, prioritization, teamwork, accountability, customer service, multitasking, advocacy, case management, and problem-solving skills.
• Knowledge of local social service resources and providers.
• Leadership and organizational skills; ability to complete tasks and meet deadlines reliably.
• Reliable punctuality and attendance for scheduled shifts.
• Ability to work flexible hours, especially nights, weekends, and overnights; availability by telephone, on-call, and as needed during scheduled availability.
• Ability to take initiative and work independently and productively with minimal supervision.
• Ability to maintain professional conduct, attitude, and appearance; work under pressure, handle stressful situations, and remain flexible.
• Ability to regularly lift up to 30 pounds.
• Commitment to continually developing skills and increasing knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Provide care, safety, and supervision for program participants and guests.
• Welcome agency guests and check them in and out using the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS).
• Conduct intake for potential participants, including accurate VI-SPDAT assessments.
• Develop personalized housing plans with participants and provide support to develop, update, and reassess those plans.
• Make timely and appropriate decisions during emergencies, prioritizing safety, mandated reporting, and contacting 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 as applicable.
• Follow HomeFirst service practices, including Trauma Informed Care, client-centered practice, and the Crisis Prevention Intervention model.
• Complete and submit incident reports, behavioral contracts, and gross violations as needed.
• Provide participants with information, referrals, housing resources, and program support.
• Distribute program-supplied clothing, linens, toiletries, and other items.
• Inspect cabins and complete inspection sheets; conduct cabin, facility, and perimeter checks.
• Perform general site clean-up and report maintenance or janitorial needs promptly to the Shift Manager or Program Coordinator.
• Assist with set-up and breakdown for special events and activities.
• Complete, file, and maintain paperwork and records in a timely manner.
• Maintain professional conduct, attitude, and appearance, and protect the confidentiality of clients, personnel, and agency matters.
• Communicate with the next shift and delegate tasks as needed.
• Follow agency and BHC site policies and procedures and conduct business in the best interests of the agency and community.
• Provide empathetic listening, problem-solving, information and referrals, mediation, and crisis intervention; treat guests with respect and dignity.
• Represent HomeFirst and the program appropriately to volunteers, donors, outside agencies, and the public.
• Assist with office-related tasks, attend mandatory meetings, workshops, and training, and perform other assigned duties.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree