Temp Resident Advocate -Site 1 (OWL)

HomeFirst•San Jose, IL

1d•$29 - $29•Onsite

About The Position

HomeFirst is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ending homelessness in the Bay Area through low-barrier programming and systems leadership. We offer support and resources to address immediate and long-term housing needs, viewing housing as a fundamental human right. The Resident Advocate is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the site, responding to program participants' needs, facilitating on-site amenities, and ensuring the safety of participants, staff, and guests. This role involves direct client service, including safety checks, enforcing program guidelines, managing facility access, documenting services in HMIS, conducting assessments, supporting housing plans, responding to emergencies, and providing information and referrals. The position also includes general duties such as maintaining site cleanliness, restocking supplies, and communicating with the next shift. The ideal candidate will have strong interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills, with a working knowledge of Microsoft applications and data entry systems. They must be flexible, accountable, customer-service oriented, and able to multitask efficiently. Advocacy, case management, and knowledge of local social services are essential. The role requires reliability, punctuality, and the ability to work flexible hours, including nights, weekends, and overnights, with on-call availability. The candidate must be able to work independently with minimal supervision, meet deadlines, and maintain professional conduct under pressure. Physical requirements include sedentary work, occasional lifting up to 30 lbs, and the ability to use a keyboard, read computer screens, stand/sit for extended periods, kneel, reach, and bend.

Requirements

AA degree (or equivalent of 2 years of higher education) or two years of field experience in social services
Lived experience OR understanding of and sensitivity to the needs of the unhoused population
Fluent in Microsoft Office Suite
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 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 services 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 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
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

Nice To Haves

Lived experience OR understanding of and sensitivity to the needs of the unhoused population

Responsibilities

Responsible for the care, safety and supervision of program participants and guests
Perform basic safety and security checks for participants
Implement and enforce HomeFirst guidelines and 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 into 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 safety of all participants involved, mandated reporting, and contacting appropriate staff/responding agencies
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 Crisis Prevention Intervention model
Complete and submit Incident Reports, Behavioral Contracts, and other forms 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 request in a timely manner
Provide general site set up, clean-up, reporting any maintenance or janitorial needs to the Shift Supervisor or Shelter Manager in a timely manner
Conduct shelter floor, facility, and perimeter checks
Assist with set-up and break-down daily and for 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 next shift
Maintain confidentiality regarding clients, personnel and other internal agency affairs
Conduct business according with employee handbook, exercising judgement and serving the best interests of the agency and community
Maintain compliance with agency/ site policies and procedures
Provide socialization skills- empathetic listening, problem solving, information and referral, mediation, crisis intervention
Commit to treat each guest with respect and dignity
Demonstrate 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 all mandatory meetings, workshops, and trainings
Perform other general duties as assigned