Resident Advocate-Mabury
About The Position
The Resident Advocate works at HomeFirst’s Bridge Housing Communities (BHC)-Mabury site in San Jose, providing care, safety, and supervision for program participants and guests. BHC provides interim housing for unhoused adults in a safe, private, and secure setting, with supportive services and community engagement intended to help participants build stability and self-sufficiency and transition to permanent housing. The site has sleeping cabins and shared facilities and operates seven days a week, 24 hours a day, with on-site security. The position provides direct client services, including welcoming and checking in guests, completing participant intakes and VI-SPDAT assessments, and developing and updating individualized housing plans. The Resident Advocate responds to crises, supports participants with referrals and housing resources, leads workshops, distributes supplies, and completes site checks and related documentation. The role also supports general site operations, communicates with other shifts, represents HomeFirst to visitors and community partners, and attends required meetings, workshops, and training. The position reports to the BHC Program Manager and may work day, swing, or grave shifts.
Requirements
- An associate degree or equivalent of 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.
- 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, sound prioritization, teamwork, accountability, customer service, multitasking, advocacy, and case management skills.
- Knowledge of local social service resources and providers.
- Effective problem-solving and leadership skills; strong organization and ability to complete tasks.
- Reliability, 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 meet deadlines and complete multiple tasks in a timely manner.
- 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.
- Desire to continually develop skills and increase knowledge.
- Must be vaccinated or have an approved religious or medical exemption, according to the agency’s stated policy.
Responsibilities
- Provide care, safety, and supervision for program participants and guests.
- Welcome guests and check them in and out using the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS).
- Complete intake of potential participants, including accurate VI-SPDAT assessments.
- Develop personalized housing plans with participants and provide support with developing, updating, and reassessing those plans.
- Make appropriate decisions during emergencies, consider the safety of participants, complete mandated reporting, and contact appropriate staff or responding agencies.
- Lead weekly participant workshops on site.
- Respond to guest crises using de-escalation and Mental Health First Aid techniques as 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 violations as needed.
- Provide information, referrals, housing resources, and program support to participants.
- Distribute clothing, linens, toiletries, and other program-provided supplies.
- 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 set-up and break-down for special events or activities.
- Complete and file paperwork in a timely manner.
- Maintain professional conduct, attitude, and appearance; protect confidentiality; and comply with agency and site policies and procedures.
- Communicate with and delegate tasks to the next shift.
- Provide empathetic listening, problem-solving, information and referral, mediation, crisis intervention, and conflict resolution support.
- Treat each BHC guest with respect and dignity.
- 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.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
Associate degree
