Resident Advocate-Felipe Weekends Only (90223)

HomeFirst•San Jose, CA

9d•Onsite

About The Position

The Resident Advocate works at HomeFirst’s Bridge Housing Communities (BHC)-Felipe site in San Jose, a 24-hour interim housing program for unhoused adults. The program provides a safe, private, and secure environment where participants can build stability and self-sufficiency as they work toward permanent housing. The site includes sleeping cabins and shared community spaces, and provides supportive services and community engagement. The Resident Advocate is responsible for the care, safety, and supervision of participants and guests; providing direct support with housing plans and service needs; responding to crises; and maintaining a safe, orderly site. The role also includes administrative documentation, communication between shifts, and representing HomeFirst appropriately to visitors and community partners. This is a part-time, non-exempt position scheduled for weekends on the grave shift. The position reports to the BHC Program Manager.

Requirements

An AA 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 and 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, and ability to learn data entry in web-based database systems.
Flexibility and ability to prioritize appropriately.
Ability to work effectively within a team, with accountability and strong customer service skills.
Ability to multitask efficiently.
Advocacy and case management skills and knowledge of local social service resources and providers.
Effective problem-solving, leadership, and organizational skills.
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 and check them in and out 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 decisions during emergencies, considering participant safety, mandated reporting, and contacting appropriate staff or responding agencies.
Lead weekly workshops for participants.
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.
Distribute program-supplied clothing, linens, toiletries, and other items.
Inspect cabins and complete inspection sheets.
Clean the site and report maintenance or janitorial needs promptly 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 agency’s and community’s best interests.
Provide socialization support, including empathetic listening, problem-solving, information and referrals, 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.