Resident Advocate - BRC Grave (Tuesday - Saturday)
About The Position
The Resident Advocate is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the site and responds to program participants’ needs. The role facilitates access to on-site amenities and services, including clinical services, workshops, laundry supplies, and food services, while helping ensure participants’ essential needs are met. The Resident Advocate supports participant, staff, and guest safety through regular check-ins and monitoring site grounds and sleeping units. The position provides direct client service, including participant supervision, intake and assessment, housing-plan support, referrals, workshops, crisis response, and distribution of program supplies. It also includes maintaining records and paperwork, inspecting cabins and facilities, coordinating with other shifts, assisting with events and office tasks, and representing HomeFirst appropriately to guests, volunteers, partner agencies, and the public. This is a full-time, non-exempt graveyard-shift position in San Jose, California, reporting to the Program Manager. The stated schedule is Tuesday through Saturday. Compensation is $28.95 per hour, with no travel required.
Requirements
- Associate degree or equivalent to 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, and ability to learn data entry in web-based database systems.
- Flexibility, appropriate prioritization, teamwork, accountability, customer service, multitasking, advocacy, and case-management skills.
- Knowledge of local social-service resources and providers, effective problem-solving skills, leadership skills, and strong organizational skills.
- 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 with minimal supervision, meet deadlines, and complete multiple tasks promptly.
- Ability to maintain professional conduct, attitude, and appearance; work under pressure; handle stressful situations; and remain flexible.
- Ability to perform sedentary work, occasionally lift up to 30 pounds, use a keyboard and read computer screens for extended periods, and stand or sit for extended periods, kneel, reach, and bend.
Responsibilities
- Care for, ensure the safety of, and supervise program participants and guests.
- Implement and enforce EIH guidelines and site rules.
- Welcome agency guests and check them into and out of the facility using HMIS.
- Record service notes in HMIS within three business days.
- Complete participant intake, including thorough and accurate VI-SPDAT assessments.
- Help participants develop, execute, update, and reassess personalized housing plans.
- Make timely decisions in emergencies, considering safety, mandated reporting, and contacting appropriate staff or responding agencies.
- Promote and lead weekly participant workshops on topics such as financial literacy, tenant rights, mediation, resume building, job search, and credit repair.
- Respond to 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 incident reports, behavioral contracts, and gross-violation documentation as needed.
- Provide information, referrals, housing resources, and program support to participants.
- Distribute program-provided clothing, linens, toiletries, and other items; restock supplies and submit supply requests promptly.
- Inspect cabins and complete inspection sheets; support participants with property treatment before move-in.
- Clean up the site 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 promptly, maintain confidentiality, and communicate or delegate tasks to the next shift.
- Maintain professional conduct, attitude, and appearance; comply with employee handbook and agency and site policies and procedures.
- Provide empathetic listening, problem-solving, information and referrals, mediation, crisis intervention, and respectful support to guests.
- Represent HomeFirst and the program appropriately to volunteers, donors, outside agencies, and the public.
- Assist with office-related tasks, attend required meetings, workshops, and trainings, and 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
