Resident Advocate-Bernal-Swing (Fri -Tues) (90422)

HomeFirst • San Jose, CA

18h • Onsite

About The Position

The Resident Advocate works at HomeFirst’s Emergency Interim Housing (EIH) Bernal program, an adult-only, referral-based, housing-focused, low-barrier, and harm-reduction program serving people experiencing homelessness in San Jose. The program provides onsite comprehensive support services and aims to help participants transition from emergency interim housing into permanent housing. The Resident Advocate is responsible for day-to-day site operations and responds to participants’ needs as they arise, coordinating access to onsite services and amenities while helping maintain the safety of participants, staff, and guests.

The role provides direct support to participants, including intake and assessments, housing-plan development, referrals, workshops, crisis response, and distribution of supplies. It also involves monitoring and inspecting cabins and grounds, documenting services and incidents, coordinating with staff and responding agencies, and completing administrative and general site duties. The position reports to the on-site Program Manager.

Requirements

• An 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.

Responsibilities

• Provide care, safety, and supervision for program participants and guests.
• Implement and enforce EIH guidelines and site rules.
• Welcome agency guests, including participants, volunteers, staff, and community members, and check guests in and out using HMIS.
• Document services in HMIS within three business days and complete and file paperwork in a timely manner.
• Complete participant intakes, including thorough and accurate VI-SPDAT assessments.
• Help participants execute, develop, update, and reassess personalized housing plans.
• Make timely and appropriate decisions in emergencies, including considering participant safety, mandated reporting, and contacting appropriate staff or responding agencies.
• Promote and lead weekly participant workshops on topics such as financial literacy, tenant rights and 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 and submit incident reports, behavioral contracts, and gross-violation documentation as needed.
• Provide information, referrals, housing resources, and program support.
• Distribute clothing, linens, toiletries, and other program-supplied items; restock supplies and submit supply-order requests promptly.
• Inspect cabins and complete inspection sheets; support participants with treatment of property before move-in.
• Conduct cabin, facility, and perimeter checks and perform general site clean-up.
• Report maintenance or janitorial needs promptly to the Shift Manager or Program Coordinator.
• Assist with setup and breakdown for special events and activities.
• Maintain professional conduct, attitude, and appearance; communicate with and delegate tasks to the next shift.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding clients, personnel, and internal agency matters, and comply with employee handbook and agency/site policies and procedures.
• Provide socialization support through empathetic listening, problem-solving, information and referral, mediation, and crisis intervention.
• Treat each 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, attend mandatory meetings, workshops, and trainings, and perform other general duties as assigned.

Benefits

• 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Wellness options including chiropractic care, mental health support, pet insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program.
• 401(k) retirement plan with generous matching.
• Life and disability insurance.
• Flexible spending accounts.
• Commuter benefits.
• Workers’ compensation.
• 12 holidays, sick leave, and paid time off starting at 15 days annually and increasing with tenure.
• Four hours of annual civic engagement leave for volunteering.

What This Job Offers

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