Resident Advocate - BRC Grave (Tuesday - Saturday) (90090)

HomeFirst•San Jose, CA

12d•Onsite

About The Position

The Resident Advocate is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the site and responding 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 also supports the safety of participants, staff, and guests through regular check-ins and monitoring of site grounds and sleeping units. The position provides direct service to program participants, including intake and assessment, housing-plan support, referrals, crisis response, workshops, distribution of supplies, inspections, and documentation. It also includes general office and program duties, representing HomeFirst appropriately, attending required meetings and trainings, and completing other duties as assigned. The role is based in San Jose and is listed as full-time, non-exempt, grave shift, Tuesday through Saturday. Compensation is $28.95 per hour.

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 using web-based database systems.
Flexibility and ability to prioritize appropriately, multitask efficiently, and complete multiple tasks and deadlines in a timely manner.
Ability to work effectively within a team, take initiative, and work independently and productively with minimal supervision.
Strong accountability, customer service, advocacy, and case-management skills.
Knowledge of local social-service resources and providers; effective problem-solving skills and demonstrated leadership skills.
Excellent organization, reliability, punctuality, and attendance for scheduled shifts.
Ability to work flexible hours, especially nights, weekends, and overnights, and to be available by telephone, on-call, and as needed during scheduled availability.
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.
Employees must be vaccinated or provide a religious or medical exemption, as stated in the posting.

Responsibilities

Provide care, safety, and supervision for program participants and guests, and implement and enforce EIH guidelines and site rules.
Welcome guests and check them in and out using the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS).
Document services in HMIS within three business days and complete accurate intake and VI-SPDAT assessments for potential participants.
Help participants develop, update, and reassess personalized housing plans, and support them in carrying out those plans.
Make timely decisions during emergencies, considering safety, mandated reporting, and contacting appropriate staff or responding agencies.
Promote and lead weekly participant workshops, including topics such as financial literacy, tenant rights, mediation, resume building, job searching, and credit repair.
Respond to guest crises using de-escalation and Mental Health First Aid techniques as applicable.
Follow HomeFirst service practices, including Trauma Informed Care, client-centered practice, and the Crisis Prevention Intervention model.
Complete and submit incident reports, behavioral contracts, and gross-violation reports as needed.
Provide information, referrals, housing resources, and program support to participants.
Distribute clothing, linens, toiletries, and other program-provided items; restock supplies and submit supply requests in a timely manner.
Inspect cabins, complete inspection sheets, and support participants with treatment of property before move-in.
Conduct general site clean-up 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 or activities.
Complete, file, and maintain paperwork and records in a timely manner.
Maintain professional conduct, attitude, and appearance; communicate with and delegate tasks to the next shift; and maintain confidentiality.
Follow employee handbook requirements and agency and site policies and procedures, exercising sound judgment in the agency’s and community’s best interests.
Provide empathetic listening, problem-solving, information and referral, mediation, crisis intervention, and other socialization support; treat each guest with respect and dignity.
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.