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Position: Resident Advocate, Weekends Only

Reports to: Program Manager

Location: Via Del Oro, San Jose

Type: Part-time Non-Exempt

Shift: Swing/Grave

Compensation: $28.11/ Hourly

ABOUT HOMEFIRST

Established in 1980, HomeFirst is a nonprofit organization passionately working to end homelessness. We serve the Bay Area community through low-barrier programming and systems leadership - meeting each person where they are by offering support and resources that address immediate and long-term housing needs. With nearly 45 years of experience, we view housing as a fundamental human right and understand that solving homelessness requires a collaborative effort.

OUR VALUES

• Kindness: We act with empathy toward others.
• Passion: We ignite change to fulfill our mission.
• Excellence: We deliver exceptional service to our communities.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Emergency Interim Housing (EIH), Via Del Oro Program is a housing-focused, low-barrier, and harm-reduction program designed to serve individuals experiencing homelessness within the City of San Jose. EIH Via Del Oro program is an adult-only, referral-based program that provides onsite comprehensive support services. The goal of EIH Via Del Oro is to assist all program participants with transition from emergency interim housing into permanent housing.

The Resident Advocate is responsible for the overall day-to-day operation on site and responds to program participants needs on an as needed basis. They facilitate the flow of on-site amenities like access to clinical services, workshops, laundry supplies and food services ensuring each participant's essential needs are met. They also ensure participant, staff and guest safety through regular check-ins and monitoring of the site grounds and sleeping units.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP:The position reports to the on-site Program Manager and is a vital member of the Via Del Oro site.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Direct Service (90%)

• Responsible for the care, safety and supervision of program participants and guest
• Implement and enforce EIH guidelines and EIH site rules
• Welcome all agency guests to the facility, including program participants, volunteers, staff, and community members
• Check guests into and out of the facility using the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS)
• Document all notes of services provided into HMIS within 3 business days
• Complete intake of potential participants including thorough and accurate VI-SPDAT assessments
• Work with participants to execute their personalized housing plan
• Provide direct guest support with developing, updating, and reassessing housing plans
• Make timely and appropriate decisions in emergency situations, including awareness of the need for safety of all participants involved, mandated reporting, and contacting appropriate staff/responding agencies
• Promote and lead weekly workshops for participants on site to include topics such as financial literacy, tenant rights and mediation, resume building, job search and credit repair, etc.
• Respond to guest crises using de-escalation and Mental Health First Aid techniques as applicable
• Adhere to HomeFirst's service delivery practices, including Trauma Informed Care, client- centered practice, and 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 program participants
• Distribute clothing, linens, toiletries, and any other items supplied by the program
• Restock program supplies and submit supply order request in a timely manner
• Inspect cabins and complete inspection sheets on site
• Support with participants treatment of property prior to move-in
• Provide general site clean-up, reporting any maintenance or janitorial needs to the Shift Manager or Program Coordinator in a timely manner
• Conduct cabin, facility, and perimeter checks
• Assist with set-up and break-down for any special events or activities
• Complete and file all paperwork in a timely manner
• Maintain professional conduct, attitude and appearance
• Communicate to and delegate tasks to next shift
• Maintain confidentiality regarding clients, personnel and other internal agency affairs
• Conduct business according with employee handbook, exercising judgement and serving the best interests of the agency and community
• Maintain compliance with agency/BHC site policies and procedures
• Provide socialization skills- empathetic listening, problem solving, information and referral, mediation, crisis intervention
• Committed to treat each BHC guest with respect and dignity

• Demonstrated conflict resolution skills

General (10%)

• Represent HomeFirst and the program appropriately to volunteers, donors, outside agencies and the public
• Assist with office-related tasks as needed
• Attend all mandatory meetings, workshops, and trainings
• Perform other general duties as assigned

QUALITIES

The Resident Advocate is committed to ending homelessness via the principles of Housing First and Harm Reduction. They demonstrate this commitment through their proactive and creative approach to program interventions and services. They recognize the time sensitivity required to support those in crisis to maintain or secure housing stability and exercise empathy toward those we serve.They apply this same passion in their care and attention for the details, contract compliance, and pursuit of performance benchmarks.

Ideal candidatesare knowledgeable and sensitive to the needs of our unhoused populations. Enjoypracticing a strength-based approach in fast paced and rapidly changing environments. Are welcoming and accepting of all backgrounds and beliefs without judgment or bias. Resident Advocates engage in active listening, are reliable, possess good problem-solving and teamwork skills. They utilize highly developed communication skills, including demonstrated ability to effectively de-escalate and manage, including those who may be experiencing serious mental illness or may be under the influence or impaired.

BENEFITS

All part employees are eligible for the CA Statutory Paid Sick Leave days accruing 1 hour for every 30 hours worked. Part time employees can also accessmental health support and an Employee Assistance Program.

ORGANIZATIONAL EQUITY STATEMENT

At HomeFirst, diversity, equity, and inclusion guide our services, workplace, and decisions. Recognizing housing as a social justice issue, we prioritize equitable practices, honor lived experiences and uphold dignity for all. By fostering belonging, accountability, and continuous improvement, we embed DEI values in our processes, recruitment, and leadership, striving for excellence at every level.

HomeFirst is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by law. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with applicable federal, state, and local law. Additionally, HomeFirst participates in the E-Verify program, as required by law.

HomeFirst is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, please let your recruiter know.

QUALIFICATIONS (YOU HAVE)

Education and Experience

• AA degree (or equivalent of 2 years of higher education) or two years of field experience in social services
• Sensitivity to the needs of unhouses individuals
• Experience working with unhoused population

Skills, Abilities, and Knowledge

• Proven ability to develop client service or housing plans
• Ability to work with people of diverse social backgrounds; strong interpersonal skills
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Working knowledge of Microsoft applications, email, and internet, and able to learn data entry using web-based database systems
• High level of flexibility and ability to prioritize appropriately
• Work effectively within a team
• Strong sense of accountability
• Strong customer service skills
• Ability to multitask efficiently
• Advocacy and case management skills
• Knowledge of local social service resources/providers
• Effective problem-solving skills
• Demonstrate strong leadership skills
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to complete tasks
• Reliable; excellent punctuality and attendance for scheduled work shifts
• Ability to work flexible hours, especially nights, weekends and overnights. Must be available by telephone, on-call, and as needed during employee's scheduled availability
• Able 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
• Must be able to work under pressure, handle stressful situations, and maintain flexibility

Other

• Ability to regularly lift up to 30 lbs.
• Sensitivity to the needs of unhoused individuals and families
• Desire to continually develop skills and increase knowledge