Position: Resident Advocate

Location: San Jose (Multiple Locations)

Employment Type: Regular Full Time and Part Time, Non-Exempt

Compensation: $24.75 Hourly

Program Summary:

The Evacuee Transition Facility (ETF) program is a housing-focused, low-barrier program designed to serve individuals demobilized from the two San Jose emergency evacuation centers.

The ETF program will provide a safer alternative to individuals formerly residing along dangerous waterways and those who were impacted by recent storms and flooding. Participants will receive access to temporary spaces with supportive services and a plan of action to move forward with identifying safe and sustainable housing opportunities. Participants on-site have access to designated platforms with tents, critical warming supplies, mobile shower, safe drinking water, portable restrooms, showers, and laundry machines.

The ETF will be fully staffed and operate seven days per week, 24 hours per day, 365 days a year by a team including Resident Advocates, Resident Coordinators, Case Managers, and Housing Specialists. As the ETF is located outdoors, staff will be stationed in a modular office equipped with heating and cooling. Staff will engage with participants in the designated outdoor tent areas and in private indoor meeting spaces onsite.

Additionally, outsourced security officers will be stationed onsite to ensure the safety of program participants, staff, and visitors.

RESIDENT ADVOCATE

The Resident Advocate is responsible for carrying out the day-to-day operations on-site and responding to program participants' needs. They facilitate the flow of on-site amenities like access to services, workshops, and supplies, 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 safe sleeping areas.

Ideal candidates enjoy working both indoors and outdoors and are sensitive to the needs of our unhoused populations. They enjoy practicing a strength-based approach in fast-paced and rapidly changing environments. Are welcoming and accepting of all backgrounds and beliefs without judgment or bias. Utilize strong communication skills, including de-escalation and engaging with those who may be experiencing behavioral health challenges or may be intoxicated.

HomeFirst is a culturally diverse company in a similarly diverse community, and the Bridge Housing Services Director desires to work with people from a variety of social and economic backgrounds. To that end, the Bridge Housing Services Director cultivates a connected and mutually supportive team.

Duties / Responsibilities:

Direct Client Service (90%)

• Responsible for the care, safety, and supervision of program participants and guests on site
• Implement and enforce ETF community guidelines and 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 three business days
• Complete intake of potential participants, including thorough and accurate VI-SPDAT assessments
• Make timely and appropriate decisions in emergency situations, including awareness of the need for the safety of all participants involved, mandated reporting, and contacting appropriate staff/responding agencies
• Respond to guest crises using de-escalation and Mental Health First Aid techniques as applicable (HomeFirst provides internal trainings)
• 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 requests in a timely manner
• Provide general site clean-up, reporting any maintenance or janitorial needs to the Program Manager in a timely manner
• Conduct ETF area, 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 boundaries, conduct, attitude, and appearance
• Communicate to and delegate tasks to the next shift
• Maintain confidentiality regarding clients, personnel, and other internal agency affairs
• Conduct business according to employee handbook, exercising judgment and serving the best interests of the agency and community
• Maintain compliance with agency and ETF policies and procedures
• Provide socialization skills- empathetic listening, problem-solving, information and referral, mediation, crisis intervention
• Committed to treating each program participant 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 training
• Perform other general duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications:

• High School Diploma/GED
• Sensitivity to the needs of unhoused individuals
• Personal or professional experience working with the unhoused population

Preferred Qualifications:

• Personal or professional experience with homeless or other human services
• Customer service experience

Other:

• Able to perform sedentary work;
• Able to lift up to 30 lbs. on occasion;
• Ability to use keyboard and read computer screens for extended periods;
• Able to stand/sit for extended periods, kneel, reach and bend related to the completion of duties;

Benefits of joining the HomeFirst team

• Professional growth opportunities within the organization
• 100% medical coverage for employees with an opportunity to add dependents at a shared cost
• 401k match up to 4%
• 11 observed Holidays
• Generous PTO, accrual begin with 120 hours annually and increase with tenure
• 4 hours of Community Engagement provided annually
• Access to our Emergency Assistance Program (EAP) services
• Pet Insurance options available

About HomeFirst Services:

Established in 1980, with 40+ years of experience, we are the premier Silicon Valley provider of homelessness services. We believe that everyone has the potential to get housed and stay housed. We relentlessly focus on eliminating barriers to housing and creating stability for everyone we serve.

HomeFirst Services serves more than 6,000 adults, veterans, families, and young adults each year at multiple locations from Gilroy to Menlo Park – all of Santa Clara County as well as southern San Mateo County.

Services include:

• Homelessness prevention
• Emergency and cold-weather shelters
• Comprehensive Veterans’ Services
• Rapid Rehousing programs
• Bridge Housing Communities
• Emergency Interim Housing
• Affordable permanent housing
• Permanent Supportive housing
• Street-based outreach

HomeFirst Services 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 Services participates in the E-Verify program, as required by law.

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

HomeFirst Services takes pride in its safety values, the wellness of our team, and respect for everyone we serve. Due to this commitment, HomeFirst Services is mandating that all employees be vaccinated or render a religious or medical exemption effective September 13, 2021.