POSITION: Resident Advocate

PROGRAM/LOCATION: Emergency Interim Housing (EIH) Arena, San Jose, CA

SHIFT: Day (7am-3:30pm) and Swing (3pm-11:30pm)

SUPERVISOR: EIH Arena Program Manager

STATUS: Full-time, Non-exempt

PROGRAM SUMMARY:

The Emergency Interim Housing (EIH) Arena program is intended to provide Emergency Interim Housing opportunities to unhoused single adults. The EIH is designed with a focus on safety and client centered care through three phases of service delivery – Emergency Interim Housing, Transition Period, and Bridge Housing.

The EIH Arena site is a single adults referral based only program with no drop-in services provided. The EIH Arena site will consist of 89 single adult rooms with private restrooms and showers, and a community space that will include access to a shared microwave, computer lab, pet area, and vehicle parking. The EIH Arena site will offer a variety of supportive services, community engagement and direct contributions to help each participant achieve stable housing. Sites will be fully staffed and operate five days per week, Monday to Friday, with security services on-site.

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 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.

DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

Direct Client Service (90%)

• Responsible for the care, safety and supervision of program participants and guest
• Implement and enforce EIH Arena guidelines and EIH Arena 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 room, 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/EIH site policies and procedures
• Provide socialization skills- empathetic listening, problem solving, information and referral, mediation, crisis intervention
• Committed to treat each EIH 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

QUALIFICATIONS:

• 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

ABOUT THE AGENCY:

HomeFirst is a leading provider of services, shelter, and housing opportunities to the homeless and those as risk of homelessness in Santa Clara County. We serve more than 4,000 adults, veterans, families, and youth each year at seven locations, including the Boccardo Reception Center, which is the county’s largest homeless services center. In more than 35 years of experience, we’ve learned that everyone has the potential to get housed and stay housed. We are relentlessly focused on eliminating barriers to housing and stability for everyone we serve.

Home First is an equal opportunity 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. Home First services is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified for individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or accommodations 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.