Resident Advocate-Mabury Weekends Only (82599)

POSITION: Resident Advocate, Weekends Only  

PROGRAM/LOCATION: Bridge Housing Communities (BHC)-Mabury San Jose, CA

SHIFT: Swing

SUPERVISOR: BHC Program Manager

STATUS: Part Time, Non-Exempt

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 Bridge Housing Communities (BHC) program will provide interim housing opportunities to unhoused adults in a safe, private, and secure environment. Program participants will be empowered to build stability and self-sufficiency while bridging homelessness to permanent housing. 

Two BHC sites will operate in San Jose, each consisting of 40 single adult sleeping cabins and community space that will include a common shower, restrooms, kitchen, working space, pet area, storage, and vehicle parking. Each site will offer various supportive services, community engagement, and direct contributions to help each participant achieve stable housing. Sites will be fully staffed and operate seven days per week, 24 hours per day, with on-site security services.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Direct Client Service (90%)

• Responsible for the care, safety, and supervision of program participants and guest
• 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)
• Complete intake of potential participants, including thorough and accurate VI-SPDAT assessments
• Work with participants to design a personalized housing plan to identify their specific service needs.
• 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 the safety of all participants involved, mandated reporting, and contacting appropriate staff/responding agencies.
• Lead weekly workshops for participants on site
• 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
• Inspect cabins and complete inspection sheets on site
• 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 the next shift
• Maintain confidentiality regarding clients, personnel, and other internal agency affairs
• Conduct business according to the employee handbook, exercising judgment 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 treating 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 training
• Perform other general duties as assigned

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 access  mental 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 the 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 the employee’s scheduled availability
• Able to take the 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

Salary : $28