Temp Resident Advocate-CWSP Mt. View

Position:  Temporary Resident Advocate

Location:  Cold Weather Shelter Program, Mountain View

Reports to: Program Manager

Employment Type: Temporary, Full Time, Non-Exempt

Compensation:  $27.03 Hourly

This is a temporary benefited role for the term of the program from current month thru April 2025. These dates are subject to a slight change in the dates due to program needs.

THE ORGANIZATION:

HomeFirst™ is a leading provider of housing services: prevention, outreach, shelter, interim, and permanent housing programming for individuals who are housing insecure or unhoused in the Bay Area of California. We serve more than 5,000 adults, Veterans, families, and youth each year through a continuum of care, which meets people where they are and works to support a housing plan specific to each individual.

HomeFirst has approximately 500 staff working across two Bay Area counties including Sonoma and Santa Clara County. HomeFirst operates more than 15 locations, including The James F. Boccardo Regional Reception Center (BRC), Family Living Centers, Labath Landing Interim Housing, and more. Our core elements include, but are not limited to:

HomeFirst is committed to a culture of demonstrating our core values.

Activism | Creativity | Excellence | Passion| Respect | Responsibility | Teamwork

Program Summary:

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 food services and 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 areas.

Responsibilities:

Direct Client Service (90%)

• Responsible for the care, safety and supervision of program participants and guests
• Perform basic safety and security checks for participants
• Implement and enforce HomeFirst 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 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
• 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 other forms 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
• Provide general site set up, clean-up, reporting any maintenance or janitorial needs to the Shift Supervisor or Shelter Manager in a timely manner
• Conduct shelter floor, facility, and perimeter checks
• Assist with set-up and break-down daily and 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/ site policies and procedures
• Provide socialization skills- empathetic listening, problem solving, information and referral, mediation, crisis intervention
• Commit to treat each guest with respect and dignity
• Demonstrate 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

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:

• 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
• 12 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

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 an accommodation due to a disability, please let your recruiter know.

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

Minimum Qualifications:

• AA degree (or equivalent of 2 years of higher education) or two years of field experience in social services
• Lived experience OR understanding of and sensitivity to the needs of the unhoused population
• Fluent in Microsoft Office Suite