POSITION: Resident Advocate
PROGRAM/LOCATION: Navigation HUB, San Jose
SHIFT: Day, Swing, Grave
SUPERVISOR: Program Manager
STATUS: Full-time/Non-exempt
COMPENSATION: $27.03/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.
POSITION OVERVIEW
The Navigation Hub (Hub) is a low-barrier, non-congregate, tent-based shelter site that will function as a triage location for single adults and couples over the age of 18. The Hub will be an initial service location when households are or will be relocated from encampments near City of San José waterways and neighborhoods before referral to other locations in the shelter system. The Hub will have low-barrier entrance and operate from a Housing First perspective, using trauma-informed Harm Reduction Principles that prioritize reduced harm from substance use over sobriety enforcement.
The Navigation HUB consists of 48 regular and 8 ADA-accessible tents in a fenced setting where participants can access basic needs services including food, water, and showers, and case management services. The Navigation HUB 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 seven days per week, 24 hours per day with on-site security services.
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 services, workshops, 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 tent sleeping units.
REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS
This role reports to the Program Manager.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Direct Client Service (90%)
- Responsible for the care, safety and supervision of program participants and guest
- Implement and enforce Navigation HUB guidelines and Navigation HUB 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 participant 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 tents 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 Manager in a timely manner
- Conduct tent, 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/ Navigation HUB site policies and procedures
- Provide socialization skills- empathetic listening, problem solving, information and referral, mediation, crisis intervention
- Committed to treat each Navigation HUB 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
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
BENEFITS
HomeFirst provides comprehensive benefits, including 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage and additional wellness options like chiropractic care, mental health support, pet insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program. We offer a 401(k)-retirement plan with generous matching, life and disability insurance, flexible spending accounts, commuter benefits, and workers’ compensation. Employees enjoy 12 holidays, sick leave, and PTO starting at 15 days annually, increasing with tenure, plus 4 hours of civic engagement leave annually to volunteer.
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 Services 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.
