Program Summary:

The target populations for this program are vulnerable, chronically homeless individuals who are living on the streets or in encampments throughout San Jose. Program staff will provide a consistent presence on the streets and other outdoor locations throughout San Jose to build rapport and trust with unsheltered homeless residents. The goal of the program is to connect participants with services that will result in permanent housing. The Citywide Outreach and SOAR team includes Outreach Specialists, Case Managers, Drug and Alcohol Counselors, Clinicians and Clinical Supervision, a Program Manager, and Director.

Responsibilities:

Direct Services (70%)

• Provide street and encampment-based case management to unhoused participants at targeted locations throughout the City of San Jose
• Provide referral and linkage to an internal team of Clinicians and Alcohol and Drug Counselors
• Provide linkage and coordinate services to community resources including, health care and VHHP, Benefit application, employment counseling, family reunification, diversion, etc.
• Works collaboratively with Program Manager and maintains accurate records of services provided.
• Collaborates with community partners regarding support services for participants
• Utilizes supervision appropriately maintains open lines of communication and provides updates on intake activity.
• Knows and implements agency and program policies and procedures
• Properly reports any suspected cases of abuse
• Maintains professional relations and conduct
• Maintains thorough, accurate records of case management activities with every program participant, as required by grant contracts.
• Conducts client intake, including VISPDAT as needed
• Works with program participants to develop and implement an individual case management plan and provide support to help them achieve their housing and personal goals
• Meets regularly with program participants at a frequency determined by the participant's needs
• Provides support services that employ a Critical Time Intervention (CTI) model
• Secure transportation of participants to shelter, critical appointments, and additional destinations
• Weekend and after-hours support is required when requested by the participant or funder
• Assist with other duties as assigned

Documentation (20%)

• Documents, via progress notes in HMIS, all case management activity within two business days and maintains all other case file paperwork and documentation.
• Participates in ongoing analysis of and program alignment with industry best practices
• Proactively and consistently improves the quality and effectiveness of program services.
• Conducts ongoing re-assessments of the client's needs and status, and documents assessment in HMIS

General (10%)

• Attends all meetings and training relevant to this position
• Assist with office-related tasks as needed
• Utilize supervision appropriately, maintain open lines of communication, and provide updates on activities regularly.
• Know and follow agency and program policies and procedures.
• Properly report any suspected cases of abuse.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree and relevant experience in non-profit agencies (Bachelor's degree may be substituted by 2 years of case management experience)
• Understanding of and sensitivity to the needs of the unhoused population
• Experience in developing relationships with community partners and outside agencies

Skills, Abilities, and Knowledge:

• Ability to manage multiple projects concurrently and be flexible with priorities
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain priorities and meet established deadlines
• Exceptional organizational skills
• Strong sense of accountability
• Ability to present oneself and the agency professionally to internal and external audiences
• Ability to work as a member of a team
• Ability to work with people of diverse socio-economic backgrounds
• Ability to walk long distances on rough terrain (such as trails, creek sides, and high-traffic areas
• Preference for extensive fieldwork over office-based work
• Strong written and oral communication skills

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;

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 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.