Employment Specialist

Overview

Homekey Palo Alto Interim Lodging - Sunnyvale, CA 94089

Salary Range: $25.50 - $38.50 Hourly
Position Type:
Full Time

Job Shift:
Any
Education Level: 4 Year Degree

Travel Percentage :
Up to 50%

Life Moves is the largest and most effective provider of housing and services for neighbors experiencing homelessness in Silicon Valley since 1987. Our Mission is to end homelessness by providing interim housing, supportive services, and building collaborative partnerships. With 40 programs , Life Moves gives our neighbors experiencing homelessness a temporary place to call home while providing intensive, customized case management through site-based programs and community outreach.

Life Moves | Palo Alto is a new program and once implemented will provide interim supportive housing in Palo Alto to 24 family units and 64 individual units. During their stay, clients participate in holistic services tailored to each household’s unique needs and goals. Clients receive support to build self-sufficiency and return to housing stability, including but not limited to accommodations, meals, laundry, case management, and
therapy. The team supports clients with housing, employment, benefits, physical and behavioral health through case management, workshops, and connection to specialized resources. At this time the program will be operating out of a hotel and will move into the Palo Alto space when it is completed. As this is a new program, the role includes supporting program start-up, helping create essential documents and processes,
and adapting to evolving needs as operations develop. The Palo Alto Housing/Employment Specialist reports to the Program Director and receives support from the Education and Specialized Services Team. This role supports clients and Case Managers by offering expert guidance on benefits, employment, and/or housing resources. The Specialist may work 1:1 with clients to check eligibility for programs and train Case Managers to stay current on new opportunities.

They also monitor policy changes to make sure clients and staff get the most up-to-date information and resources.
Specialists are experts in their field and ensure clients and staff are well prepared on the complexities of benefits, employment, and housing. Additionally this role also assists with daily site operations, maintains a safe and welcoming environment, monitors the site, responds to client needs, and supports client check-ins, group activities, and overall site coordination.
The position plays a key role in supporting people moving toward safe, stable housing and greater self-sufficiency. They provides case management services, life skills support, and resource connections and work in partnership with clients to set goals, celebrate progress, and overcome challenges. Using a trauma-informed and strengths-based approach, this position builds trust and respect, making sure clients feel heard,
valued, and supported throughout their journey.
Key responsibilities include supporting clients by connecting them to services, building support networks, facilitating groups and activities, advocating for equitable access, and providing crisis intervention when needed. Beyond working directly with clients, this role may help to improve the overall program by sharing ideas, identifying service gaps, and helping strengthen community relationships. This role maintains clear documentation, contributes to program planning and reporting, and models professional, ethical behavior and works closely with their teammates to provide high-quality, coordinated care.

Through their efforts, staff empower clients to grow their strengths, reach their goals, and build a better future.

• Client Support and Case Management
• Develop and maintain individualized case plans focused on housing, employment, benefits, and overall well-being, based on each client’s strengths and goals.
• Support clients with housing searches, employment readiness, benefits enrollment (e.g., General Assistance, Cal Fresh, CAPI), and skill-building activities such as budgeting and daily living.
• Connect clients to healthcare…