Mikayla Chavez
San Jose
Summary
Outgoing and dependable Outreach Specialist with experience in SSVF and RRH programs, connecting veterans and families to housing and supportive services. Skilled in housing navigation, HMIS documentation, income verification, and landlord engagement. Known for being compassionate, reliable, and effective in fast-paced environments while building trust and providing crisis intervention when needed.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Resident Advocate/ RRH/SSVF Outreach Specialist
HomeFirst Services of Santa Clara County
San Jose
03.2023 - Current
- Conduct comprehensive outreach to veterans and non-veterans in encampments, parks, shelters, and community settings to identify individuals eligible for SSVF and RRH assistance.
- Complete prescreens, VI-SPDATs, and HMIS enrollments to ensure timely access to housing programs.
- Provide housing navigation support: collect W-9s, ledgers, leases, pay-or-quit notices, AMI calculations, and all necessary documentation to expedite financial assistance.
- Coordinate warm hand-offs with VA LCSWs, HUD-VASH, property managers, and partner agencies to connect participants to supportive services.
- Respond promptly to emergency and crisis situations with mandated reporting and referrals to appropriate agencies.
- Maintain strict confidentiality regarding client and agency matters.
- Accurately document all services into HMIS within three business days.
- Facilitate communication between residents, administrative staff, and partner agencies to ensure seamless service delivery.
- Provide empathetic listening, mediation, problem-solving, and crisis intervention for clients facing housing insecurity.
- Educate participants on available community resources, budgeting, and self-advocacy to support housing retention.
Medical Assistant
Action Urgent Care
12.2021 - 01.2023
- Obtained patient medical history, vital signs, chart preparation, medication dosage and frequency, patient allergens, and assist with medical examinations.
- Performed clinic front desk duties such as obtaining and/or verifying patient information, patient check in/out, coordinate and facilitate accurate patient appointments.
- Answered a high volume of phone calls
- Responsible for back office duties
- Recorded patient vital signs
- Escorted patients to exam rooms
- Assisted providers with medical procedures
- Performed phlebotomy
- Provided wound care treatment
Covid Swabber
National Labs
01.2021 - 11.2021
- Followed in-process quality control procedures and performed accurate data entry of patient information to prepare collected specimens for testing and analysis.
- Maintained cleanliness of testing booth and testing materials to comply with CDC guidelines.
- Administered required COVID-19 rapid tests and sample collection using proper swabbing technique.
- Collected and prepared nasal-pharyngeal samples for PCR testing of COVID-19 in accordance with standard methods and processes.
Temperature Screener
Facebook
12.2020 - 04.2021
- Sanitized work area and sterilized equipment and instruments to comply with protocols.
- Screened employees and visitors using specific protocol and non-contact infrared thermometers.
- Documented data in designated system to present to client upon request.
Customer Service Representative
Macy's
06.2019 - 08.2020
- Informed customers about billing procedures, processed payments and provided payment option setup assistance.
- Evaluated customer account information to assess current issues and determine potential solutions.
- Set up and activated customer accounts to maintain QA satisfaction levels.
- Assessed customer needs and upsold products and services to maximize sales.
- Reliable; excellent punctuality and attendance for scheduled work shifts
- Strong written and oral communication skills
- Strong customer service skills
- Able to take the initiative and work independently and productively with minimal supervision
- Excellent organizational skills and ability to complete tasks
Education
High School Diploma -
Mount Pleasant High School
San JoseSkills
- SSVF Outreach & Enrollment (veteran engagement, eligibility screening, prescreens, VI-SPDATs)
- RRH Program Outreach & Housing Navigation
- HMIS Data Entry & Federal Compliance
- Income & AMI Verification (paystubs, benefits, gross income calculations)
- Landlord Engagement & Housing Stabilization
- Rental Assistance Processing (W-9s, ledgers, leases, arrears notices)
- Crisis Intervention & Conflict De-escalation
- Warm Hand-offs & Service Coordination (VA LCSWs, HUD-VASH, community partners)
- Resource Referral & Client Advocacy (legal aid, financial support, medical/social services)
- Emergency Response & Mandated Reporting
- Strong Written & Verbal Communication
- Reliable & Team-Oriented Professionalism
Languages
Spanish
Professional Experience Resident Advocate / RRH & SSVF Outreach Specialist
Provide outreach and enrollment support for veterans and families experiencing or at risk of homelessness through the Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) and Rapid Re-Housing (RRH) programs. Skilled in housing navigation, HMIS documentation, income verification, landlord engagement, crisis intervention, and warm hand-offs with VA and community partners to connect participants to housing and supportive services.
Timeline
Resident Advocate/ RRH/SSVF Outreach Specialist
HomeFirst Services of Santa Clara County
03.2023 - Current
Medical Assistant
Action Urgent Care
12.2021 - 01.2023
Covid Swabber
National Labs
01.2021 - 11.2021
Temperature Screener
Facebook
12.2020 - 04.2021
Customer Service Representative
Macy's
06.2019 - 08.2020
High School Diploma -
Mount Pleasant High School