Direct Service Advocat-Domestic Violence

YWCA of Western Massachusetts; Springfield (MA); On-site; USD 24,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Shift differential

Job summary

The YWCA of Western Massachusetts seeks a Direct Service Advocate for its Domestic Violence Shelter in Springfield, MA. The role focuses on supportive advocacy and trauma-informed service delivery for adults, teens and children in residential programs.

Responsibilities include crisis intervention, intake support, counseling, and ensuring safety and cleanliness of the facility. Requires an Associate’s degree and 1–3 years in human services, with experience in residential settings preferred.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree plus 1-3 years of experience in human services.
• Experience working in residential setting preferred.
• Familiarity with issues of domestic violence.
• Experience with survivors of gender-based violence and exploitation.
• Understanding of interpersonal and systemic racism and bias.

Responsibilities

• Shelter intakes as needed.
• Provide crisis intervention as needed.
• Help residents become acquainted with shelter and other residents upon arrival.
• Provide counseling to residents upon arrival and during their stay.
• Maintain facility and property (cleaning, laundry, etc.).
• Prepare and provide breakfast for residents.
• Enforce shelter rules and guidelines during meals.
• Engage with residents at meals and ensure area is cleaned.
• Complete required paperwork and maintain client records.
• Attend monthly staff meetings.
• Perform other related duties as needed.

Skills

Crisis intervention

Written communication

Organizational skills

Computer skills

Team collaboration

Education

Associate’s degree

Job description

Direct Service Advocate

Domestic Violence Shelter 3rd FT Full Time Springfield, MA, US Requisition ID: 2044 Salary Range: $21.00 To $21.00 Hourl Reports to: Assistant Program Director Schedule: Sunday-Thursday 11pm-7am (FT); 75 hours bi-weekly Starting Rate: $21.00 (plus 1.25 for Shift Differential) FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

The YWCA of Western MA is dedicated to eliminating racism and empowering survivors. The YW provides a safe place for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. Our programs and services include crisis shelter and transitional housing for survivors and their families, counseling, SAFEPLAN court advocacy, community education, supervised visitation, and vocational training for youth. The YWCA provides services at several sites, including Holyoke, Northampton, Westfield, and our primary Springfield campus.

Position Purpose

The Direct Service Advocate (DSA) is responsible for providing support, advocacy and role modeling to adult, teen, and child program participants living in the YWCA's residential programs. DSA's are part of a team model working with peers, supervisors, clinicians and outside connections to best serve program participants. DSA's support the agency mission and trauma informed service model in order to provide safe, consistent and quality Services To Vulnerable Populations.

Essential Responsibilities

• shelter intakes as needed;
• Provide crisis intervention as needed;
• Help residents become acquainted with shelter and other residents upon arrival;
• Provide counseling to resident upon arrival and as needed throughout their stay;
• Responsible for maintenance and upkeep of the facility and property (including, but not limited to: vacuuming, laundry, shoveling, mopping);
• Responsible for preparing and providing breakfast to residents;
• Responsible for serving breakfast Enforce shelter rules and guidelines;
• Engage with residents at meal time and ensure that residents clean up their area prior to leaving dining area;
• Ensure completion of chores as applicable;
• Required to work alone in the event of a staff call-out.
• Complete all required paperwork and maintain client records;
• Attend monthly staff meetings;
• Perform other related duties as needed.

Required Trainings

• Successful completion of all required trainings within introductory period;
• Successful completion of required yearly trainings;
• Attend staff meetings as required;
• Obtain and maintain ServSafe Certification.

Qualifications

• Associate?s degree plus 1 - 3 years of experience in human services;
• Experience working in residential setting preferred;
• Familiarity with issues of domestic violence;
• Experience with survivors of gender-based violence and exploitation;
• Experience addressing the impacts of decisions and actions on multiple communities;
• Understanding of both interpersonal and structural racism and bias;
• Ability to represent agency from a management perspective in an active union environment;
• Excellent written and organizational skills including computer skills;
• Reliable transportation, safe driving record, and valid driver’s license required.
• Must be able to be covered by the agency's insurance policy.