Direct Service Advocate: Crisis & Shelter Support

YWCA OF WESTERN MA; Springfield (MA); On-site; USD 26,000 - 32,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Life Insurance

Disability insurance

Generous paid time off

Retirement plan

Job summary

The YWCA of Western Massachusetts seeks a Direct Service Advocate to support adults, teens, and children in residential programs at our Springfield campus. This per diem role emphasizes trauma-informed care, empowerment, and collaboration with a multidisciplinary team.

You will help develop life skills, ensure a safe living environment, document data through Apricot logs, and assist with childcare and facility upkeep. Must lift 40 lbs and have reliable transportation.

Qualifications

• AA or equivalent education or experience in human service field.
• One year of counseling, direct service experience, and/or residential experience.
• Familiarity with issues of domestic violence and survivors of gender-based violence and exploitation.
• Strong communication and computer skills.
• Experience addressing the impacts of decisions and actions on communities.
• Understanding of both interpersonal and structural racism and bias.
• Ability to represent agency from a management perspective in an active union environment.
• Reliable transportation, safe driving record, and valid driver’s license required.
• Must be able to lift 40 lbs.

Responsibilities

• Nurture and support a milieu approach that is participant-guided, family-driven, strengths-based, and trauma-informed and embraces a framework of empowerment and encouragement.
• Encourage and support the development of life skills and positive parent-child interaction through recreational, educational, and cultural or those that promote family engagement groups and individual sessions.
• Promote a safe and supportive living environment by modeling organizational policy and guidelines as well as completing all safety checks.
• Provide daily information as it relates to data collection and outcome measurements through the completion of Apricot logs prior to end of shift.
• Assist with child care as needed.
• Responsible for maintenance and upkeep of the facility and property (including, but not limited to: vacuuming, laundry, shoveling, mopping).
• Attend scheduled staff meetings, supervision and trainings as required.
• Perform other related duties as needed.

Skills

Communication skills

Computer skills

Driving

Education

AA or equivalent education or experience in human service field

Job description

The YWCA of Western Massachusetts seeks a Direct Service Advocate to support adults, teens, and children in residential programs at our Springfield campus. This per diem role emphasizes trauma-informed care, empowerment, and collaboration with a multidisciplinary team.

You will help develop life skills, ensure a safe living environment, document data through Apricot logs, and assist with childcare and facility upkeep. Must lift 40 lbs and have reliable transportation.