Direct Service Advocate_ Domestic Violence Shelter Services_3rd Shift_FT

YWCA OF WESTERN MA; Springfield (MA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

The Direct Service Advocate (DSA) at the YWCA of Western MA provides support, advocacy and role modeling to participants in residential programs. You will conduct intakes, offer counseling, document services, and coordinate with teams to ensure trauma-informed, safe care for survivors of violence.

You will maintain facilities, enforce rules, and assist with meals and chores while upholding confidentiality and working within a union environment.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree plus 1-3 years of experience in human services.
• Residential setting experience preferred.
• Familiarity with domestic violence issues.
• Experience addressing impacts on multiple communities.
• Ability to work in a union environment and maintain confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Conduct shelter intakes as needed.
• Provide crisis intervention as needed.
• Accurately record documents and hand to management.
• Assist residents in navigating shelter and other services.
• Provide counseling to residents as needed.
• Maintain facility and property (cleaning, laundry, etc.).
• Enforce shelter rules and guidelines.
• Assist during meals and supervise cleanup.
• Work independently if a staff call-out occurs.
• Complete paperwork and maintain client records.
• Attend monthly staff meetings.
• Perform other related duties as needed.

Skills

Crisis intervention

Documentation

Counseling

Communication

Confidentiality

Teamwork

Education

Associate’s degree

Job description

Department: Domestic Violence Shelter ServicesReports to: Program DirectorSchedule: Full-Time, 75 hours/bi-weekly; Sunday through Thursday, 11pm-7amFLSA Status: Non-ExemptStarting Rate: $21/1.25 overnight incentiveThe 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.Expectations of all employeesIn the performance of essential and general job responsibilities, all YWCA employees are expected to:Demonstrate commitment to the YW’s mission and principles of trauma-informed work.Represent the YW in a professional and competent manner to participants, community members, organizational partners, and other stakeholders.Support policies, practices, and decisions that demonstrate our shared accountability for racial equity.Communicate openly and contribute to the development of others.Coordinate efforts across teams, programs, and partner organizations.Maintain professional behavior and strict confidentiality.Position PurposeThe 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 ResponsibilitiesConduct shelter intakes as needed.Provide crisis intervention as needed.Accurately record documents (Laundry sheets, Support Services Request sheets, Bus/Uber documents) that needs to be handed to management.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 area, shoveling, mopping).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.QualificationsAssociate’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.Must be able to lift 40 lbs.EEO STATEMENTIt is the policy of YWCA of Western Massachusetts to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, pregnancy or maternity, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, the YWCA will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.DISCLAIMERThe above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of employees assigned to this position.AT-WILL EMPLOYMENTThe YWCA is an “at-will” equal opportunity employer. While the YWCA will continue to operate with care regarding employment decisions, the YWCA and its employees may terminate the employment relationship at any time and for any reason, with or without cause, and without advance notice. Exceptions include select, non-exempt positions covered under the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). This position is covered under the CBA (union) and is subject to union dues.CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECKSThe YWCA, in our effort to provide safety to those we serve, and to protect our agency, performs criminal offender record information (CORI) checks on all prospective employees. Final offers of employment are contingent upon receipt of an acceptable CORI report as solely determined by the YWCA.INTRODUCTORY PERIODAll employment at the YWCA begins with a 150-day Introductory Period.