Direct Service Advocat-Domestic Violence

Direct Service Advocate – Domestic Violence Shelter PT Overnight Part Time;
Springfield, MA, US

– Requisition ;
Salary Range: $20.00 to $20.00 hourly;

Job Title:

Direct Service Advocate –

Schedule:

Part-time;
Friday/Saturday, 11pm-7am, 15 hours bi-weekly;

Reports to:

Assistant Program Director;
Starting Rate: $20.00 plus $1.25 overnight 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.

• Demonstrate commitment to the YWCA’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.

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.

• Conduct shelter intakes as needed.
• Provide crisis intervention as needed.
• Help residents become acquainted with the shelter and other residents upon arrival.
• Provide counseling to residents upon arrival and as needed throughout their stay.
• Responsible for maintenance and upkeep of the facility and property (including vacuuming, laundry area, shoveling, mopping, and taking trash out).
• Ensure residents are following shelter schedule, including wake up times as applicable.
• Enforce shelter rules and guidelines.
• Engage with residents at meal time and ensure that residents clean up their area prior to leaving the dining area.
• Ensure completion of chores as applicable.
• Complete all required paperwork and maintain client records.
• Attend monthly staff meetings.
• Perform other related duties as needed.

• Associate’s degree plus 1-3 years of experience in human services.
• Experience working in a 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.