Direct Service Advocate-SYPP-2nd

Direct Service Advocate

Location:

Springfield, MA, US

Requisition

Salary Range: $20.00 to $20.00 per hour

Department:
Springfield Young Parent Program

Reports to:

Program Director

Schedule:

Full-Time, 37.5 hours/weekly;
Monday-Friday 3pm-11pm

FLSA Status:
Non-Exempt

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.

• Engage 100% of individuals and families that are on-site each shift, fostering a participant‑guided, family‑driven, strengths‑based, trauma‑informed milieu.
• Encourage and support the development of life skills, positive parenting, and improved parent‑child interaction through one‑on‑one or group activities including recreational, educational, and cultural programs.
• Follow the daily program schedule and facilitate resident participation and community responsibilities, respecting individualized plans for each participant.
• Provide direct service at least 85% of shift time, offering face‑to‑face contact and interaction with participants and their children.
• Ensure all program procedures, rules, regulations and policies are followed to maintain a safe and supportive living environment.
• Complete all required safety sweeps (minimum four times per shift) to confirm premises safety.
• Facilitate program integration by providing orientation and emotional support to participants upon arrival.
• Prepare rooms for new families within 1-2 shifts of a prior exit.
• Collect and submit data and outcome measurements, completing 100% of AWARDS logs before shift end.

• Associate’s degree or equivalent education or experience in a human services field (required).
• One year of counseling and direct service experience (required).
• Reliable transportation and a valid driver’s license (required).
• Ability to lift 40 lbs (required).
• Experience in a domestic violence setting (preferred).
• Experience with survivors of gender‑based violence and exploitation (preferred).
• Experience addressing the impacts of decisions and actions on multiple communities (preferred).
• Understanding of interpersonal and structural racism and bias (preferred).