Direct Service Advocate-DVSS-EOW

Position Details

Direct Service Advocate (DSA) – , Part Time – Springfield, MA, US

Salary: $20.00 per hour

Reports to:

Assistant Program Director

Schedule:

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

FLSA Status:
Non‑Exempt

The YWCA of Western MA is dedicated to eliminating racism and empowering survivors. The organization provides a safe place for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. Services include crisis shelter and transitional housing, counseling, SAFEPLAN court advocacy, community education, supervised visitation, and vocational training for youth.

YWCA services are offered at multiple sites, including Holyoke, Northampton, Westfield, and the primary Springfield campus.

The Direct Service Advocate (DSA) supports 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. They support the agency’s mission and trauma‑informed service model 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 shelter and other residents upon arrival.
• Provide counseling to residents upon arrival and throughout their stay.
• Maintain and upkeep the facility and property (vacuuming, laundry, shoveling, mopping, taking trash out).
• Ensure residents follow the shelter schedule, including wake‑up times.
• Enforce shelter rules and guidelines.
• Engage with residents at mealtimes and ensure trays are cleaned before 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 interpersonal and structural racism and bias.
• Ability to represent the 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.
• Must be covered by the agency’s insurance policy.
• Must be able to lift 40 lbs.