Relief_Llamamos Hotline_Intake Worker

Job Title:

Direct Service Advocate

Reports to:

Assistant Program Director

Schedule:

Per Diem for All Shifts (Minimum of 3 Shifts per Month)
Starting Rate: $21.00

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.

Expectations of all employees

In 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 Purpose 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.

Essential 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; and Perform other related duties as needed.

QualificationsA.A. or equivalent education or experience in a 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 be covered by the agency's insurance policy.

Must be able to lift 40 lbs.

BENEFITS The YWCA offers a wide range of competitive benefits including health, dental, life, and disability insurance, generous paid time-off, and a contribution matched retirement plan.

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