Direct Service Advocate-DVS

Salary Range: \$21.00 hourly

Schedule: Part-time; Saturday/Sunday, 7:00am-3:00pm; 15 hours biweekly

About the role

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 is seeking a Direct Service Advocate for our Domestic Violence Shelter Services in Springfield, MA.

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. DSAs are part of a team model working with peers, supervisors, clinicians, and outside connections to best serve program participants. DSAs support the agency mission and trauma-informed service model in order to provide safe, consistent, and quality services to vulnerable populations.

Responsibilities

• Conduct shelter intakes as needed.
• Provide crisis intervention and counseling as needed.
• Help residents become acquainted with shelter and other residents and provide counseling to resident upon arrival.
• Responsible for maintenance and upkeep of the facility and property (including, but not limited to: vacuuming, laundry area, shoveling, mopping, and taking out trash).
• Enforce shelter rules and guidelines.
• Engage with residents at meal time and ensure that residents clean up their area prior to leaving dining area.
• Complete all required paperwork and maintain client records.

Requirements

• 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.
• Must be able to be covered by the agency's insurance policy.
• Must be able to lift 40 lbs.