Relief Direct Service Advocate

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 through crisis shelter, transitional housing, counseling, court advocacy, community education, supervised visitation, and vocational training for youth across several sites, including Springfield.

Responsibilities

• Conduct shelter intakes as needed.
• Provide crisis intervention and counseling.
• Help residents become acquainted with shelter and other residents; provide counseling upon arrival.
• Responsible for maintenance and upkeep of the facility and property (vacuuming, laundry area, shoveling, mopping, taking out trash).
• Enforce shelter rules and guidelines.
• Engage with residents at meal time and ensure residents clean up their area prior to leaving the 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.
• 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 the agency from a management perspective in an active union environment.
• Excellent written, organizational, and computer skills.
• Must be able to be covered by the agency’s insurance policy.
• Must be able to lift 40 lbs.

Pay

Starting rate: \$19.00/hour. Salary range: \$21.00 to \$21.00/hour.

Schedule

3 shifts per month.

All employment at the YWCA begins with a 150-day introductory period.