Direct Service Advocat-Domestic Violence

Direct Service Advocate – Domestic Violence

Company: YWCA of Western Massachusetts.

Location: Springfield, MA.

Requisition : 1982.

Position Type: Part‑time, overnight (Friday/Saturday, 11pm–7am; 15 hours bi‑weekly).

Salary: $20.00 per hour (starting rate) + $1.25 differential for overnight shift.

Reports To: Assistant Program Director.

The YWCA of Western Mass. 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. Services are available at several sites, including Holyoke, Northampton, Westfield, and the primary Springfield campus.

• Demonstrate commitment to the YW's mission and trauma‑informed work principles.
• Represent the YW in a professional and competent manner to participants, community members, partners, and stakeholders.
• Support policies, practices, and decisions that demonstrate 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.

The Direct Service Advocate (DSA) provides support, advocacy, and role modeling to adult, teen, and child participants in the YWCA's residential programs. DSA works in a team model with peers, supervisors, clinicians, and external contacts to best serve program participants. DSA supports the agency's mission and trauma‑informed service model to provide safe, consistent, and quality services to vulnerable populations.

• Conduct shelter intakes and provide crisis intervention as needed.
• Help residents become acquainted with the shelter and other residents upon arrival.
• Provide counseling to residents at arrival and as needed throughout their stay.
• Maintain facility and property (vacuuming, laundry area, shoveling, mopping, and taking trash out).
• Ensure residents follow shelter schedule, including wake‑up times, and enforce shelter rules and guidelines.
• Engage residents at meal times and ensure they clean up their area before leaving the dining area.
• Ensure completion of chores as applicable.
• Complete 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.
• Preferred experience working in a residential setting.
• Familiarity with domestic violence issues; 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 able to be covered by the agency's insurance policy.
• Must be able to lift 40 lbs.

Seniority Level: Entry level

Employment Type:

Part‑time
Job Function:
Legal
Industry: Individual and Family Services