Relief Direct Service Advocate

Overview

Relief Direct Service  Shelter Relief Per Diem Springfield, MA, US

Requisition  
• Salary Range: $19.00 Hourly

YWCA of Western MA is dedicated to eliminating racism and empowering survivors. The YWCA 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 serves multiple sites, including Holyoke, Northampton, Westfield, and our primary Springfield campus.

The YWCA is seeking a Direct Service Advocate for 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 work as part of a team with peers, supervisors, clinicians, and outside connections to best serve program participants. DSAs support the agency mission and trauma-informed service model to provide safe, consistent and quality services to vulnerable populations.

Job Title:

Direct Service Advocate

Reports to:

Assistant Program Director

Schedule:

3 Shifts per month
Starting Rate: $19.00/hr
FLSA Status:
Non-Exempt

• Conduct shelter intakes as needed.
• Provide crisis intervention and counseling as needed.
• Help residents become acquainted with shelter and other residents; provide counseling to residents upon arrival.
• Responsible for maintenance and upkeep of the facility and property (including vacuuming, laundry area, shoveling, mopping, and take trash out).
• Enforce shelter rules and guidelines.
• Engage with residents at meal times and ensure that residents clean up their area prior to leaving the dining area.
• Complete all required paperwork and maintain client records.

• 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 and organizational skills including computer skills.
• Must be able to be covered by the agency's insurance policy.
• Physical Requirements:
  
  Must be able to lift 40 lbs.

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