Direct Service Advocate-DVS

Direct Service Advocate – Domestic Violence Shelter Part Time Springfield, MA, US

Salary Range: $20.00 To $20.00 Hourly

Job Title:

Direct Service Advocate

Reports to:

DVSS Program Director

Schedule:

Part-time;
Sunday, Friday one week and Monday, Saturday, 3pm-11pm; 30 hours biweekl 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.

In the performance of essential and general job responsibilities, all YWCA employees are expected to:
Demonstrate commitment to the YWCA's mission and principles of trauma‑informed work. Represent the YWCA in a professional and competent manner to participants, community members, organizational partners, and other stakeholders. Reflect on and interrupt assumptions, personal and systemic biases, and sources of power when interacting or communicating with colleagues, clients, and external partners. Support policies, practices, and decisions that demonstrate our shared accountability for racial equity.

Foster a positive working environment. Coordinate efforts across teams, programs, and partner organizations. Maintain professional behavior and strict confidentiality.

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.

• Conduct shelter screenings and intakes as needed.
• Provide crisis intervention as needed.
• Help residents become acquainted with shelter and other residents upon arrival.
• Provide counseling to resident upon arrival and as needed throughout their stay.
• Responsible for maintenance and upkeep of the facility and property (including, but not limited to: vacuuming, laundry, shoveling, mopping).
• Ensure residents are following shelter schedule, including wake up times as applicable.
• Enforce shelter rules and guidelines.
• Engage with residents at meal time and ensure that residents clean up their area prior to leaving dining area.
• Ensure completion of chores as applicable.
• Required to work alone in the event of a staff call‑out.
• Complete all required paperwork and maintain client records.
• Attend monthly staff meetings.
• Provide transportation to residents and adhere to all safety laws/policies regarding seat belts, car seat requirements and speed limits at all times.
• Perform other related duties as needed.

• Associate's degree plus 1 - 3 years of experience in human services;
  Experience working in 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.