The YWCA is looking for a Direct Service Advocate!! The Direct Service Advocate is responsible for providing support, advocacy and role modeling to adult, teen, and child program participants living in the YWCA’s residential programs. This position is Part Time, Friday/Saturday, 11pm-7am with a $17/hour wage.
As the Direct Service Advocate, you will support the DVSS program with the following:
- Conduct shelter screenings and intakes.
- Provide crisis intervention.
- 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.
- 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.
What are we looking for in a Direct Service Advocate?
- 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
Reasons to work at the YWCA:
- Excellent benefits package, including vacation, sick time and personal days, health, vision and dental insurance, retirement and matching, employee assistance program, among others
- Rewarding work
- Opportunity for growth within the agency
Who are we?
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.
EEO STATEMENT
It is the policy of YWCA of Western Massachusetts to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, pregnancy or maternity, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, the YWCA will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.
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