The YWCA is looking for a Direct Service Advocate!!

Schedule: Full Time-Sunday-Thursday 3pm-11pm (FT); 75 hours bi-weekly

Pay Rate: $20

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.

As the Direct Service Advocate, you will support the DVSS Program with the following:

· 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 mealtime 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.

· Perform other related duties as needed.

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;

· Must be able to be covered by the agency's insurance policy; and

· Must be able to lift 40 lbs.

Reasons to work at the YWCA:

· Excellent benefits package, including paid vacation, paid sick time and paid personal days, health, vision and dental insurance, retirement and matching, 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, and supervised visitation. 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.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $20.00 per hour

Expected hours: 37.5 per week

Benefits:

• 403(b)
• 403(b) matching
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Mileage reimbursement
• Paid sick time
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Evening shift
• Monday to Friday
• No weekends

Work Location: In person