Support Specialist_DVSS

Department:       Domestic Violence Shelter Services (DVSS) 

Reports to:         Assistant Director 

Schedule:           Full time, 37.5 hours/week; Tuesday to Saturday, 10am – 6pm  

FLSA Status:      Non-Exempt 

Starting Rate:     $22/hour

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.

Expectations of all employees

In the performance of essential and general job responsibilities, all YWCA employees are expected to: 

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

Position Purpose

The Support Specialist is responsible for the case management responsibilities for DVSS. The position is responsible for resident advocacy, service coordination, and referral regarding life skills, employment, workplace readiness / training, housing, transportation, and community resources.  This role embraces a trauma-informed service model.

Essential Responsibilities

• Coordinate referrals from DTA/DHCD and arrange transportation to the shelter.
• Orient families to shelter operations by reviewing the placement agreement, policies, and other expectations within 24 hours of arrival.
• Complete safety plans with residents within 3 days of arrival.
• Complete individualized re-housing plans within 2 weeks while utilizing a housing assessment tool and self-sufficiency matrix.
• Coordinate and deliver intensive assessment and case management to resident families with the goal of transition to permanent housing within 120 days.
• Provide case management and advocacy for assigned caseload to all participants to include goal planning and service delivery.   Assist residents not on case load as appropriate and in absence of their assigned Support Specialist.
• Meet with residents on a weekly basis to gauge progress in support of residents’ self-identified goals and re-housing plans.
• Collaborate with shelter staff to ensure consistent communication while promoting positive resident outcomes.
• Assist with school / daycare enrollment for children in shelter.
• Provide transportation to residents and adhere to all safety laws/policies regarding seat belts, car seat requirements and speed limits at all times.
• Answer intake line as needed.
• Provide follow-up services to families on caseload who exit shelter and remain in local community.
• Ensure that resident files are complete and properly maintained.
• Attend weekly case review and monthly staff meetings.
• Read daily logs and maintain thorough client records / documentation.
• Ensure data is entered into the Client Track system in a timely fashion.
• Maintain the facility and property (including but not limited to vacuuming, laundry, loading/unloading groceries, shoveling, raking, mopping).
• Perform other related duties as needed.

Qualifications 

• Associates Degree with 3 years of direct experience in human services field; Bachelor’s with 1 year direct experience in human services field preferred.
• Residential experience and experience with adolescents and/or young parents and children preferred;
• Bi-lingual (Spanish/English) language proficiency preferred;
• Strong teamwork, organizational and communication skills;
• Knowledge of/contacts with community agencies;
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation; and
• Ability to lift up to 40 lbs.

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.

DISCLAIMER

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of employees assigned to this position.

AT-WILL EMPLOYMENT

The YWCA is an “at-will” equal opportunity employer. While the YWCA will continue to operate with care regarding employment decisions, the YWCA and its employees may terminate the employment relationship at any time and for any reason, with or without cause, and without advance notice. Exceptions include select, non-exempt positions covered under the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). This position is covered under the CBA (union) and is subject to union dues.

CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECKS

The YWCA, in our effort to provide safety to those we serve, and to protect our agency, performs criminal offender record information (CORI) checks on all prospective employees. Final offers of employment are contingent upon receipt of an acceptable CORI report as solely determined by the YWCA.  

INTRODUCTORY PERIOD

All employment at the YWCA begins with a 150-day Introductory Period.