Direct Service Advocate_DVSS_3rd_FT

YWCA of Western Massachusetts • Springfield, MA

4h • Onsite

About The Position

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.
mandatory 30 min safety sweeps in the Shelter

Position Purpose
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.

Requirements

• Associate’s degree plus 1 - 3 years of experience in human services
• 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
• Reliable transportation, safe driving record, and valid driver’s license required. Must be able to be covered by the agency's insurance policy.
• Must be able to lift 40 lbs.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working in residential setting preferred

Responsibilities

• Conduct shelter 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)
• Responsible for preparing and providing breakfast to residents
• Responsible for serving breakfast
• 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
• Perform other related duties as needed
• Successful completion of all required trainings within introductory period
• Successful completion of required yearly trainings
• Attend staff meetings as required
• Obtain and maintain ServSafe Certification

Benefits

• The YWCA provides services at several sites, including Holyoke, Northampton, Westfield, and our primary Springfield campus.
• The YWCA will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.
• This position is covered under the CBA (union) and is subject to union dues.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree