Overnight Direct Service Advocate

About the agency. Women’s Center & Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh (WC&S) is a comprehensive domestic violence program serving individuals impacted by domestic violence and facilitating an intervention and education program to people who use abuse. We are advocates, grounded in fostering a community of safety, healing, and empowerment for anyone affected by domestic violence. Our mission is to strengthen our ability to meet the individual and evolving needs of those affected by domestic violence by investing in the growth of our people, deepening community engagement, and amplifying the voices of all survivors. All staff learn about and support the organization’s mission, vision, and values. In addition, the principles of the Sanctuary Model (a model for prioritizing victims’ needs and promoting safety and recovery from adversity) and continuous improvement infuse all aspects of the organization.

About the role. As a part-time Overnight Direct Service Advocate, you would provide direct service, advocacy, safety planning, emotional support, psychoeducation, case management, and information & referrals to clients of the WC&S Emergency Shelter and 24-Hour Hotline during overnight shifts. You will have the ability to effectively work with adults and children who have experienced trauma, handle crises, manage multiple client cases and needs, and be a resourceful problem solver with strong attention to client safety, confidentiality, and wellbeing. Due to the sensitive nature of our work, it is important that you understand abusive family dynamics, including intimate partner violence (IPV), cycle of abuse, power and control dynamics, and child abuse and neglect. This role is based out of the WC&S Residential Program, which is housed in the main WC&S facility.

The overnight schedule will provide you with the ability to work autonomously, honing your critical thinking, problem solving, crisis management and leadership skills. If you are independent, responsible, sensitive to trauma and cultural diversity issues, and passionate about serving those experiencing IPV, we are eager to hear from you. WC&S will offer you an environment that provides endless opportunities to advance your knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Here's what you will do:

• Oversee building security and assure confidentiality of clients, residents, and location
• Stay awake and alert throughout the overnight shift to effectively oversee building security and promptly meet client needs
• Provide intake interviews with residents to identify individual needs and work with residents on meeting daily needs
• Work in collaboration with supervisors and advocates from different shifts to effectively meet Shelter/Hotline client needs
• Provide individual advocacy and case management for residents related to ongoing safety planning, goal planning, housing support and advocacy, and more
• Prevent and manage crises through rapport building, active listening, mediation, and problem solving
• Provide crisis counseling, safety planning, and information and referrals to Hotline callers
• Assist with training of new staff, volunteers, and interns
• This part-time position (30 hours/week) requires being available for the overnight shifts on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, 10:00p to 8:00a
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor

Here’s what we are looking for:

• High school diploma/GED required
• One (1) or more years of direct service experience in a human service agency required
• Comfortable working autonomously and being solely responsible for key functions of the organization during overnight shifts
• Effective verbal, written, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills
• A demonstration of the understanding of abusive family dynamics, including intimate partner violence, cycle of abuse, power and control dynamic, cultural diversity issues, and child abuse and neglect
• Ability to establish healthy boundaries, trust, respect, and rapport with others
• Ability to understand and adhere to strict confidentiality and safety procedures
• Strong command of general technology, including, but not limited to, Microsoft Office Suite is required; familiarity and understanding of information technology, including Salesforce and Teams strongly preferred
• Desire to work in an organization committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion as part of its values
• Act 33/34 and FBI Clearances required

Physical demands. (Note: The physical demands listed below may be representative of those required on the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential duties and responsibilities.)

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and ascend/descend stairs (if elevator not an option)
• Ability to move, carry, and/or lift items/packages up to 25 lbs. at times, including transporting necessary equipment and materials (e.g., laptop, phone, documents, etc.)
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer, with breaks as needed
• Ability to use standard office equipment and technology (e.g., computer, keyboard, mouse, printer, etc.)
• Ability to access and physically navigate various departments and organizational facilities, as well as relevant offsite locations (if applicable)

About the benefits. WC&S offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package, including generous paid time off; health, vision, and dental insurance; short-term and long-term disability coverage; group life insurance; retirement plan with employer matching; Flexible Spending Account; Employee Assistance Program; Headspace meditation and mindfulness app subscription; Access Perks membership; paid training and professional development opportunities; and is a Public Service [Student] Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligible employer.

WC&S is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to ensuring that both applicants and employees are treated without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity or gender expression, and sexual orientation), national origin, ancestry, place of birth, hairstyle, age, disability, using guide or support animals for a disability, genetic information (including family medical history), familial status, citizenship status, military service, or any other characteristic protected by law. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all.

Pay: $23.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• Are you interested in working the full-time schedule of Friday, Saturday, Sunday, & Monday, from 8:00p to 6:00a?
• Are you interested in working the full-time schedule of Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, & Saturday from 10:00p to 8:00a?

Ability to Commute:

• Pittsburgh, PA 15213 (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $23