Direct Service Advocate_DVSS_3rd_FT

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.

Essential 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.

Required Trainings:

• 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.

Qualifications 

• 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;

• 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.

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.