Direct Service Advocate_ Holyoke Young Parent Program

 The YWCA of Western MA is dedicated to eliminating racism and empowering women. The YW provides a safe place for survivors of domestic violence and/or sexual assault. 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 ages of 17-24. The YWCA provides services at several sites, including Holyoke, Northampton, Westfield, and our primary Springfield campus.

The YWCA is seeking a Direct Service Advocate for our Holyoke Young Parent Program. 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.

Department: Holyoke Youth Parent Program

Reports To: Site Director 

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Starting Rate: $20.00/hour

Schedule: Sunday – Wednesday, 10pm – 8am

Primary Responsibilities for the position include, but are not limited to:

• It is a 24/7 program, staff are responsible to work Holiday shift depending on their schedule.
• Conduct safety checks on residents and children as needed to support children’s safety and well-being, ensure mothers supervise children at all times.
• Encourage and support the development of life skills, positive parenting and improved parent-child interaction and offer support to moms during crisis or periods where they may be overwhelmed.
• Document and provide daily program communication including case notes, resident files and communication logs for every shift utilizing AWARDS.
• Responsible for upkeep of the facility and property (including, but not limited to:  vacuuming, laundry, shoveling, raking, mopping, preparation of bedrooms) including ensuring 100% of chores are completed properly before signing off on the chore list. 
• Follow program procedures, rules, regulations and policies. 
• Ensure a safe and supportive living environment including completion all required safety sweeps (minimum of four times each shift) to ensure premises including alarms, doors, windows, appliances and bedrooms are all safe.

Qualifications

• A.A. or equivalent education or experience in a human service field 
• One year of counseling and direct service experience preferred 
• Experience with victims of domestic violence preferred
• Reliable transportation and/or valid driver’s license preferred

Physical Requirements

Must be able to lift 40 lbs.

INTRODUCTORY PERIOD

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