DescriptionAs a Shelter Advocate you will provide all services required by residential program participants and crisis help line callers.
Hours: 3-11PM Monday through Friday
Responsibilities:
• Assess participants’ needs
• Answer the crisis hotline and provide callers, as well as all program participants, with empowerment-based crisis counseling, guidance, emotional support, information, and referrals. Determine if the victim is seeking emergency shelter and offer assistance as needed
• Assess lethality of participant’s situation
• Assist participant with the development and implementation of a safety plan
• Provide information on the dynamics of domestic violence
• Provide empowerment-based counseling (face-to-face and/or via telephone) in either individual or group settings
• Provide assistance in filing for restraining orders, injunctions, protective orders, immigration, and other petitions. Support, assist, and advocate for victims at any stage in the criminal justice system
• Assist with filing for compensation claims which includes making victim aware of the availability of crime victim compensation, assistance with completing the required forms, and gathering the needed documentation.
• Assist victims in securing rights, remedies, and services from other agencies. Offer aid in locating emergency financial assistance, TANF benefits, and other resources. Intervene with others on behalf of the victim. Provide referrals, vouchers, and/or supplies for items such as transportation, food, clothing, and emergency housing
• Assist with reporting elder abuse, child abuse, or other required reporting
• Maintain and report statistical measurements as required
• Maintain documentation as required
• Refer/advocate to community resources as necessary
• Adhere to the Shelter’s policies and procedures
Qualifications• Associate’s Degree in related field such as Human Services, Counseling, or Social Services
• Bi-lingual preferred
• Two years minimum experience in domestic violence intervention and prevention preferred
• Training and experience in crisis intervention counseling preferred
• Ability to advocate on behalf of victims
• Calm under pressure
• Strong organization and computer skills
• Valid Massachusetts driver’s license
YWCA is an affirmative action/equal employment opportunity employer.
Survivors of domestic or sexual violence, people of color, people with disabilities, people who are bilingual/bicultural, and members of the LGBTQ community are strongly encouraged to apply.
