Massachusetts Jobs

Support Specialist_DVSS Full Time Springfield, MA, US Requisition ID: 1893 Salary Range: \$22.00 To \$22.00 Hourly Department: Domestic Violence Shelter Services (DVSS) Reports to: Assistant Director Schedule: Full time, 37.5 hours/week; Tuesday to Saturday, 10am - 6pm FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Starting Rate: \$22/hour 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. Position Purpose The Support Specialist is responsible for the case management responsibilities for DVSS. The position is responsible for resident advocacy, service coordination, and referral regarding life skills, employment, workplace readiness / training, housing, transportation, and community resources. This role embraces a trauma-informed service model. Essential Responsibilities Coordinate referrals from DTA/DHCD and arrange transportation to the shelter. Orient families to shelter operations by reviewing the placement agreement, policies, and other expectations within 24 hours of arrival. Complete safety plans with residents within 3 days of arrival. Complete individualized re-housing plans within 2 weeks while utilizing a housing assessment tool and self-sufficiency matrix. Coordinate and deliver intensive assessment and case management to resident families with the goal of transition to permanent housing within 120 days. Provide case management and advocacy for assigned caseload to all participants to include goal planning and service delivery. Assist residents not on case load as appropriate and in absence of their assigned Support Specialist. Meet with residents on a weekly basis to gauge progress in support of residents? self-identified goals and re-housing plans. Collaborate with shelter staff to ensure consistent communication while promoting positive resident outcomes. Assist with school / daycare enrollment for children in shelter. Provide transportation to residents and adhere to all safety laws/policies regarding seat belts, car seat requirements and speed limits at all times. Answer intake line as needed. Provide follow-up services to families on caseload who exit shelter and remain in local community. Ensure that resident files are complete and properly maintained. Attend weekly case review and monthly staff meetings. Read daily logs and maintain thorough client records / documentation. Ensure data is entered into the Client Track system in a timely fashion. Maintain the facility and property (including but not limited to vacuuming, laundry, loading/unloading groceries, shoveling, raking, mopping). Qualifications Associates Degree with 3 years of direct experience in human services field; Bachelor?s with 1 year direct experience in human services field preferred. Residential experience and experience with adolescents and/or young parents and children preferred; Bi-lingual (Spanish/English) language proficiency preferred; Strong teamwork, organizational and communication skills; Knowledge of/contacts with community agencies; Valid driver\'s license and reliable transportation; and Ability to lift up to 40 lbs.