This is a job listing for Women's Center & Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh
About the Organization
WC&S is a comprehensive domestic violence program annually serving over 7,500 adult and child survivors of domestic violence & facilitating an intervention program to over 500 people who are abusive.
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 of Safety, Uplifting Others, Compassion, Courage, Equity, Survivor-Centered Advocacy, and Stewardship (SUCCESS).
About the Role
As a Direct Service Advocate part of the Refugees, Immigrants, & Limited-English (RIL) Team, you would provide direct service advocacy, safety planning, emotional support, psychoeducation, case management, and information & referrals to clients of the WC&S Emergency Shelter, 24-Hour Hotline, and Text/Chat, with a specific focus on working with individuals who are refugees, immigrants, or speak English as a second language.
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. The successful candidate is sensitive to trauma and cultural diversity issues and is passionate about serving those experiencing IPV. This role will be based out of the WC&S Residential Program, which is housed in the main WC&S facility.
This role provides you with the opportunity to showcase your active listening, communication, and crisis
management skills, and the ability to contribute to the organization’s mission in a variety of ways. If you are comfortable building rapport, thinking outside the box, and working with a team to meet ever-changing needs, we are eager to hear from you. WC&S will offer you an environment that provides endless opportunities to advance your knowledge and skills.
Here’s what you will do:
- Provides direct service advocacy, safety planning, emotional support, psychoeducation, case management, and information & referrals to clients of the WC&S Emergency Shelter, 24-Hour Hotline, and Text/Chat, with a specific focus on working with individuals who are refugees, immigrants, or speak English as a second language
- Actively participates in the RIL Team, including attending bi-monthly meetings and making improvements to the quality of WC&S services to this population
- Grows to become a subject matter expert regarding working with survivors of IPV who are refugees, immigrants, or have limited English proficiency
- Maintains building security at all times and assures confidentiality of residents
- Provides intake interviews with residents to identify individual needs
- Works with residents on meeting basic daily needs
- Facilitates weekly DV educational support groups for residents
- Provides individual advocacy and case management for assigned residents
- Provides crisis counseling, safety planning, and information and referrals to Hotline callers and to users of Chat/Text Program
- This position requires being available for 40 hours per week, Sunday through Thursday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Performs other duties as assigned by the supervisor
Here’s what we are looking for:
- Bi-lingual or multi-lingual – fluent in speaking, writing, and comprehension is required and the primary requisite for this position
- Bachelor’s Degree in social work/social sciences or related field (commensurate experience will be considered)
- 1-3 years’ experience working in direct service in a human service agency preferred
- 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 adults and children
- Strong command of general technology including but not limited to Microsoft Office Suite is required; familiarity and understanding of information technology, including Salesforce, Tableau, and Teams strongly preferred.
- Ability to understand and adhere to strict confidentiality and safety procedures
- Experience working in organizations with a successful track record in diversity and inclusion cultures preferred
- Act 33/34 and FBI Fingerprinting Clearances required
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; Flexible Spending Account; Employee Assistance Program; paid training and professional development opportunities; and is a Public Service (Student) Loan Forgiveness eligible employer.
WC&S is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to ensuring that both applicants and employees are treated without discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender identity expression, national origin, age, religion, disability status, sexual orientation/identity, citizenship status, veteran status, marital status or any other protected characteristic. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all.
To Apply:
To ensure consideration for an interview, please send a resume and cover letter via email with the subject line “Bilingual Direct Service Advocate” to careers@wcspittsburgh.org.