This is a job listing for Women's Center & Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh
About the Agency:
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.
About the Role: As a Direct Service Advocate, 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. 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
floating schedule will provide you with flexibility and variety, as you will have the opportunity
to learn and work in variety of shifts. It’s great if you need schedule flexibility and don’t like the
routine of a “daily grind!” You also can earn additional premium pay! The successful candidate
is flexible, sensitive to trauma and cultural diversity issues, and 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. 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:
Maintain building security and assure confidentiality of clients, residents, and location at
all times
Conduct intake interviews with residents to identify individual needs
Provide individual advocacy and case management for residents related to ongoing
safety planning, goal planning, housing support and advocacy, and more
Work regularly with residents on meeting basic daily needs
Facilitate weekly IPV educational support groups for residents
Prevent and manage crises through rapport building, active listening, mediation, and
problem solving
Provide crisis counseling, safety planning, and information and referrals to Hotline
callers and users of Text/Chat
Assist with training of new staff, volunteers, and interns
This position requires being available 40 hours per week for floating times
within the shifts listed below (includes overnight shift differential pay)
o We are currently recruiting for two floating schedules:
Daytime Floater: available daily 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., serves as the
secondary backup to overnight coverage
Evening Floater: available 2 p.m. to 2 a.m., serves as the primary
backup to overnight coverage
Perform other duties as assigned
Here’s what we are looking for:
Bachelor’s Degree in social work/social sciences or related field required.
1-3 years’ experience in direct services or human services field required.
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.
Ability to understand confidentiality and safety procedures.
Adept in utilizing general technology including but not limited to Microsoft Office Suite,
Windows, Outlook, and online software platforms.
Act 33/34 Clearances and FBI Clearances will be 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.
TO APPLY:
To ensure consideration for an interview, please send a resume and cover letter via an email with
the subject line “Floating Direct Service Advocate” by October 16th to
careers@wcspittsburgh.org. We are always accepting applications for the important Direct
Services Advocate roles.