About YWCA
For over 100 years, YWCA Central Virginia has been serving the women, children, and families of Central Virginia. Founded in 1912 by a dedicated group of women, who had incidentally been told that creating an organization for women and by women would never fly, the YWCA Central Virginia has grown and adapted to meet the varying needs of the communities we serve.
YWCA Central Virginia serves seven counties and one city, an area of 4,400 square miles with a population of over 400,000 community members. We currently host three key direct service programs: Domestic Violence Prevention, Sexual Assault Response, and Town Center Women’s Residential Housing.
Position Overview
All YWCA staff members are expected to function as self-directed members of a team, model professional standards and YWCA’s mission, and help sustain an environment that eliminates racism, promotes diversity and inclusion, and encourages women’s and girl’s investment in themselves and in the YWCA movement.
Under direct leadership of the Domestic Violence Prevention Program Manager, Domestic Violence Prevention Program Relief Staff provide support to ensure the effective operations of the domestic violence program and shelter services. Domestic Violence Prevention Program Relief Staff assist individuals affected by domestic violence by maintaining a safe, welcoming environment in a shelter, offering crisis intervention, and assisting with the day-to-day functions of the program during regular staff absences.
Key Responsibilities
Shelter Operations and Client Services
o Respond to hotline calls, offering crisis intervention, emotional support, and resource referrals to clients
o Facilitate the intake of clients who have been affected by domestic violence and in immediate need of shelter with compassion
o Complete room assignments
o Properly log all intakes
o Review expectations, responsibilities, daily routines, and program schedules with incoming clients
o Assist clients with basic needs such as food and toiletries
o Refer clients to other community agencies in the event YWCA Central Virginia shelters are full
o Assist clients with basic needs such as food, clothing, and hygiene items
o Ensure the safety and security of the shelter and all residents by interacting with residents, monitoring activities and addressing any safety concerns
o Provide supervision and support for residents while maintaining a compassionate and respectful approach
o Ensure the completion and documentation of daily shelter chores
o Ensure compliance with grant requirements by documenting hotline calls, incidents, events, and notes in the logbook, database, and appropriate files
o Communicate regularly with other DVPP staff and review the logbook daily to ensure continuity of care for clients and shelter needs are addressed
o Notify appropriate DVPP Case Managers of all referrals made to residents
o Inform clients of internal programs and services of YWCA Central Virginia beyond the Domestic Violence Prevention Program as it applies to their individualized needs
o Aid with COVID-19 monitoring as needed
Other Duties
○ Uphold the organizational mission throughout all actions and communications within the work environment and when representing YWCA in public, with other employees, program participants, stakeholders, community partners, donors, etc.
○ Collaborate with and participate in cross-training opportunities across YWCA Central Virginia programs to develop an inclusive understanding of services, foster teamwork, and enhance service delivery through cross-functional knowledge and support
○ Attend staff meetings including program meetings, departmental meetings, and all-staff meetings
○ Maintain knowledge of YWCA USA network and all YWCA Central Virginia programs, services, and initiatives
○ Participate in and positively represent the DVPP and YWCA Central Virginia during work related activities held outside of regular work hours
○ This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job
○ Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice
Job Qualifications
o An understanding of and belief in the mission of YWCA Central Virginia to empower women, eliminate racism, and promote peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all
o High school diploma
o Knowledge of the needs/dynamics of individuals and families impacted by domestic violence and trauma
o Ability to maintain confidential information
o Excellent written and verbal communication skills
o Exceptional interpersonal and customer service skills
o Ability to prioritize, multi-task and follow through with minimal direction
o Attention to detail and strong organizational skills
o Impeccable professionalism that will be displayed when working with other YWCA staff members and volunteers, primary and secondary victims, community partners, stakeholders, and the public
o Personal qualities associated with patience, empathy, and flexibility, with an orientation toward developing the potential of clients impacted by domestic violence
o Excellent judgment and creative problem-solving skills, including negotiation and conflict resolution
o Ability to function well in high-paced and at times emotional and/or stressful environment
o Ability to work with compassion and patience in a traumatic environment
o Ability to work with community members who have endured traumatic situations, and in an environment that may present vicarious trauma
o Ability to adapt to constantly changing priorities
o Valid driver’s license and/or access to reliable transportation
Preferred Qualifications
o Associate or bachelor’s degree in psychology, counseling, social services/social work, sociology, criminal justice, or human services field
o Previous work or volunteer experience involving domestic violence prevention
o Two or more years of experience working directly with children
o Experience working with diverse, multicultural population
o Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint and comfortable or willing to learn best practices for Microsoft Outlook 365, Microsoft OneDrive, Microsoft SharePoint, Microsoft Teams, and Slack
o Energetic, flexible, collaborative, and proactive
o Experience using office equipment including Windows-based computers, printers, scanners, and fax machines
Physical Requirements
o Ability to sit for extended periods of time
o Ability to lift and move up to 50 pounds
o Mobile abilities including, but not limited to, walking, bending, squatting, crouching, twisting, kneeling, reaching, climbing stairs, etc.
Environmental Conditions
o The incumbent will work in an urban shelter environment or public areas with the likelihood of frequent interruptions from clients, staff, or external partners, often addressing urgent and sensitive issues. The ability to stay focused and manage multiple tasks simultaneously in a dynamic and potentially high-stress setting is required.
Mental Demands
o This position requires work which may cause significant stress. The incumbent must also deal with a wide variety of people on various issues including, but not limited to, those facing domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, poverty, homelessness, and racism due to the mission and programs of YWCA.
Position Type and Expected Hours
o This is an hourly, part-time position with no eligibility for benefits
o Shifts typically include evening, overnight, weekend, and holiday hours
Pay Scale
o $15.00 per hour
o Eligible for holiday pay, time and a half, for hours worked on YWCA Central Virginia recognized holidays
o This position is fully supported by grant funding and continuation funding is not guaranteed, although it is anticipated
Position Location(s)
o Lynchburg, VA (weekends, evening shift)
Background Check Statement
YWCA Central Virginia is committed to ensuring a safe and secure environment for all employees, volunteers, and participants. As a condition of employment, a successful background check is required and will be conducted post-offer in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Certain criminal offenses will invalidate any offer of employment.
EEOC Statement
YWCA Central Virginia is an Equal Opportunity Employer. YWCA Central Virginia does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: From $15.00 per hour
Work Location: In person