Client Support Staff

WAA, a 501(c)3 nonprofit agency, is Philadelphia's leading domestic violence advocate and service provider and among the largest domestic violence agencies in the country. The mission of WAA is to provide quality, compassionate and non-judgmental services in a manner that fosters self-respect and independence in persons experiencing intimate partner violence through advocacy and community education. With over 170 staff, WAA serves (2-100 bed safe havens and 15 transitional housing apartments), legal services, hotline counseling, aftercare community-based services, prevention & education, and advocacy.

WAA’s Core Values are Safety, Empowerment, Strength, Hope, Respect, and Integrity and we are committed to a work environment built on honesty, transparency, teamwork, accountability, and a high level of professionalism. 

Responsibilities:
Our Client Support Staff lead and nurture a welcoming environment for clients. Responsibilities include but are not limited to: Welcome new residents, provide tours of the shelter, assist residents in getting settled in their rooms and assist with the immediate needs of new residents. Staff the welcome center, offer support, space to relax and an opportunity to talk to residents. Provide residents with informal support through listening, sharing, and identifying options. Provide necessary hygiene and basic living supplies to clients and maintain the related inventory, such as (shampoo, diapers, soap, etc.) and other hospitality related items. Assist with the coordination and recording of outcomes of emergency evacuations and scheduled fire drills. Make contact with medical, police and fire personnel in the event of an emergency. Assist clients and other staff in establishing and maintaining a safe and supportive trauma informed community environment. Complete logs as required pertaining to residential issues; follow up on safety-related issues and concerns. Monitor dining hall during meal times. Offer off-hours activities to clients, based on clients’ interests and needs. Such activities include opening the computer center, having a family movie night, holiday gatherings, and/other events or activities. Conduct safety rounds in the building during the assigned shift; complete necessary verbal and written reports. Monitor incoming client calls on the off-shifts, weekends and holidays. Assist case managers with the discharge of clients. Conduct inspections of resident rooms as required according to established protocols. Assist in resolving issues involving women and their children. Arrange for cab services and transportation of clients. Distribute items from the donation room, linen closet and cards for laundry services and maintain the related inventory. Assist clients in utilizing laundry cards/services. Receive, sort and distribute resident mail. Assist the Supervisor in the orientation and training of new staff by double-staffing/shadowing. Maintain professionalism, sensitivity, and confidentiality at all times. Attend staff, team, program and Agency meetings as required. Provides trauma informed support to residents and their children and assist in maintaining a welcoming, safe, and supportive community environment.

Qualifications:

1. A High School Diploma or the equivalent is required.
2. At least one (1) year experience in an advocacy, crisis or shelter support position is required.
3. The ability to read, write and comprehend English is required.
4. Demonstrated ability to work effectively with a diverse population is required.
5. Demonstrated ability to work effectively as a team member is required.
6. Demonstrated commitment to service of others is required.
7. Demonstrated proficiency in communication, both verbal and written, is required.
8. Bilingualism is strongly preferred.
9. Will be required to attend Domestic Violence Advocate Training, post hire. 
10. Must provide Satisfactory child abuse, criminal and FBI clearances. (Any expenses paid by employer)

Vaccine Mandate Information: All current & future employees of WAA must have the Covid-19 vaccination. We can provide an accommodation with an approved medical or religious exemption. All employees meeting this exemption must be tested weekly and wear a mask when in common or community spaces (mask can be removed when eating or in a single office with the door closed)

Benefits for all employees: Accrual of paid sick time, Employee Assistance Program for self (and household members), annual increases, 2% retention recognition increases for every 2 years of continuous service, and pay differential for agency observed holidays and declared inclement weather.   *Part-Time employees additionally receive generous paid time off including vacation, personal and holidays

Current openings: 
Part Time Friday & Saturday 11:00pm - 7:00am  | Saturday & Sunday 12:00pm-8:00pm 
Relief/Substitute Multiple positions available, hours worked based on hours needed (minimum of 2 shifts per month to remain relief status) 
Hourly: $15.75/hour 
Location: Philadelphia, PA

Post Hire Requirements:
Employment offer and continued employment are contingent upon satisfactory child abuse, criminal and FBI clearances and a pre-employment physical, are required (all related fees will be paid by WAA) Must be able to attend the mandatory upcoming JARS training (Virtual) on the following days. 

All hours of attendance and for homework or make up are with pay

We are an equal opportunity employer and are dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We strongly encourage candidates of color, LGBTQ communities, veterans, and people with disabilities to apply.