Volunteer Opportunities

Would you like to join our team of dedicated volunteers? We need volunteers all year long for various events, activities and projects, please see our open volunteer positions below.

If you are a student interested in an internship opportunity with a well-respected organization serving people experiencing domestic violence, YWCA Kitsap County offers internship opportunities in our Legal Advocacy Program. 

Thank you for your interest in volunteering at the YWCA Kitsap County. We look forward to meeting you!

Current Opportunities

Please direct your questions to volunteer@ywcakitsap.org

Positions Available:

Materials Distribution Volunteer
On-Call Donations Pick-Up Volunteer

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Interested in becoming an AmeriCorps Volunteer?

YWCA DOMESTIC VIOLENCE (DV) SUPPORT SHELTER ADVOCATE POSITION AVAILABLE

PROGRAM OVERVIEW:  The goal of the DV Support Shelter Advocate position is to ensure the delivery of direct services to victims fleeing and surviving domestic violence.   As the only State certified domestic violence provider in Kitsap County, YWCA provides crisis intervention and on-going supportive services to women and families who are involved in or fleeing from physically and/or emotionally abusive relationships.

LOCATION: The YWCA Emergency Shelter is located in an undisclosed location in Bremerton, WA 98337. The DV Shelter Advocate will provide support and advocacy to victims of domestic violence, both in the emergency shelter and through the 24-hour crisis line. The DV Support Shelter Advocate hours are 12PM – 8PM Monday through Friday.

RESPONSIBLE TO:  The AmeriCorps Member will be under the supervision of the Residential Services Manager and the Emergency Services Advocates on duty.

QUALIFICATIONS:  Good oral and written communication skills are necessary.  Intermediate computer skills required. Ability to maintain effective professional relations with clients, staff, and the community.

Ability to learn about the complex dynamics of domestic violence as well as the laws regarding and relating to the issue of domestic violence will be required.  Must be able to maintain strict confidentiality in all matters regarding the YWCA Kitsap County and the ability to establish healthy personal boundaries within the scope of the duties with YWCA clients. Must have the ability and willingness to serve with others as a team member.  Reliable transportation is required for this position.

All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. 

PREFERRED:  Knowledge and familiarity with local community resources.  Knowledge of effective crisis intervention techniques.  Knowledge about the causes and effects of domestic violence.  Some knowledge of the civil and criminal justice systems.  Some knowledge of housing and homelessness resources in the community.

TRAINING REQUIREMENTS:  Certify or renew food handlers certification during term.  Completion of YWCA Kitsap County 30-Hour Victim Services Training.  Additional training will be provided by the YWCA Kitsap County.

DUTIES:

1. Carry out the philosophy, policies and procedures of the YWCA Kitsap County.
2. Offer support for shelter intakes and assessment forms and provide client-centered advocacy services for families living in shelter. This includes, but is not limited to, crisis intervention, safety planning, problem solving, and information and referrals to other community resources.
3. Maintains coverage of the 24-hour crisis and business lines; provides quality information and referrals.
4. Performs crisis intervention and safety planning for shelter residents and crisis line callers.
5. Ensures that all services adhere to the principles of Advocacy Based Counseling (ABC).
6. Maintain accurate records and document statistical information and services provided.  Report this information to supervisor on a weekly basis.  In addition, provide monthly statistical information to AmeriCorps Manager. 
7. Provide monthly project updates.
8. Establish and maintain community partnerships.
9. Utilizing personal vehicle, pick-up and deliver items for shelter clients from community agency, Eastside Baby Corner.
10. Maintain effective professional relations with clients, staff, and the general public.
11. Promote community awareness about the impact of domestic violence on individuals and the community.
12. Maintain professional boundaries with all clients.
13. Attend AmeriCorps team meetings twice a month.
14. Complete and pass all trainings required by AmeriCorps.
15. Submit to required background check screening, including an FBI fingerprint check, the State Patrol WATCH check, and the National Sex Offender check.
16. Participate in KCR/AmeriCorps monthly combined community service projects as directed by AmeriCorps Program Manager.
17. Attend and participate in the KCR/AmeriCorps orientation at the start of the AmeriCorps program year.

Successful completion of orientation is required to participate in AmeriCorps.

*All prospective AmeriCorps Members must submit to a Washington State (& the State of residence when applied if different) criminal history check, a FBI fingerprint check, and a National Sex Offender Registry background check.

*KCR/AmeriCorps is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  This program is available to all, without regard to race, color, national origin, disability, age, sex, political affiliation, or, in most instances, religion.

Visit KCR – AmeriCorps to learn more.