so far, so good

so i had my interview today, and though i was a little nervous this morning, it all pretty much faded away as soon as the interview began, partially because it felt less like an interview and more like a friendly chat with two sweet ladies, and partially because aside from saying 'you're hired!' they made it pretty clear that they want me to work there.

i also found out that though there is a main domestic violence shelter pretty far downtown, there's also a smaller one minutes from my house that is more likely where i'd be going since they're more understaffed there. the women interviewing me seemed very nice and easy-going, and said that based on my resume there are bound to be several positions open in the future in other departments of their agency that i could apply for, even though they'd 'be very sad' if i left them. !!!!!!

i also got a clearer picture of what i'd be doing. the position they need me for now is basically on-call/relief, so i could be working as many as 40 hours a week or as little as 10, depending on their needs, but apparently they're in a pretty tight spot for now, so chances are i'd be closer to full time. and as far as duties and responsibilities, it sounds alot like what i was doing at the juvenile center, with screenings and intakes, overseeing the shelter population as far as conduct and safety, providing crisis referrals and information through the hotline, seeing to the needs of the population as far as bedding and food, etc. the only part that really scares me is that apprently i'll be dealing with women who are under the influence of drugs and alcohol on a fairly regular basis, that from time to time the women in the shelters tend to get into fights, and that often, as a relief worker, i may be the only staff there (eek!). but they know my concerns as far as wanting to be fully trained before starting, and they also suggested that i start volunteering there as soon as i am cleared, before i would actually start employment, as a form of on-the-job training without having to actually have all the responsibility on my shoulders.

it sounds like hard and sometimes dirty work, but it also sounds like it will be incredibly rewarding. i also found out that there are usually quite a few children that come in with their mothers, so i get an opportunity to work with kids, too. and because so much of it has to do with being able to provide a sounding board to the women and gaining their trust, as long as i'm appropriately covered the dress is supposed to be very casual, as in jeans/shorts and a t-shirt. i'm so excited, i'm trying not to be too optimistic but it's hard given how things went this morning. as soon as i get the official word, i'll let you know.