June 27, 2025

Healing Abuse Working for Change, Inc., creates social change by taking action against
personal and societal patterns of violence and oppression. Since 1978, HAWC has provided free
services and support to survivors of domestic abuse on Massachusetts’ North Shore to help them
make informed, independent decisions about their futures. More information is available at
www.hawcdv.org.

General Description:
HAWC is seeking to hire a shelter advocate to work Monday through Friday evenings,
4:00pm-8:00pm. This part-time position provides services to survivors of domestic violence on
site in our Emergency Family Shelter Program, providing advocacy with outside agencies and
within the program, facilitating groups for families and individuals in the shelter, assessing and
referring to appropriate services and accompanying families and individuals to provide advocacy
and support in appointments when needed. This position is benefitted and non-exempt with
compensation in the range of $23.00 to $25.00/hour based on experience and skill, including
language skills. Bilingual language skills (Spanish or Portuguese) are not required for this
position but are strongly preferred and are compensated at $1,500/year. The position is scheduled
for 20 hours per week with the occasional opportunity for additional hours if desired.

Summary of Benefits:
● Part-time employees are eligible for prorated benefits, calculated in accordance with their
hours worked including vacation, personal, sick and holiday pay
● 70% Paid Family & Medical Leave paid by HAWC
● 401K plan
Qualifications and Requirements:
● Direct service advocacy and/or case management experience
● Experience in designing and/or facilitating educational support groups
● Experience navigating service systems, including housing, mental health, medical, legal
and/or school systems
● Sensitivity to the unique concerns of survivors of domestic violence; commitment to
survivors to promote healing from experiences of domestic violence
● Excellent interpersonal skills, including verbal and written communication
● Ability and willingness to work effectively with participants of diverse backgrounds and
experiences
● Strong crisis intervention and active listening skills; commitment to learning and utilizing
trauma-informed practices of client engagement and advocacy
● Commitment to working collaboratively with shelter team members and agency
leadership
● Flexibility to meet individual needs of clients and collective needs of shelter teammates
● Proficient in basic computer, internet and data-entry skills
● Bilingual language skills not required but Spanish or Portuguese language skills are
strongly preferred

Position Responsibilities:
● Screen prospective clients to ensure the shelter program is an appropriate fit for their
needs; complete intake in trauma-informed manner
● Maintain a caseload of individual/family participants of the shelter program, typically
meeting with clients at least once per week and providing advocacy and systems
navigation support between formal meetings
● Provide support, crisis intervention, advocacy and information to the participants at the
shelter
● Empower clients to make safe, supportive choices for themselves and their families
● Make appropriate assessments and referrals to agencies and services, both within HAWC
and with other community providers
● Communicate in a thoughtful and professional manner with collaborating agencies, such
as DTA, DCF and other community providers
● Ensure safety and consistency of shelter operations including oversight of client program
requirements and safety protocols
● Support clients with children to ensure they have the parenting support they need,
including connecting children with services that promote healing and resilience
● Maintain logs, files and other paper documentation
● Ensure accurate and thoughtful entry of data into Empower electronic database system
● Participate in development and facilitation of support/education groups within the shelter
program
● Prepare, clean and inspect rooms for incoming and exiting participants
● Maintain cleanliness and organization of staff office/bathroom/fridge and shared common
areas
● Attend regular supervision, shelter team meetings, monthly all-staff meetings, and other
meetings as required
● Make site visits to other agency locations and any additional trainings required
● Accompany clients to appointments when necessary
● Participate in coverage of HAWC’s 24/7 emergency hotline
● Complete 30-hour HAWC pre-service training
● Ensure completion of other responsibilities as required by the Shelter Manager

HAWC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. People of color, LGBTQ people, bicultural and
bilingual people, people with disabilities, and survivors of partner abuse are encouraged to
apply. HAWC provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for
employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, gender or gender identity,
familial status, disability, ancestry, age, marital status, public assistance status, sexual
orientation, veteran history/military status, genetic information or membership in any group
protected by federal and state law.

Please email cover letter and resume to Maria Rivera at MariaR@hawcdv.org with
“Shelter Advocate” in the subject line, or mail to:
HAWC, Attn: Maria Rivera, 27 Congress St. Ste. 1204, Salem, MA 01970