Domestic Violence Advocate - Community Based

Behavioral Health Network, Inc (BHN); Ware (MA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 39,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Purpose-Driven Work

Professional Growth

Supportive Team Culture

Stability & Opportunity

Comprehensive Benefits

Certified Great Place to Work

Job summary

Behavioral Health Network, Inc (BHN) is seeking a Community-Based Domestic Violence Advocate in Ware, MA to join the Domestic Violence Services team. You will conduct outreach, assist survivors with safety planning and access to shelter, and connect clients to community resources in a supportive, mission-driven environment.

We offer comprehensive benefits, professional growth, and a values-driven culture under a certified Great Place to Work banner.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Bachelor's degree in human services, social work, or related field preferred.
• Completion of 20–30 hours of training in domestic violence and sexual assault required.
• Valid driver's license and car available for work purposes required.

Responsibilities

• Conduct domestic violence and sexual assault outreach and education with survivors.
• Develop, implement, and update individual safety plans and case management for survivors.
• Assist survivors in emergency shelter access, financial aid, and basic needs.
• Network with other providers to connect survivors to community resources.
• Maintain accurate files and progress notes to meet contract requirements.
• Provide education about dynamics of abuse to survivors.
• Inform and empower reluctant victims about rights and available resources.
• Coordinate with follow-up services including counseling, legal services, and DA Victim Witness Advocates.

Skills

Communication skills

Judgement & initiative

Multicultural empathy

Respect for diverse backgrounds

Driver's license

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Bachelor's degree in human services/social work

DV/SA training 20–30 hours

Job description

Behavioral Health Network (BHN) is a leading statewide provider of behavioral health services and a Certified Great Place to Work. Since 1938, BHN has helped individuals, families, and communities thrive through compassionate, high-quality care and support. With deep roots in Western Massachusetts and a growing presence in communities throughout the state, we are currently seeking a Community-Based Domestic Violence Advocate to join our Domestic Violence Services team and help advance our mission of empowering people to live healthier, more fulfilling lives.

What We Offer

• Purpose-Driven Work – Make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals, families, and communities throughout Western Massachusetts.
• Professional Growth – Access ongoing training, mentorship, career development, and advancement opportunities across one of the region's largest behavioral health organizations.
• Supportive Team Culture – Join a collaborative workplace guided by our HEART values: Humanity, Empowerment, Accountability, Respect, and Teamwork.
• Stability & Opportunity – Build your career with a well-established organization serving Western Massachusetts since 1938.
• Comprehensive Benefits – Generous PTO, 403(b), educational assistance, medical, dental, vision, employee assistance programs, and more.
• Certified Great Place to Work – Work for an organization recognized for creating a positive and engaging employee experience.

What You Will Do

• Conducting domestic violence and sexual assault community outreach and education through support, advocacy, transportation, and referrals.
• Working with survivors to create, implement, and update individual safety plans and case management.
• Assisting survivors in emergency situations to obtain shelter, financial assistance, and other basic needs.
• Networking with other providers to help survivors access community resources.
• Maintaining accurate & timely files, including progress notes, reports, and paperwork to meet contract requirements.
• Offering educational support about the dynamics of abuse.
• Drawing out reluctant victims and providing them with information on their rights and the resources available to them.
• Coordinating with appropriate follow-up services and resources including counseling, group support, legal services, and District Attorney Victim Witness Advocates.

Through BHN's variety of Domestic Violence programs we offer supportive individual and group services to help those who feel unsafe in their intimate partnerships or are questioning the health of their dating or partner relationships.

Who You Are

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent and/or at least two years of experience working with survivors of Domestic Violence (required).
• Bachelor's Degree in human services, social work, or related field (preferred).
• Completion of at least 20-30 hours of training in domestic violence and sexual assault (required).
• Ability to navigate and handle complicated situations.
• Demonstrated ability in exercising good judgement and taking initiative.
• Respect for others’ experiences and desire to empower families from diverse cultures and backgrounds and to work with multi-ethnic survivors.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Valid driver's license & car available for work purposes (required).

We Hire for HEART!

Since 1938, BHN has delivered high-quality, culturally responsive behavioral health care, building deep roots in Western Massachusetts while expanding our impact in communities throughout the state. Our core values—Humanity, Empowerment, Accountability, Respect, and Teamwork—guide how we lead, serve, and support one another. If you're ready to bring your skills and experience to a mission-driven organization where your work can make a meaningful difference, we'd love to hear from you.

BHN maintains its commitment to social justice and diversity and strongly encourages diverse candidates to apply.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Available Schedules: Part Time (22 hours/wk): Monday-Friday, approximately 4 hour morning shift

Pay Rate/Range: $23.75/hr