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 victims 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 .
Position Title : HAWC Bilingual SAFEPLAN Advocate
Department: HAWC Legal Services
Reports to : Senior Safeplan Advocate
Effective Date : 07/06/2026
Salary : $23-$25/hour based on experience and includes HAWC’s compensation for bilingual language skills
Summary of Benefits :
● 3 weeks of vacation per year during first year; increases at year 5, carryover of 2 weeks
● 13 Holidays off per year
● 13 Sick days per year
● 5 Personal days per year
● 70% Health Insurance paid by HAWC
● 70% Dental Insurance paid by HAWC
● 70% Paid Family & Medical Leave paid by HAWC
● 100% Short & Long Term Disability paid by HAWC
● 100% Employee Assistance Plan paid by HAWC
● 100% paid Life Insurance (1x annual salary up to $50,000)
● Health Reimbursement Account (HAWC pays first 50% of deductible)
● Flexible Spending Account
● 401K Plan
Position Summary:
This full-time position provides crisis intervention, advocacy and referral services to survivors of domestic violence. The SAFEPLAN Advocate will be based in the Lynn District Court but will also work in Salem District Court and the Essex County Probate and Family Court providing assistance to victims seeking 209A restraining orders or 258E harassment prevention orders. The position reports to the HAWC Senior Safeplan Advocate. The SAFEPLAN Program is a court-based civil advocacy program created by Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance (MOVA) in 1995. SAFEPLAN is a partnership between MOVA and community-based domestic violence and sexual assault programs. SAFEPLAN Advocates are housed in district and probate and family courts throughout the Commonwealth, and work in collaboration with court personnel, district attorneys' offices, and other allied criminal justice and social service agencies. Together, they provide a system of advocacy for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking considering a 209A restraining order or a 258E harassment prevention order. SAFEPLAN Advocates are available in one of the three SAFEPLAN courts HAWC serves during the court's open hours.
Position Experience:
● Bilingual Spanish & English - Required
● Bicultural - preferred
● Commitment/experience working with victims of domestic violence
● Knowledge of domestic violence and crisis intervention
● Knowledge of the judicial system and abuse prevention order process
● Strong interpersonal, verbal and written skills
● Ability to work independently and as part of a team
● Completion of HAWC's pre-service training in compliance with M.G.L. 233 s.20(k)
● Complete additional legal advocacy training and MOVA SAFEPLAN Certification
Position Details:
Assist victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking who come to court seeking protective orders through:
● Crisis assessment and intervention services
● Information on legal options and the process to obtain a protective order
● Assistance in completing protective order application forms
● Accompaniment and advocacy in court during civil proceedings
● Availability to assist victims, in accordance with the court coverage agreement
● Creation of a comprehensive, individual safety plan with each SAFEPLAN client, whether or not the client chooses to pursue the protective order
● Referrals and connection to appropriate follow-up services and resources deemed appropriate for each individual client, or by client request including, but not limited to other services provided by HAWC such as counseling, group support, legal services; or other programs outside of HAWC; or District Attorney Victim Witness Advocates
● Discussion of the dynamics of abuse with victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking
● Advocate safety is paramount. Advocates are not required to stand with anyone with whom they feel unsafe
● If an advocate does not wish to stand with someone, they can offer him/ her general information about the 209A process and give him/her a referral to the HAWC hotline
Additional roles and responsibilities to enhance service delivery to victims:
● Development and advancement of professional and collaborative working relationships including, but not limited to, clerks, judges, attorneys, prosecutors, security officers, and victim witness advocates
● Adherence to HAWC guidelines and protocols to ensure client confidentiality
● Attendance at regular supervision with the HAWC Senior Safeplan Advocate regarding specific cases, day-to-day activities, performance evaluations, or case related guidance and overall quality of work issues
● Attendance at MOVA quarterly regional meetings and continuing education sessions to discuss systemic advocacy issues and to receive ongoing training
● Knowledge of the SAFEPLAN Policies and Procedures Manual and job-related tasks within the boundaries set forth by the manual
● Complete statistical data forms for every client contact
● Performance of other SAFEPLAN-related tasks, duties and assignments as requested by HAWC and MOVA
● Able to flex hours to meet position responsibilities
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.
Send resume and cover letter in reply to this posting or mail to: HAWC, Attn: Julie Bakoian., 27 Congress Street, Ste. 204, Salem, MA 01970
Pay: $23.00 - $25.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
