Temporary Community Advocate

REACH Beyond Domestic Violence is a non-profit organization providing safety and support to survivors of abuse while engaging communities to promote healthy relationships and prevent domestic violence. Our programs include 24-hour hotline services, emergency shelter, support groups, legal advocacy, specialized children’s services, community-based survivor advocacy programs and community education and training.

We are seeking to hire a temporary Community Advocate to join our team. The ideal candidate is passionate about supporting survivors, interested in learning, and believes in doing individual work from a place of unconditional positive regard for the person you are working with, including a general belief in a survivor’s abilities and strengths, as well as a conviction that their choices make sense. It is highly preferred that this candidate be able to provide all services fluently in English and Spanish.

At REACH, we believe that the way we do our work matters. The respectful, equitable relationships we work for in the world have to start with us. We do this work because we believe change is possible. We work with communities and individuals to change social norms and systems of oppression to prevent and ultimately end domestic violence.

Temporary Community Advocate

Community Advocates work in our main office in Waltham with survivors from the Metro West Boston community. This position reports to the Director of Community Advocacy Programs.

Direct Service Responsibilities:

• • Serve as advocate for community members, including advocacy work around issues such as housing, benefits, employment, childcare, medical and dental care, education, legal matters, immigration, mental health, and substance abuse
  • Accompany and transport survivors to court and other appointments including those for restraining orders, family and probate court, immigration appointments, etc.
  • Work with other REACH staff to address survivors’ needs and concerns
  • Assist survivors with contacting community resources, setting up appointments, and transportation to and from appointments
  • Work with the Director of Children, Families, and Group Services to address children’s needs, including school registration, daycare, after school programs, and summer camps
  • Co-facilitate assigned support groups
  • Maintain records of services provided in accordance with confidentiality guidelines

Other Responsibilities:

• • Participate in volunteer training and supervision
  • Other duties as assigned by their supervisor

All staff at REACH commit to:

• • Working to ensure that REACH’s values are demonstrated in the policies and procedures of the organization, every day.
  • Participating in staff meetings, weekly professional supervision, and clinical supervision.

Qualifications:

• • Commitment to the philosophy and mission of REACH
• Strong communication, empathetic listening, and analytical thinking skills.
• Fluency in Spanish is strongly preferred. Candidates should ideally have written, verbal, and reading fluency.
  • Model and uphold appropriate boundaries at work with survivors
  • Knowledge of Greater Boston area and resources
• Ability to work in crisis situations and manage a diverse caseload with varying needs.
• Candidates will be asked to submit to periodic background checks.
• Candidates must have a valid driver’s license and a car and be willing to drive survivors working with REACH’s program for appointments. This position requires frequent local travel throughout and beyond the 27 cities and towns within REACH’s service area. Travel includes, but is not limited to, transporting survivors to court or other appointments, assisting with survivor moves, and other needs as they arise. REACH provides mileage reimbursement at the IRS rate.

Work Schedule:

• • This is a temporary part-time position for 20 hours per week and is expected to last through February 2026. This is an at-will position in compliance with MA state law.
  • Exact hours for this position are flexible, but candidates should have some flexibility to accommodate the needs of survivors such as court or important appointments. Some evenings, weekends, or holidays may be required as needed.
  • This position is part of the Community Advocacy team and reports to the Director of Community Advocacy

Compensation:

• • This is a non-exempt, hourly position which will be compensated at $26.00 per hour.
  • Benefits include:
  • Optional retirement plan with employer matching up to 3% of salary contributed.
  • Sick time is accrued at 1 hour for every 30 hours worked.

REACH is an equal opportunity employer and provides an inclusive work environment.

To apply, please visit REACH’s Careers page at https://reachma.org/get-involved/careers/

• Optional retirement plan with employer matching up to 3% of salary contributed.
• Sick time is accrued at 1 hour for every 30 hours worked.

It is highly preferred that this candidate be able to provide all services fluently in English and Spanish.