Domestic Violence Advocate

BMC Software•Boston, MA

2d•$47,500 - $66,500•Onsite

About The Position

The Domestic Violence Advocate provides expert, trauma-informed advocacy, consultation, and support services to patients, employees, and community members impacted by domestic violence and related forms of abuse. The role serves as a key resource across the hospital and health system, partnering with clinical and non-clinical teams to assess risk, develop safety strategies, and coordinate appropriate interventions and referrals. Working under general supervision of the Domestic Violence Program Manager, the Advocate exercises independent judgment and discretion in responding to requests for assistance, conducting individualized risk assessments, determining appropriate courses of action, and delivering case-specific consultation. The Advocate contributes to program development and institutional response strategies through participation in multidisciplinary initiatives, policy input, and training efforts.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, Public Health, Psychology or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
At least 3 years of related work experience, demonstrated understanding of the dynamics of intimate partner abuse/trauma, and demonstrated ability to apply principles of advocacy/empowerment to supporting survivors.
Knowledge of the physiological and psychological impacts of domestic violence on health, the operational structure of the healthcare system, and the practical application of trauma-informed care (TIC) principles.
Ability to communicate and provide advocacy services to a diverse patient population, specifically addressing the unique needs of adult survivors across varying socioeconomic, cultural, and linguistic backgrounds.
Skill in applying organizational and time-management techniques to prioritize high-volume caseloads, meet project deadlines, and manage competing administrative responsibilities independently.
Proficiency in English sufficient to produce technical documentation, patient reports, and professional correspondence, as well as the ability to facilitate active listening and critical information synthesis in clinical or crisis settings.
Ability to speak, read, and write in a secondary language relevant to the specific patient population served (i.e., Spanish, Mandarin, etc.) to ensure equitable access to services.
Ability to coordinate effectively within a multidisciplinary team environment, navigating professional boundaries while maintaining service standards for a diverse employee and patient base.

Responsibilities

Deliver Direct Advocacy and Crisis Intervention Services: Provide comprehensive, trauma-informed advocacy services to adult and adolescent survivors across inpatient, outpatient, and community settings.
Conduct crisis intervention, supportive counseling, and ongoing case support tailored to individual needs and circumstances.
Conduct Individualized Risk Assessments and Safety Planning: Assess risk and safety concerns using professional judgment, active listening, and adaptive questioning.
Develop and implement personalized safety plans based on dynamic, case-specific factors and evolving risk indicators.
Provide Expert Consultation and Guidance: Serve as a subject matter expert to hospital departments and staff by delivering case-specific consultation on identifying, assessing, and responding to domestic violence.
Influence care decisions and intervention strategies through analysis, inquiry, and tailored recommendations.
Coordinate Advocacy and Access to Resources: Facilitate survivor access to internal and external resources, including legal protections (i.e, orders of protection), victim compensation programs, and community-based services.
Advocate on behalf of survivors when navigating healthcare systems, legal entities, and social service organizations.
Lead and Facilitate Supportive Programming and Education: Design and deliver training sessions, educational workshops, and support groups for staff, patients, and community members.
Tailor content to audience needs, emphasizing risk factors, dynamics of abuse, and appropriate response strategies.
Collaborate in Multidisciplinary and Institutional Initiatives: Participate in cross-functional case consultations, committees, and program initiatives to enhance the organization’s response to domestic violence.
Contribute expertise to the Domestic Violence Advisory Committee and other forums focused on system improvement.
Contribute to Program Development and Operational Practices: Actively participate in the development and refinement of program policies, procedures, and operational approaches.
Collaborate with team members to determine service delivery methods, coverage models, and responses to emerging or complex situations.
Maintain Documentation and Program Data: Collect, document, and manage confidential client information in accordance with program standards and regulatory requirements.
Utilize data to support program evaluation, quality improvement, and reporting to internal stakeholders and external funders.
Support Program and Organizational Standards: Adhere to hospital and program policies, including safety, confidentiality, and patient rights standards.
Adjust to evolving program needs by supporting team operations, participating in coverage coordination, and contributing to a collaborative work environment.