Bilingual Domestic Violence Shelter Advocate
Do you want to provide service to domestic violence survivors? Are you looking for a flexible, collaborative weekend and evening job?
Job Type:
- Reports To: Shelter Operations Manager and Director of Emergency Housing Services
- Compensation: $21 an hour with up to $1.50 additional for language competency
- Schedule: Part-time, minimum 16 hours, maximum 30 hours per week
- Shifts: At least one weekend day or evening shift required + weekday evenings
- Relief: Weekday Evenings (5pm–11pm), Overnights (11pm–9am - not currently needed), and Weekend Shifts (9am–5pm or 5pm–11pm). Flexibility required.
- On-site work required
Transition House has retained Jessye Kass Consulting to assist with this search.
About the Role:
As a Bilingual Shelter Advocate, you’ll provide critical, trauma-informed support to survivors of domestic violence and their children in a residential shelter setting.
The Shelter Advocate works closely with other shelter staff members to offer and provide services for residents including intakes, advocacy, safety planning, educational and recreational activities, material assistance, and ongoing emotional support.
This part-time, flexible role is ideal for compassionate, community-minded individuals who are bilingual and thrive in evening and weekend shifts.
Join us in making a tangible difference in the lives of those seeking safety and healing.
Our Culture: Why work with us?
Our greatest asset is our employees, encompassing a variety of origins, concepts, viewpoints, and life journeys. We've established a diverse and inclusive atmosphere filled with individuals who share a common purpose. Our leadership is characterized by openness, approachability, genuineness, and a commitment to nurturing our staff.
Transition House values diverse life experience and is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Bilingual/bicultural applicants, survivors of domestic violence, persons of color, people with disabilities and GLBTQI people are strongly encouraged to apply.
Who we are:
Transition House’s mission is to end domestic violence in our community. Sparking social change in Cambridge, Massachusetts since 1976, we are an innovative organization that develops prevention tools and provides holistic support and a range of housing options for individuals and families surviving domestic and intimate partner violence.
A Day In This Role:
- As part of a dedicated Shelter Team of 20 staff, you’ll support and empower survivors of domestic violence and their families. You'll also enjoy team connection through events like team dinners and bowling nights.You will share a beautiful and organized office space with the Shelter Operations Manager.
- The schedule is set monthly and staff sign up for available shifts each month. Major holidays earn time and half pay as well as the last week of the year for shifts worked.
- The shelter serves nine (9) households, with regular community-building activities like house meetings, movie nights, multicultural dinners, and structured evening play for children.
- This role includes regular exposure to emotional support animals, cleaning products, chemicals and solvent, and occasionally, (for short periods) working in outdoor weather.
- You must be able to move up to 30 lbs unassisted and navigate stairs as needed.
Summary of Duties:
Direct Support & Advocacy
- Manage the crisis hotline during shift, providing support, resources, and referrals.
- Provide individual advocacy and trauma-informed support to residents as needed.
- Address issues during shift, including resident conflicts or emergencies, and notify on-call staff when necessary.
- Maintain knowledge of local and statewide resources (housing, benefits, legal, medical) to support survivors of domestic violence.
Facility Safety & Maintenance
- Conduct regular facilities checks to ensure shelter safety and security.
- Maintain cleanliness of the shelter; report issues to the Shelter Manager.
- Prepare rooms for new participants and clean rooms after move-outs.
- Follow emergency procedures and uphold group living expectations.
Communication & Documentation
- Communicate clearly and promptly with staff about participant needs and incidents.
- Complete shift reports, data entry, and required documentation accurately and on time.
Collaboration & Professional Development
- Attend required supervision, staff meetings, training, and agency events.
- Participate in creating a collaborative and supportive team environment.
- Perform additional duties as assigned by the Director of Housing Programs.
What We Need From You:
- Bilingual capacity required in Haitian Creole or Spanish
- Personal commitment to the mission, work, and values of Transition House.
- Experience working with extremely marginalized people including individuals who are experiencing homelessness, mental illness, substance use, or domestic violence.
- Ability to utilize critical thinking skills, exercise appropriate personal responsibility, and retain a positive outlook amidst challenging circumstances.
- Self-motivation, cultural humility, respect and value of diversity, belief in client autonomy, and ability to work collaboratively and constructively with others.
- Ability to communicate clearly both in writing and verbally in English, including creative communication skills with adults and children of all ages
- High level of proficiency with the Internet, Google Suite, ZOOM, and Microsoft Office Suite.
- Ability to address conflict and contribute alternative solutions in a direct, constructive and positive manner; balance competing priorities efficiently, such as: agency and program residency requirements and client needs, agency, and expectations.
Benefits to you:
- Compensation: $21/hour, with an additional $1.50/hour for fluency in Haitian Creole or Spanish
- Schedule: Part-time (16–30 hours/week) with evening and weekend shifts available
- Support & Growth: Ongoing professional support, regular supervision, and access to agency-wide training opportunities throughout the year
- Work Culture: A values-driven, team-oriented environment rooted in social justice and survivor-centered practice
- Team: Collaborative and supportive team with colleagues who are unabashedly passionate about being of service.
Join a team where your work makes a meaningful impact every day—on survivors, families, and your community.
How to Apply:
Jessye Kass Consulting is assisting with this search. To apply, click here. In lieu of a cover letter, you will be asked 2 short answer questions and will upload your resume.
The two questions will be:
If you have any accessibility issues, need accommodations, or have questions, please contact Jessye Kass (jessye@jessyekassconsulting.com).
No phone calls, please.
Criminal Offense Record Information (CORI) background check prior to hire. Findings will not automatically disqualify candidates.
