Post job

How to hire a domestic violence advocate

Domestic violence advocate hiring summary. Here are some key points about hiring domestic violence advocates in the United States:

  • There are a total of 8,614 domestic violence advocates in the US, and there are currently 68,579 job openings in this field.
  • The median cost to hire a domestic violence advocate is $1,633.
  • Small businesses spend $1,105 per domestic violence advocate on training each year, while large companies spend $658.
  • It takes between 36 and 42 days to fill the average role in the US.
  • It takes approximately 12 weeks for a new employee to reach full productivity levels.
  • HR departments typically allocate 15% of their budget towards recruitment efforts.
  • Kent, OH, has the highest demand for domestic violence advocates, with 5 job openings.

How to hire a domestic violence advocate, step by step

To hire a domestic violence advocate, you should create an ideal candidate profile, determine a budget, and post and promote your job. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to hire a domestic violence advocate:

Here's a step-by-step domestic violence advocate hiring guide:

  • Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
  • Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
  • Step 3: Make a budget
  • Step 4: Write a domestic violence advocate job description
  • Step 5: Post your job
  • Step 6: Interview candidates
  • Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new domestic violence advocate
  • Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist
jobs
Post a domestic violence advocate job for free, promote it for a fee
  1. Identify your hiring needs

    First, determine the employments status of the domestic violence advocate you need to hire. Certain domestic violence advocate roles might require a full-time employee, whereas others can be done by part-time workers or contractors.

    Determine employee vs contractor status
    Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

    A domestic violence advocate's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, domestic violence advocates from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

    The following list breaks down different types of domestic violence advocates and their corresponding salaries.

    Type of Domestic Violence AdvocateDescriptionHourly rate
    Domestic Violence AdvocateSocial and human service assistants provide client services, including support for families, in a wide variety of fields, such as psychology, rehabilitation, and social work. They assist other workers, such as social workers, and they help clients find benefits or community services.$13-37
    Family Support WorkerA family service worker is a social service agent who assesses the needs of family and promotes wellbeing, social justice, and human rights through governmental and social service agencies. Family service workers offer services that can include counseling and mediation to families that will help them navigate the protocols of the social system... Show more$12-25
    Outreach WorkerAn outreach worker is responsible for supporting community events and relief efforts to assist citizens with their needs, providing them resources, and facilitating lifestyle programs. Outreach workers coordinate with participants, suppliers, and sponsors for funding and promotions... Show more$13-23
  2. Create an ideal candidate profile

    Common skills:
    • Safety Planning
    • Domestic Violence Victims
    • Legal Advocacy
    • Social Work
    • Community Resources
    • Crisis Intervention
    • Mental Health
    • Criminal Justice
    • Client Intake
    • Community Outreach
    • Sexual Assault Victims
    • Emergency Shelter
    • Child Care
    • Crisis Calls
    Check all skills
    Responsibilities:
    • Assist patients in securing medical coverage by screening refer patients and coordinating the application process through successful approval.
    • Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor and work as a team member with the YWCA staff and administration.
    More domestic violence advocate duties
  3. Make a budget

    Including a salary range in your domestic violence advocate job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. A domestic violence advocate can vary based on:

    • Location. For example, domestic violence advocates' average salary in south dakota is 58% less than in district of columbia.
    • Seniority. Entry-level domestic violence advocates 62% less than senior-level domestic violence advocates.
    • Certifications. A domestic violence advocate with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
    • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in a domestic violence advocate's salary.

    Average domestic violence advocate salary

    $47,440yearly

    $22.81 hourly rate

    Entry-level domestic violence advocate salary
    $29,000 yearly salary
    Updated December 16, 2025

    Average domestic violence advocate salary by state

    RankStateAvg. salaryHourly rate
    1New Jersey$67,167$32
    2Virginia$65,728$32
    3Massachusetts$63,695$31
    4New York$59,745$29
    5Maryland$58,274$28
    6Ohio$58,232$28
    7California$56,698$27
    8Illinois$56,554$27
    9South Carolina$49,966$24
    10Nevada$48,297$23
    11Texas$44,596$21
    12Washington$40,997$20
    13Louisiana$40,974$20
    14Missouri$40,613$20
    15Arizona$39,494$19

    Average domestic violence advocate salary by company

    RankCompanyAverage salaryHourly rateJob openings
    1Sinai Chicago$59,458$28.59
    2City Of Toledo$49,673$23.882
    3Medical University of South Carolina$45,934$22.082
    4United International Holdings Inc$42,369$20.37
    5WomenRising$42,364$20.37
    6Americorps$41,474$19.9414
    7Child and Family Services of NH$41,390$19.90
    8Safe Horizon$41,186$19.8023
    9Premier Inc.$41,132$19.775
    10CHI Mercy Health$40,162$19.31
    11INTER-TRIBAL COUNCIL OF MICHIGAN$40,094$19.28
    12Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program$40,071$19.26
    13Virginia Commonwealth University$39,843$19.165
    14Good Shepherd Services$39,769$19.1235
    15Sheltering Arms$39,146$18.82
    16CONSEJO COUNSELING & REFERRAL SERVICE$38,607$18.56
    17GBMC Healthcare$38,334$18.433
    18ywcacentralmass$38,073$18.305
    19Preferred Family Healthcare$35,970$17.29
    20Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Albany$35,883$17.2521
  4. Writing a domestic violence advocate job description

    A domestic violence advocate job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. Below, you can find an example of a domestic violence advocate job description:

    Domestic violence advocate job description example

    Since 1985, BHCHP’s mission has been to ensure unconditionally equitable and dignified access to the highest quality health care for all individuals and families experiencing homelessness in greater Boston. Over 12,000 homeless individuals are cared for by Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program each year. We are committed to ensuring that every one of these individuals has access to comprehensive health care, from preventative dental care to cancer treatment. Our clinicians, case managers, and behavioral health professionals work in more than 60 locations to serve some of our community’s most vulnerable—and most resilient—citizens.

    From our earliest days as a program, we have always sought to do work that is transformational: recognizing our shared humanity; centering dignity, compassion, mutual respect and supporting the right of every individual to access the highest levels of health care and every staff member to reach their fullest potential. We continue to be committed to building bridges and breaking down barriers, including systemic racism which harms us all. We provide community-based health care services that are compassionate, dignified, and culturally appropriate, incorporating social determinants of health, with the goal of breaking down the physical and systemic barriers that our patients face.

    Bilingual, Bicultural, LGBTQIA identifying, Black, Indigenous, and People of Color are encouraged to apply.

    To learn more about working at BHCHP, watch our video Please Click Here.

    Job Summary:

    Are you a fierce advocate against domestic and intimate partner violence? Do you have a strong desire to work with survivors of domestic and intimate partner violence? If so, consider applying for the Domestic Violence Program Advocate position with Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program (BHCHP) where you will make an immediate impact by providing a welcoming, inclusive, and safe environment for all survivors of trauma, including those impacted by domestic/intimate partner/ and sexual violence, substance abuse, sex trafficking, and other causes.

    The DV Program Advocate will function as an essential member of the BHCHP Behavioral Health team, providing frontline support/responses to survivors of domestic violence/intimate partner violence/sexual assault and sex trafficking. This position will develop partnerships with community leaders and Boston Medical Center Domestic Violence Team and serve as the BHCHP’s liaison to various external constituents.

    Hours: Full-time; 40 hours per week, Monday-Friday, 8am-4:30pm; some evening flexibility and occasional weekend hours required.

    Responsibilities:

    • Provide client-centered crisis intervention counseling to survivors of domestic violence; conduct intake, assessment, and safety goal planning with clients referred by BHCHP’s staff across the program, and referrals as needed; accompany survivors to the emergency rooms for SANE exams as appropriate; support survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking, and sexual assault throughout the process of reporting to appropriate law enforcement agencies as desired by the survivor.
    • Utilize survivor-led, trauma-informed practices to provide services to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, sex tracking; provide ongoing services to survivors of domestic violence including counseling and case management.
    • Cultivate professional and collaborative working relationships with community partners, including other service providers and larger systems in the community.
    • Assist in grant applications with BHCHP’s development team and reporting, assist in training and educating staff on how to identify and support survivors of domestic and intimate partner violence.
    • Attend trainings as required and quarterly supervision with Boston Medical Center’s domestic violence team and advocates.
    • Complete administrative responsibilities that include database entry, client documentation, email/phone communications, etc.

    Qualifications:

    • High school diploma required, Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree in human services, social work, or related field preferred.
    • 1 – 2 years of demonstrated experience working with survivors of domestic/dating violence, trauma, and abuse within marginalized communities, particularly communities of color.
    • Valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle with the ability to travel to other shelters in the program to assist survivors as needed is required.
    • Familiarity with local Boston agencies and Community Resources.
    • Demonstrate ability to provide a welcoming and safe space for all survivors (including LGBTQIA+, homeless, and/or low-income populations) to receive services.
    • Proficient in Microsoft Office, entering narrative and other data into a database, and the use of the Internet to conduct information searches.

    Compensation and Benefits:

    • The compensation starts at $22.07 per hour and increases based on years of experience.
    • BHCHP full time employees are eligible for our competitive time off policy of 4 weeks’ vacation , health, dental and vision insurance, 403B retirement savings plan and employer retirement contribution, and pre-tax MBTA pass program with 40% discount. In addition, eligible employees will receive yearly increases, additional compensation of $7,500 added to your base hiring rate for demonstrated bilingual proficiency and the opportunity to work with local hospitals and community health centers.

    Does this amazing opportunity interest you? Then we'd love to hear from you.

    As an Equal Opportunity Employer, BHCHP pledges not to discriminate against and encourages those from underrepresented and underserved backgrounds to apply, particularly Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), LGBTQIA identifying, first generation college students and adults without a college degree, Bilingual and Bicultural persons; and individuals from low economic backgrounds.

    Covid-19 Vaccination: For the protection of our workplace and patients, BHCHP requires all staff to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19. Proof of Covid-19 vaccination(s) is required for employment. All candidates offered employment will be given details about how to demonstrate receipt of vaccination.

    Powered by JazzHR

    u3jePYujqS

  5. Post your job

    There are various strategies that you can use to find the right domestic violence advocate for your business:

    • Consider promoting from within or recruiting from your existing workforce.
    • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
    • Attend job fairs at local colleges to find candidates who meet your education requirements.
    • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to reach potential job candidates.
    Post your job online:
    • Post your domestic violence advocate job on Zippia to find and recruit domestic violence advocate candidates who meet your exact specifications.
    • Use field-specific websites.
    • Post a job on free websites.
  6. Interview candidates

    To successfully recruit domestic violence advocates, your first interview needs to engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. You can go into more detail about the company, the role, and the responsibilities during follow-up interviews.

    Remember to include a few questions that allow candidates to expand on their strengths in their own words. Asking about their unique skills might reveal things you'd miss otherwise. At this point, good candidates can move on to the technical interview.

    The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

  7. Send a job offer and onboard your new domestic violence advocate

    Once you've selected the best domestic violence advocate candidate for the job, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, this letter should include details about the benefits and perks you offer the candidate. Ensuring that your offer is competitive is essential, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and you should be open to discussion. After you reach an agreement, the final step is formalizing the agreement with a contract.

    It's also important to follow up with applicants who do not get the job with an email letting them know that the position is filled.

    After that, you can create an onboarding schedule for a new domestic violence advocate. Human Resources and the hiring manager should complete Employee Action Forms. Human Resources should also ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc., and that new employee files are created.

  8. Go through the hiring process checklist

    • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
    • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
    • Define job responsibilities and requirements
    • Establish budget and timeline
    • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
    • Write job description
    • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
    • Promote the job internally
    • Process applications through applicant tracking system
    • Review resumes and cover letters
    • Shortlist candidates for screening
    • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
    • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
    • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
    • Conduct background checks on top candidates
    • Check references of top candidates
    • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
    • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
    • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
    • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
    • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
    • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)
    Sign up to download full list

How much does it cost to hire a domestic violence advocate?

Before you start to hire domestic violence advocates, it pays to consider both the one-off costs like recruitment, job promotion, and onboarding, as well as the ongoing costs of an employee's salary and benefits. While most companies that hire domestic violence advocates pay close attention to the initial cost of hiring, ongoing costs are much more significant in the long run.

The median annual salary for domestic violence advocates is $47,440 in the US. However, the cost of domestic violence advocate hiring can vary a lot depending on location. Additionally, hiring a domestic violence advocate for contract work or on a per-project basis typically costs between $13 and $37 an hour.

Find better domestic violence advocates in less time
Post a job on Zippia and hire the best from over 7 million monthly job seekers.

Hiring domestic violence advocates FAQs

Search for domestic violence advocate jobs

Ready to start hiring?

Browse community and social services jobs