June 6 webinar, 1:00-2:30 pm MT
Criminal Jurisdiction in Indian Country, hosted by the Family Violence Prevention & Services Program and the National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center.

June 12 webinar, 10:00 am CT; 6th in series of 8
One in the Movement: Essential Practices for Advocates in Training ~ The Ins and Outs of Managing Volunteers, hosted by the Texas Council on Family Violence.

June 12 webinar, 3:00-4:30 pm ET
Serving Survivors with Disabilities and Deaf Survivors ~ Building Effective Partnerships with Disability Organizations in Your Community, hosted by the Center on Victimization and Safety.

June 13-14 in Commerce, TX
2012 Integrated Approach to Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Conference, hosted by Texas A&M University ~ Commerce Social Work Department’s Project RESPECT and Dallas County Family Violence RESPECT Campus & Community Partners.

June 14-15 in El Paso, TX
TCFV Economic Justice Summit, hosted by the Texas Council On Family Violence.

June 18-20 in Austin, TX
2012 National Latin@ Institute Som@s Un@s, Som@s Much@s, hosted by Casa De Esperanza.

June 21 in Houston, TX
Next Steps: LGBTQ Youth Bullying, Suicide, and Dating Violence Conference, hosted by the Texas Council on Family Violence.

July 10 webinar, 10:00 am CT; 7th in series of 8
One in the Movement: Essential Practices for Advocates in Training ~ Rural Community Considerations, hosted by the Texas Council on Family Violence.

September 5-6 in Austin, TX
TCFV Statewide Conference: Moving Forward, hosted by the Texas Council on Family Violence.

September 4 in Austin, TX
TCFV Preconference: Addressing Fatherhood with Men Who Batter, hosted by the Texas Council on Family Violence.

The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) represents the federal government’s commitment to addressing violence against women in innovative and life saving approaches to the coordinated community response, which includes law enforcement, prosecutors, the courts, and victim services. VAWA funds training and direct services in response to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking.

Gloria Terry, TCFV President, said today, “Our nation and Texas are better for having VAWA; women and families are safer as a direct result of VAWA.”

View the Full Press Release 

Austin, Texas – April 27, 2012– The Texas Council on Family Violence (TCFV) and the Texas Association Against Sexual Assault (TAASA) jointly laud Texas Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison for her leadership and wisdom in supporting S.1925, the bill reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act.

The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) represents the federal government’s commitment to addressing violence against women in innovative and life saving approaches to the coordinated community response, which includes law enforcement, prosecutors, the courts, and victim services. VAWA funds training and direct services in response to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking.

Gloria Terry, TCFV President, said today, “Our nation and Texas are better for having VAWA; women and families are safer as a direct result of VAWA.”

Yesterday, the reauthorization of the historic and seminal Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) came to the floor of the Senate for a vote. After strong debate and spirited compromise, S.1925 passed the Senate by a significant margin. Annette Burrhus-Clay, Executive Director of TAASA said, “By voting in favor of the bill, Senator Hutchison continued her stellar advocacy for women who have been victimized by their intimate partner or who have suffered rape.” In a related move, Senator Hutchison also recently voted to level-fund VAWA in the Senate budget, itself an important victory in the current dire federal fiscal reality.
Way to go, Senator Hutchison!

As the House turns its attention to VAWA reauthorization, TCFV and TAASA call on the Texas delegation to follow Senator Hutchison’s example and work towards a bill that resembles or mirrors S.1925, the most vetted and informed approach to VAWA reauthorization.

Finally, Senator Cornyn voted against S.1925. TCFV and TAASA appreciate Senator Cornyn’s earnest efforts towards compromise and look for continued opportunities to work with Senator Cornyn to gain his support for S.1925 as it continues in the legislative process.

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The Texas Council on Family Violence (TCFV), formed in 1978, is one of the largest domestic violence coalitions in the nation. TCFV promotes safe and healthy relationships by supporting service providers, facilitating strategic prevention efforts, and creating opportunities for freedom from domestic violence. See www.tcfv.org.

The Texas Association Against Sexual Assault (TAASA) is the statewide organization committed to ending sexual violence in Texas. A non-profit educational and advocacy organization based in Austin, TAASA member agencies comprise a statewide network of more than 80 crisis centers that serve rural as well as metropolitan areas. Founded in 1982, the agency has a strong record of success in community education, legal services, youth outreach, law enforcement training, legislative advocacy, and curricula and materials development. Additional information about TAASA can be found at www.taasa.org.

Austin, Texas — There are crimes committed every second of every day throughout our nation and here in our home state of Texas. Tonight we light candles and challenge the nation to honor the victims of these crimes and reflect on their families and the professionals who serve them. This year’s theme extends the vision of protecting victims’ rights to reach every victim of crime. Barbara Jordan once said, “We have a positive vision of the future founded on the belief that the gap between the promise and reality of America can one day be finally closed. We believe that.”

The Texas observance of Crime Victims’ Rights Week is being organized by the Austin area victim service agencies coalition in cooperation with the Texas Victim Service Association (TVSA). The kickoff event is Thursday night at 7 p.m. Victims of crime will be in attendance and will participate in the ceremony; including a victim of drunk driving who suffered a traumatic brain injury, family members of murder victims and an adult survivor of child abuse. They will be available for interviews along with the leaders of all the statewide and local crime victims’ rights groups.

Thursday, April 26, 2012 at 7 p.m.
First United Methodist Church
1201 Lavaca Street 
Austin, TX 78701

This year’s theme — Extending the Vision: Reaching Every Victim — celebrates the progress of honoring crime victims, advancing their rights and the ideal of serving all victims of crime. The vision that launched the victims’ rights movement emerged more than 30 years ago. Then — as now — crime victims endured physical and emotional wounds, costly financial burdens, an often hostile criminal justice system and an alarming public tendency to blame them for the crimes against them. Victims were often excluded from courtrooms, disrespected by officials and afforded few rights. Victims began organizing to confront these challenges and to promote fair, compassionate and respectful responses to victims of crime.

The timing of this week, which brings greater awareness to victim issues, could not be more appropriate. The U.S. Senate and House of Representatives are currently considering the reauthorization of the Violence Against Woman Act (VAWA).

The following organizations will be participating in the kickoff event:

Office of the Governor
Office of the Attorney General
Texas Association Against Sexual Assault
People Against Violent Crime
MADD Texas State
Texas CASA
Texas Council on Family Violence
VICARS
Travis County District Attorney’s Office
For the Love of Christi
TDCJ Victim Services Division
Texas Victim Services Association
Texas Department of Public Safety
United Way Killeen
Institute for Restorative Justice and Restorative Dialogue
Texas District & County Attorneys Association
Children’s Advocacy Centers of Texas
Travis County Sheriff’s Office
Texas Legal Services Center
Austin Police Department Victim Services
The Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence
John & Mary Brantley
Debbie Weiss & Catherine Rains
 

PURPOSE:

Reporting to the Shelter Supervisor, the Shelter Manager – Relief is responsible for the management of the shelter facility and service delivery to resident victims of family violence, sexual assault and other violent crimes on an as-needed basis to relieve full-time shelter managers.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. High school diploma or equivalency, or experience as deemed necessary by the Shelter Supervisor and the Executive Director.
2. An understanding of the dynamics of family violence, knowledge of the organization’s purpose and working experience with family violence victims.
3. Demonstrated ability to respond in a constructive, supportive manner to women and/or children in a crisis situation.  Sensitivity to varying cultural and social backgrounds, values, attitudes and languages.
4. Knowledge of all shelter policies and ability to carry out necessary procedures.
5. Ability to work as a team member, providing support, as well as, constructive feedback in interpersonal interactions.
6. Willingness to attend workshops/training as required for the enhancement of job performance.
7. Adequate health, social maturity, and emotional stability to fulfill the functions of the position.
8. A valid driver’s license and current liability automobile insurance.

It is desirable that the Shelter Manager- Relief have:

1. Self-motivation requiring minimal direct supervision.
2. An understanding of good mental and nutritional health, stress-management skills, parenting skills, child development and knowledge of available social service providers in the service area for both women and children.
3. Ability to read, write, and speak fluent Spanish and English.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Management Duties:

1. Provides coverage of the shelter facility during scheduled shift and maintains adequate documentation assuring that shelter procedures are followed as directed by the Shelter Supervisor.
2. Notifies Shelter Supervisor of deficiencies in adequate food and supplies as needed for resident use and as necessary for shelter upkeep.
3. Ensures adequate level of housekeeping to provide a safe and clean environment for residents.
4. Notifies Shelter Supervisor of needed shelter maintenance or repairs as necessary.
5. Maintains files pertinent to shelter operations ensuring adequate documentation of shelter inventory and expenses as directed by Shelter Supervisor.
6. Attends required staff meetings.
7. Other duties as assigned.

Services to clients:

1. Admits shelter residents. Applies admission criteria, intake procedures and initiates crisis counseling.
2. Participates with Shelter Supervisor and support services staff in assessment of individual client emotional, physical and legal advocacy/justice support needs.
3. Cooperates with the Shelter Supervisor in the establishment of a service plan surrounding the needs of each shelter resident and assists the Shelter Supervisor in the coordination and provision of supportive services.
4. Transports or arranges for transportation of resident clients and their children to other social service providers, medical facilities, law enforcement, school and/or other locations as needed.
5. Maintains shelter resident files, ensuring adequate documentation of services provided and ensuring client confidentiality.
6. Utilizes volunteers in the provision of services to shelter residents.
7. Provides crisis line coverage.

OTHER PERTINENT INFORMATION:

1. Any change in scheduled shift will be determined by the Shelter Supervisor and the Executive Director.
2. Casual dress will be appropriate.  On other occasions, dress will be appropriate to the situation.
3. Anonymity of house residents and confidentiality of shared information will be maintained.
4. Personal conduct and job performance will be consistent with the policies, procedures and philosophy of the Board of Directors.
5. Performance shall be evaluated according to the guidelines in the Personnel Policies of Tralee Crisis Center.
6. The Shelter Manager –Relief is a non-exempt employee.
7. The Executive Director may hire or fire the Shelter Manager-Relief.

PURPOSE:

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Advocate is responsible for providing culturally appropriate services to victims of crime, including domestic violence, sexual assault and other violent crimes.  Maintains liaisons with law enforcement, prosecution personnel, medical professionals and other service providers in Tralee’s service area.  Shall provide community, professional and structured education about sexual assault, domestic violence, and other violent crime issues.  Shall offer input and assistance to the Executive Director to enable the program to meet its objectives.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. A bachelor’s degree related to social services with at least 20 hours in human relations and/or equivalent work experience as deemed adequate by the Executive Director.  Two years equivalent work experience with victims of family violence, sexual assault and/or experience in social services, paid or volunteer, may be substituted for one year of undergraduate studies.
2. A combination of experience education, training and ability as approved by the Executive Director and Board of Directors.
3. A working knowledge of Texas laws pertaining to family violence and sexual assault, as well as, a working knowledge of the criminal justice system’s response to family violence and sexual assault.
4. Familiarity with legal services, resources, and procedures available to victims in each county where services are provided.
5. Ability to respond in a constructive, supportive manner to victims of sexual assault, sexual abuse, and domestic violence.  Sensitivity to varying cultural and social backgrounds, values, attitudes and languages.
6. Ability to read, write, and speak fluent Spanish and English.
7. Self-motivated requiring minimal direct supervision, as well as the ability to work as a team member, providing support and constructive feedback in interpersonal interactions.
8. Willingness to attend workshops/training as required for enhancement of job performance.
9. Adequate health, social maturity and emotional stability to fulfill the functions of the position.

It is desirable that the Advocate have:

1. Public speaking and human relations skills.
2. A general knowledge of the judicial system, including, but not limited to, court procedures and the Texas Family Code.
3. Have adequate knowledge of mental health, educational, and social services in service area for adults and children.
4. An understanding of, and empathy for, adult and child victim/survivors of sexual assault and family violence, as well as, a working experience, either paid or volunteer, with victim/survivors of sexual assault, abuse and family violence.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Assure appropriate delivery of services to all victims of violent crime in Tralee’s service area.
2. Provide crisis intervention counseling and follow-up contact, application for protective orders, court accompaniment, and related support and/or referrals to other community service providers as necessary for sexual assault and family violence victims.
3. Create and implement appropriate approaches to reach the Spanish-speaking community.
4. Maintain contact with law enforcement to assure all victims receive assistance and information immediately after the occurrence of a crime.
5. Maintain client files, assuring adequate documentation of intakes and services provided, and assuring client confidentiality.
6. Provide monthly reports as required by the Executive Director for grant reports.
7. Provide assistance for victims on an on-call basis.
8. Arrange for travel or transportation for victims as necessary.
9. Assist with volunteer training as needed.
10. Organize, develop, and implement structured education and community awareness programs and maintain appropriate documentation of programs provided, attendance records, contact person, facility, etc.
11. Assist with applications for Crime Victims Compensation benefits.
12. Maintain communication and cooperate with other victim services personnel within the organization to assure sexual assault, domestic violence and other victims are provided adequate services to meet their needs.
13. Solicit opportunities to provide community, structured, and professional education on sexual assault/domestic violence issues while maintaining regular contact with schools, community officials and service providers in Tralee’s service area.
14. Establish lines of communication between victims and/or witnesses and prosecuting authorities by maintaining continuous contact and support throughout the criminal justice system process with emphasis on guidance and enhancing their understanding of the disposition of cases through the system.
15. Attend all staff meetings.
16. Other duties as assigned.

OTHER COOPERATIVE DUTIES:

1. Maintain communication and cooperate with the Advocate, Advocate/Legal Advocate, Volunteer Coordinator, Shelter Supervisor, Executive Director, and other staff to ensure coordinated efforts in the provision of client services, including but not limited to, support programs.
2. Receive hotline calls, provide crisis intervention, make referrals, provide justice support and assist with protective orders and crime victim compensation applications as necessary.

OTHER PERTINENT INFORMATION:

1. Hours will be determined between the Advocate and the Executive Director.
2. Casual dress will be appropriate for the office.  On other occasions, dress will be appropriate to the situation.
3. Anonymity of all clients and confidentiality of shared information will be maintained.
4. Personal conduct and job performance will be consistent with the policies, procedures and philosophy of the Board of Directors.
5. Performance will be evaluated according to guidelines in the Personnel Policies of Tralee Crisis Center.
6. The Advocate is a non-exempt employee.
7. The Executive Director may hire or fire the Advocate.

Status: Non-Exempt

Salary Range: based on experience, (base pay is $32,000-$38,000/year)

Local non-profit organization seeks Program Director.

This position is responsible for the direction, supervision, and coordination of direct client services. Must be a highly motivated individual with superior time management skills and the ability to multi-task. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work or other related field with two years experience in a supervisory position preferred. Previous experience working in a crisis environment with victims of crime and/or in a homeless shelter a plus. Strategic thinking abilities and professional communication skills a must. Should possess ability to work with diverse populations and perform in high pressure situations. Pay commensurate with experience.

Send resume to:
Family Crisis Center of East Texas, Attn: Whitney
P.O. Box 510, Lufkin, TX 75902

Must have and maintain a valid Class C Texas Drivers License and proof of current insurance.

Must have and maintain an acceptable criminal record check.

If you are interested and would like more information about this position , or how to apply, please contact Whitney Burran at wburranwset@suddenlinkmail.com

To the founders of the victims’ rights movement, justice meant that all victims — regardless of geography, demographics, or financial status —would have the rights and services they need in the aftermath of a crime. This year’s theme “Extending the Vision: Reaching Every Victim” recommits to this ideal.

While many local communities observe Crime Victims’ Rights Week in various ways, Texas organizations working at the state level have collaborated to hold an event in Austin for the last several years. Please join us Thursday, April 26 for the statewide observance of NCVRW.

This year’s event will feature keynote speaker Representative Mark Strama and will recognize survivors who have overcome victimization and celebrate the services that provide many victims with hope for healing. Please read below for more details.

Please join us:

When: Thursday, April 26, 2012, 7 PM
Where: The Great Hall
Family Life Center
1300 Lavaca Street
Austin, TX

A food reception will follow.