Volume 12. Issue 4. June 2015 

In This Issue
Welcome
Greetings from the Executive Director

New York is Still #3!

 

In this issue of the Update, you'll see a link to the National Network to End Domestic Violence's 2014 National Census of Domestic Violence Services. The Census provides an unduplicated count of domestic violence services and requests for services which occurred during a 24-hour period across all states and U.S. territories.

 

Once again, New York State ranks #3 in the country regarding "Total People Served" as well as "Unmet Requests for Services". Of the Unmet Requests for Services, the most frequently requested need in our state that could not be addressed was for housing.

 

The Census also indicated that domestic violence programs in New York simply do not have the resources that they need to maintain advocates, and respond to critical requests for domestic violence services. According to the 2014 Census:

 

"Across New York, 55 staff positions were eliminated in the past year; most of these positions were direct services (86%), such as shelter or legal advocates, so there were fewer advocates to answer calls for help. Seventy-eight individual services at local programs were reduced or eliminated in the past year."

 

NYSCADV is providing this census information to our Members of Congress, the New York State Legislature, and the Governor's Office so that they have a clear picture of the tireless work of domestic violence advocates around the state. And, I want them to understand the urgency with resource needs that continue to effect domestic violence programs and survivors statewide.

 

I encourage you to share this census information broadly with allies, funders, elected officials, and government agencies in your communities. With our collective voices and coordinated efforts, I know that our 2015 Census will provide us with much better news.

 

All the best,

Connie 

Around The State

SUNY Campus Prevention & Response Webinar Series 

 

We are proud to be working in ongoing collaboration with the State University of New York, the New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence, the New York State Coalition Against Sexual Assault, and the New York State Department of Health on a webinar series to inform members and other constituents about important information relevant to both prevention and response on college campuses, and to build ties between campuses and the communities they are in.

 

After the first two sessions of our first installment, we received a number of requests to run the webinar again.  We have listened and will do so Wednesday June 24, 2015 from 10:00-11:00 AM. 

 

This webinar is intended for community organizations and professionals to learn about the SUNY sexual and interpersonal violence prevention policies , preview a response resource website being prepared for students, and to answer your questions. 

The session is identical to the May 26 and 27 webinars.

 

This webinar is completely free, but because of the software, requires a brief registration.  Once you register, you will receive a call-in number for the audio portion, as well as a link for the slides/web portion.

 

SUNY Campus Prevention & Response Webinar 3 

 Wednesday, June 24, 2015 

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

 

We hope to offer more free webinars for on-campus and off-campus professionals to share information, best practices, initiatives, and cutting-edge research, as well as continuing to strengthen relationships between SUNY campuses and community partners. If you have an idea for a session or a speaker, please email [email protected].

NYS LGBTQ Training and Technical Assistance Center (TTA)

In recognition of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) Pride Month, NYSCADV would like to highlight the  New York State LGBTQ Domestic Violence Network's Training and Technical Assistance Center (TTA).

The New York State Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender & Queer Domestic Violence Network ("The Network") is a statewide multidisciplinary group of direct service providers, community-based agencies, advocates, educators, policy makers, and funders who are working on behalf of LGBTQ communities affected by intimate partner violence.  The Network is sponsored by NYSCADV member program, The New York City Anti-Violence Project.

The Network offers free training, technical assistance, and non-residential domestic violence programs to increase LGBTQ cultural competency and ability to provide services to LGBTQ survivors.

 

If interested in joining or receiving technical assistance from "the network" please contact Shelby Chestnut at (212) 274-1184.

Member Spotlight
Cecilia  Gastón Named Honoree by the 
Latino Leadership Institute

NYSCADV would like to congratulate our New York City Regional Representative Cecilia Gastón, Executive Director of NYSCADV member organization Violence Intervention Program, Inc. Ms. Gastón was recently honored by the Latino Leadership Institute at their annual gala for her hard work and ongoing commitment to victims of domestic  violence and for her strong track record of service to disenfranchised groups, especially in the Latina community.

Around The Nation
NNEDVCensus2014NNEDV Domestic Violence Counts 2014 

For the ninth consecutive year, on September 10, 2014, NNEDV conducted a one-day unduplicated count of adults and children seeking domestic violence service in the United States. This annual census documents the number of individuals who sought services in a single 24-hour period, as well as the types of services requested, the number of service requests that went unmet due to a lack of resources, and the issues and barriers that domestic violence programs face as they strive to provide services to victims of domestic violence. This report is instrumental in raising awareness about domestic violence and the incredible work that local domestic violence programs do every day.  Click here to view the full NNEDV Domestic Violence Counts 2014 Report.
E lder Abuse Awareness Day

Every year an estimated 5 million, or 1 in 10, older Americans are victims of elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation. And that's only part of the picture: Experts believe that for every case of elder abuse or neglect reported, as many as 23.5 cases go unreported.

The International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization at the United Nations (UN) launched the first World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) on June 15, 2006 in an effort to unite communities around the world in raising awareness about elder abuse. WEAAD is in support of the UN's International Plan of Action acknowledging the significance of elder abuse as a public health and human rights issue. WEAAD serves as a call-to-action for individuals, organizations, and communities to raise awareness about abuse, neglect, and exploitation of elders.

The Administration on Aging (AoA), an agency of the Administration for Community Living (ACL), is sponsoring the World Elder Abuse Awareness Day Tool Kit to encourage national, state, and local organizations to raise awareness about elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation and to empower individuals in your community to get involved and take action.

Community organizations, places of worship, and small businesses including banks, pharmacies, and grocery stores, as well as senior centers and community centers, are on the frontline when it comes to elder abuse prevention. Your staff and members of your organization encounter older adults on a daily basis and are in a position to recognize and intervene in instances of elder abuse, as well as educate the community about this problem. Everyone can act to protect seniors.

Elonis v. United States

NYSCADV, the National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV), and others in the domestic violence advocacy community across the United States are disappointed by the Supreme Court's recent decision in Elonis v. United States. As Justice Alito noted in his concurrence, "threats of violence and intimidation are among the most favored weapons of domestic abusers, and the rise of social media has only made those tactics more commonplace." Click here to read more about the Elonis v. United States Decision. Click here to read NNEDV's response to the decision.
Southeastern Conference (SEC): Schools Can't Take 
Transfers W ith Serious Misconduct Past

 

SEC presidents and chancellors adopted a proposal by Georgia that would prevent conference schools from accepting transfer students with histories of domestic violence or sexual assault. Some around the league doubted that the presidents would be able to agree to a league-wide policy, but SEC executive associate commissioner Greg Sankey said "the sentiment was very clear" that the league should address what has been a hot-button issue in sports.  Click here to read the full article of SEC: Schools can't take transfers with serious misconduct past.

Technology Corner
WomensLaw Educating Survivors on Laws 
Relevant to the Threat of "Revenge Porn"

The threat of "revenge porn," or the posting of intimate material (photos, video, etc.) without the consent of the person portrayed, is an increasingly common worry for victims and survivors of domestic violence. To help address this issue, WomensLaw - a signature project of the National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) - is augmenting the information available on WomensLaw.org on this topic by:

  • Adding any criminal laws specifically addressing this behavior to the relevant state's or territory's statutes page.

Click here to read more about WomensLaw Educating Survivors on Laws Relevant to the Threat of "Revenge Porn.

Using Social Media To Communicate About 
Domestic And Sexual Violence

Social media is an important, user-friendly space to give voice to issues like domestic and sexual violence. The key is to approach social media ways that help further the movement to end domestic and sexual violence, and demonstrate the great work you're doing in a way that is authentic to you and your followers. Check out this article from the NSVRC for ideas: How to use social media to get the message out about sexual violence.

Resources
Transgender Women's Health Guide

The NYC Health Department announces the publication of,  "Take Pride, Take Care: Tips for Transgender Women's Health." This pocket health guide offers practical tips for health and wellness that providers can share and discuss with their transgender women clients. Tips include the importance of regular medical care; having a safe transition; how to protect yourself from HIV and other STIs; and how to care for your body, mind and spirit. The resource section provides contact information for trans-friendly medical providers, insurance enrollment and legal support. 

 

Free copies of the guide are available in English and Spanish they are available for download online or copies can be ordered by calling 311 and asking for the transgender's women's health pamphlet.  Click here for more information and to access the downloadable English and Spanish versions of the "Take Pride, Take Care: Tips for Transgender Women's Health" pamphlet.

Increasing Language Access in Courts Tool Kit

The Increasing Language Access in the Courts toolkit:
  • examines advocates' observations about the court experiences of survivors with limited English proficiency, and
  • offers guidance and resources to build systems change efforts for language accessibility.

In 2013, The National Latin@ Network conducted a nationwide assessment of court-based language accessibility for survivors of domestic and sexual violence. Nearly 600 people responded, most of whom worked for community-based sexual and domestic violence programs. They learned that interpretation and translation services for civil matters and filing court documents are available about half the time for Spanish speakers, and about one quarter of the time for people who speak languages (other than Spanish) that are common in the community. The first section of the toolkit, Assessment of English Language access for Survivors, summarizes assessment results, including the known consequences of limited language access services for survivors.

In the interest of supporting advocates' role in building court access for survivors, the second part of the toolkit, How to Improve Language Access for Survivors, offers concrete information and tools for advocates seeking to increase language accessibility:

  • Before court" resources include a pre-court checklist and clear and simple descriptions of the federal laws and guidelines that frame courts' obligations to provide quality language access services.
  • At court" resources include talking points and strategies for in-court individual advocacy
  • After court" resources include a training curriculum for use with court personnel and a step-by-step guide for planning systems change advocacy.
Webinars & Trainings
(descriptions are taken directly from the host's event announcements)
Arizona Coalition to End Sexual & Domestic Violence

SV 101 Español Webinar

Junio 16, 2015

11:30 AM - 1:30 PM EST

M ediante esta capacitación se exploraran en las múltiples formas en las cuales la violencia sexual es perpetrada por los agresores y el impacto que esta tiene en los sobrevivientes, sus familias así como en la comunidad. Se desenmascaran mitos que giran alrededor de la violencia sexual perpetrada por parejas intimas así como la violencia sexual causada por desconocidos. Se exploraran las definiciones legales al igual que los requisitos de reportar el delito por parte de agencias que proveen servicios directos a sobrevivientes y víctimas. Regístrate aquí.

 

Battered Women's Justice Project

Domestic Violence Danger Assessment and Risk Management
June 16-17, 2015
New Orleans, LA

Training is open to all and is free of charge.

Teaching Objectives: This training conference is intended for members of domestic violence teams who are recipients of the Grants to Encourage Arrest (GTEAP) grant and Rural Grantees, including police officers, dispatchers, victim advocates, probation officers, prosecutors, batterer intervention program staff, and child welfare workers. The teaching objectives are to give participants up-to-date information and perspective about risk markers for domestic homicides and serious assaults, and to help identify more comprehensive and safe practices for assessing danger, protecting victims, and monitoring batterers.


There will be a wide range of experienced Guest Speakers representing model practices for danger assessment and victim-safety planning established by police, prosecutors, judges, probation, batterers intervention programs, and child welfare.

Each participant will receive a training packet of danger assessment tools and guidelines, as well as an interactive training DVD entitled, Domestic Violence Danger Assessment and Safety Planning, produced by EMERGE with funding from the U.S. Department of Justice. The training is free of charge but you must pay your own transportation, hotel and per diem costs.

Registration Details: 

  • Arrest (GTEAP) Grantees, you must use your OVW-issued grant number to register for this training.
  • All Other OVW Grantees and non-grantees, please use this number to register: 2010-WEAX-1933 (Other OVW Grantees must check with their OVW Grant Manager to approve travel funding to cover this conference).
Aequitas

Ethical Considerations for Prosecutors in Intimate Partner Violence Cases
June 17, 2015
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM EST

A prosecutor is "the servant of the law, the twofold aim of which is that guilt shall not escape or innocence suffer. . . . It is as much his duty to refrain from improper methods calculated to produce a wrongful conviction as it is to use every legitimate means to bring about a just one." Berger v. United States, 295 U.S. 78, 88 (1935). Achieving justice in intimate partner violence cases requires prosecutors to have a firm grasp of their legal obligations as well as their ethical responsibilities throughout each stage of the criminal justice process. Intimate partner violence cases present unique ethical challenges related to victim privacy and confidentiality, prosecutorial discretion, recantation, and disclosure of evidence.

This presentation will address the ethical considerations outlined above in the context of charging decisions, immunity, compulsion of victim testimony,
Crawford
, and the investigative function of a prosecutor. The presenter will use hypothetical case scenarios to challenge prosecutors to evaluate their decision-making in the context of ethical rules and principles.

New York State Coalition Against Domestic Violence

Domestic Violence and Disasters: Trauma-Informed Strategies for Advocacy 
June 19, 2015
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Brooklyn, NY

 

This training initiative offers resources for domestic violence programs  to support trauma-informed best practices during times of crisis and disaster.

 

Based on cutting edge research and practitioner evidence, these training modules are designed in a way that advocates from domestic violence programs can take the information back to train other staff members, disaster responders, and community allies.  Click here to register for Domestic Violence and Disasters: Trauma-Informed Strategies for Advocacy.
Battered Women's Justice Project

Identifying, Documenting, and Charging Crimes of Intimidation
June 19, 2015
12:00 PM- 1:30 PM EST

 

Unchecked witness intimidation can frighten witnesses and seriously hurt prosecution. To learn where and when intimidation arises, a local team in Duluth, MN observed 9-1-1 call takers and dispatchers, court proceedings, court hallway activity, and offender groups; conducted focus groups with victims; interviewed criminal justice practitioners; reviewed prosecution files; and reviewed historical reports compiled by the domestic violence response team. This presentation will share gaps found in witness safety and offender accountability and describe how the information learned has already been incorporated into law enforcement response/investigation, advocacy, and prosecution as well as into policy and practice goals for the future.  Click here to register for Identifying, Documenting, and Charging Crimes of Intimidation.
New York State Coalition Against Domestic Violence

Domestic Violence and Disasters: Trauma-Informed Strategies for Advocacy
June 23, 2015
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM EST
Goshen, NY

 

This training initiative offers resources for domestic violence programs and disaster responders to support trauma-informed best practices during times of crisis and disaster.

 

Based on cutting edge research and practitioner evidence, these training modules are designed in a way that advocates from domestic violence programs can take the information back to train other staff members, disaster responders, and community allies.  Click here for more information and to register for Domestic Violence and Disasters: Trauma-Informed Strategies for Advocacy.
New York State Coalition Against Domestic Violence

Domestic Violence and Disasters: Trauma-Informed Strategies for Advocacy
June 24, 2015
9:30 AM - 12:30 PM EST
Yonkers, NY

 

This training initiative offers resources for domestic violence programs and disaster responders to support trauma-informed best practices during times of crisis and disaster.

 

Based on cutting edge research and practitioner evidence, these training modules are designed in a way that advocates from domestic violence programs can take the information back to train other staff members, disaster responders, and community allies.  Click here for more information and to register for Domestic Violence and Disasters: Trauma-Informed Strategies for Advocacy.
SUNY Campus Prevention & Response Webinar Series

SUNY/NYSCASA/NYSCADV/OPDV/DOH Webinar 3
June 24, 2015
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

The session is identical to the May 26 and 27 webinars.

This webinar is intended for community organizations and professionals to explain the SUNY sexual and interpersonal violence prevention policies , preview a response resource website being prepared for students, and answer your questions.

The webinar is completely free, but because of the software, require a brief registration. Once you register, you will receive a call-in number for the audio portion as well as a link for the slides/web portion.  

Click here to register for SUNY/NYSCASA/NYSCADV/OPDV/DOH Webinar 3.  After your request has been approved, you'll receive instructions for joining the meeting. 
New York State Coalition Against Domestic Violence

Domestic Violence and Disasters: Trauma-Informed Strategies for Advocacy
June 30, 2015
10:00 AM- 1:00 PM EST
Lake George, NY

 

This training initiative offers resources for domestic violence programs and disaster responders to support trauma-informed best practices during times of crisis and disaster.

 

Based on cutting edge research and practitioner evidence, these training modules are designed in a way that advocates from domestic violence programs can take the information back to train other staff members, disaster responders, and community allies.  Click here for more information and to register for Domestic Violence and Disasters: Trauma-Informed Strategies for Advocacy.
Arizona Coalition to End Sexual & Domestic Violence

DV 101 Español
June 30, 2015
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM EST

Mediante esta capacitación se exploraran las diferentes dinámicas que giran alrededor de la violencia doméstica, los efectos que estas tienen en las víctimas y sobrevivientes, sus familias así como en la comunidad.  Se estudiaran la ley en referencia a la violencia doméstica en Arizona así como las tres fases del ciclo de la violencia, las barreras que enfrentan las víctimas al intentar dejar una relación violenta y como abogar por las víctimas y sobrevivientes. Regístrate aquí.
Arizona Coalition to End Sexual & Domestic Violence

Sexual Violence 101
June 30, 2015
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM EST

A brief introduction defining sexual violence, sexual assault, rape and sexual harassment. The traumatic effects on survivors and effective and empowering ways to offer advocacy and support will be examined.  Click here to register for Sexual Violence 101.

 

The Northwest Network of Bisexual, Trans, Lesbian and Gay Survivors of Abuse

Thriving While Healing:  Skills-based Support for LGBTQ Survivors of Sexual Violence
July 7, 2014
3:00 PM-4:30 PM EST

This webinar will discuss highlights and lessons learned from the NW Network's unique, strengths-based sexual assault support group, Thriving While Healing: Finding Joy, Resilience and Support in the Aftermath of Sexual Assault. This all-gender support group, specifically oriented to LGBTQ survivors offers skills, education, and tools to name and confront the silence, isolation, and shame which so many survivors experience, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. Themes and interactive activities from the group such as cultivating resilience, normalizing the process of healing, trigger planning, positive sexuality, and self-trust will be discussed during this webinar.

This project was sponsored by Grant No. 2009-UW-AX-0028 awarded by the Office on Violence Against Women, U.S. Department of Justice. The opinions, findings, conclusions and recommendations expressed in this publication/exhibition are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women.  Click here to register for Thriving While Healing: Skills-based Support for LGBTQ Survivors of Sexual Violence.

Arizona Coalition to End Domestic & Sexual Violence

Dynamics of Domestic Violence
July 22, 2015
11:30 AM - 1:30 PM

Focusing on the basics; defining domestic violence, understanding abuser's tactics, barriers to safety for victims, and the statutes addressing domestic violence.  Click here to register for Dynamics of Domestic Violence.

National Network to End Domestic Violence

Safety Net's 3rd Annual Technology Summit
July 27-30, 2015
San Francisco, CA

This unique 3-day training will focus on the various complex issues and concerns that come from the intersection of technology and domestic & sexual violence, stalking, and trafficking.  

Covering a wide range of technology-related issues that will be helpful to anyone working with victims, sessions will be organized by advocacy, law enforcement, and legal professionals for participants to easily choose workshops most applicable to them. 

Participants will be given tools and information to respond to technology abuse, to enhance services for survivors of violence, and to hold offenders accountable. In addition to incredible attendees from all over the United States and internationally, our excellent faculty includes the Safety Net Team; survivors; national experts on technology, confidentiality, and privacy' technology developers  and representatives from technology companies; and leaders in law enforcement, domestic violence, and the legal field. 

 

Register To Attend the Summit

Registration is now open! Click here to register.

The registration fee includes full access to all training sessions, receptions, and related events, as well as some meals.

Early Bird Registration: $375*
Standard Registration: $475

* Early bird registration ends June 9, 2015.

 

OVW Approval

Grantees from OVW's Campus Consolidated Youth, Abuse Later in Life, LAV, Rural, SASP, State Coalitions, TSAP, Arrest, and SASP Cultural have been conditionally approved to attend this conference. Grantees from the aforementioned programs are required to contact their OVW program specialist to get approval specific to their award. Note that a GAN must be completed before grantees commit or expend any funds related to attending this conference.

Grantees from OVW's Justice for Families, Transitional Housing, and STOP programs have been approved to attend this conference and do not have to obtain prior approval. STOP subgrantees need approval from their STOP State Administrator. Grantees that are not required to get prior approval are advised to place a "memo to the file" in their grant records indicating the conference approval reference number.

The reference number for this conference is OVW-2015-MU-014. This number must be used by grantees when requesting approval via a GAN or in their "memo to the file." This approval and assigned reference number is for this conference only.

 

* A NYSCADV staff member will be attending this year's summit.  We hope other programs will also be in attendance.

U.S. Dept. of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women with the National Immigrant Women's Advocacy Program

Community of Responders:  A Holistic Approach to  Working with 
Survivors of Abuse
New Orleans, LA
July 29-30, 2015

Overview: This training will focus on assisting OVW grantees with improving their community response. The workshops will include skill building exercises focusing on holistic and creative approach to working with immigrant survivors in a trauma informed manner. Topics will include: family law, immigration relief, language access and public benefits. This training will include a particular emphasis on collaboration in rural communities with law enforcement agencies. Click here to view the draft agenda for Community of Responders: A Holistic Approach to Working with Survivors of Abuse.

 Please note workshop titles are subject to change.

 

Participants: This two day training is open to advocates, attorneys, family law attorneys, law enforcement, and prosecutors, funded through the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW), STOP, Legal Assistance for Victims (LAV), Rural, and Grants to Encourage Arrest Policies (GTEAP). All other grantees and grant partners must receive prior approval from their OVW Program Specialist to attend this training.

 

Registration: Registration is limited to 100 persons for this event; attendees may be limited to two attendees per organization. Registrations are accepted on a first come, first served basis once we have received complete applications. Once capacity has been reached, a waitlist will be created.

 

The training is free of charge, and participants are responsible for covering the costs of travel to the training, meals, and accommodations. A limited number of travel scholarships will be available only for STOP subgrantees who do not have travel funding in their grant budgets.

 

Click here for more information and to register for Community of Responders: A Holistic Approach to Working with Survivors of Abuse.

 

Click here to complete the STOP Scholarship Application for Community of Responders: A Holistic Approach to Working with Survivors of Abuse.

New York State LGBTQ Intimate Partner Violence Network

IPV Regional Summit
Rochester, NY
August 20, 2015

Join a training for residential and non-residential domestic violence service providers to increase your LGBTQ cultural competency and ability to provide inclusive services to LGBTQ survivors of IPV. Topics covered will include LGBTQ 101, inclusive screening and assessment tools, and sheltering LGBTQ survivors. Click here to register for the IPV Regional Summit.

Sarah Geiger Crisis Center

Driving Change Conference
Boston, MA
November 2-3, 2015

The Driving Change Conference provides training to communities and organizations interested in learning about the Domestic Violence High Risk Team Model, as well as ongoing education to those in the field that have already implemented the model.

 

Workshops will provide practical, hands-on training for advocates, law enforcement, probation, prosecutors and criminal justice professionals in response to high-risk domestic violence cases.

 

The goal of the Driving Change Conference is to provide communities with the tools and knowledge necessary to transform their response to potentially lethal domestic violence cases and to deliver the highest level of training, information and strategies to professionals in the domestic violence field. Click here for more information and to register for the Driving Change Conference.

Employment Opportunities
(descriptions are taken directly from the host's employment announcements)
My Sister's Place

Job Title:  Per Diem Residential Advocate [All Shifts ]
Location:  White Plains, NY
Job Classification: Part-time, Non -Exempt
Position Reports To: Senior Residential Advocate

My Sisters' Place is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization, located in Westchester County, New York, that has grown from a grassroots task force and drop-in center formalized in 1978 into a cutting-edge leader and resource in the field of domestic violence and human trafficking advocacy and services. The Residential Advocate is responsible for the provision of supportive services to victims of domestic violence and their children, as well as victims of human trafficking, who are residents within the MSP Emergency Shelter. Per-Diem Residential Advocates are expected to provide critical supportive services in a way that is compassionate and adheres to culturally appropriate best practices and agency expectations. Under the guidance of the Senior Residential Advocate, the Per-Diem Residential Advocate will be responsible the following functions:

Essential Position Functions:
  • Provide day-to-day case management, counseling, and crisis intervention to clients as needed and/or required
  • Serve as client advocate on personal as well as criminal justice related issues as needed.
  • Keep thorough and up-to-date client records in accordance with agency file requirements.
  • Assist with intake procedures including but not limited too review of the Welcome Packet, development of and on-going assessment safety plan, coordinate initial appointments for DSS and other relevant service providers. .
  • Ensure the timely submission of all required stats to Senior Residential Advocate.
  • Assist in the completion of OVS, public benefit and housing applications as needed and/or requested.
  • Monitor client progress and provide follow-up assistance as needed and/or requested.
  • Assure safety and well-being of residents in accordance with shelter guidelines and resident responsibilities.
  • Provide residents with referrals for additional supportive services as needed and/or requested.
  • Keep Senior Residential Advocate advised of the need for schedule changes as it pertains to work schedules.
  • Participate in regular supervision with Senior Residential to promote the provision of quality services.
  • Assist in the maintenance of the petty cash log and facilitate the collection of backup documentation regularly.
  • Enter data into designated database and provide reports as needed and/or requested.
  • Must participate in staff meetings, trainings and/or professional development sessions as directed.
  • Other duties as assigned
QUALIFICATIONS
  • Bachelor's degree preferred: two years college plus one year experience required.
  • Knowledge of victimization and domestic violence a plus, prior counseling experience in a residential setting.
  • Ability to work independently assesses priorities, take initiative, handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality and provide supportive counseling in a genuine, respectful and sensitive manner.
  • Ability to handle crisis effectively, exercising good judgment and calmness.
  • Strong written and oral communication skills
  • Must be able to work independently, assess priorities, take initiative, handle multiple assignments, and meet deadlines
  • Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to work collaboratively and on a team
SALARY: $15.38/hour

NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE. Send resume and cover letter by e-mail to: Gwendolyn Thompson , Director of Residential Programs at [email protected].

My Sisters' Place policy prohibits discrimination due to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, and national origin in employment and delivery of services.
The Safe Center Long Island

BILINGUAL ATTORNEY
Bethpage, NY

The Safe Center LI, Inc. (TSCLI) is a new not-for-profit created through the merger of the Nassau County Coalition Against Domestic Violence and the Coalition Against Child Abuse & Neglect. It is the only agency in Nassau County to provide comprehensive services to all victims of domestic violence, child abuse, trafficking, and sexual assault - women, men, children, elderly and transgender - all under one roof. Our mission is "To protect, assist and empower victims of family violence and sexual assault while challenging and changing social systems that tolerate and perpetuate abuse: Restoring hope to victims of abuse."

The Legal Services Center of The Safe Center provides direct comprehensive legal representation and advocacy to low-income and indigent domestic violence victims and survivors of domestic/dating violence, rape/sexual abuse, stalking, trafficking, and elder abuse in family offense proceeding, paternity, custody/visitation cases, child/spousal support, divorces, immigration proceedings, and other legal matters arising out of the abuse.

The Legal Services Center is seeking a full time litigation staff attorney who is committed to the Center's mission and work. The attorney will provide comprehensive, holistic, direct civil legal services to victims and survivors of domestic/dating abuse, rape/sexual assault, elder abuse, and/or stalking. The attorney will work as part of our legal services team, assisting advocates, counselors, and pro bono attorneys. The position entails extensive advocacy and litigation, including motion practice and trials, in Family Court and Supreme Court.

Duties include direct legal representation, and some community outreach, particularly in the immigrant Latino communities. The range of legal services provided for domestic violence victims runs the spectrum from legal information, referrals, advice, brief services, advocacy and negotiation, to full representation in litigated court matters and appearances in immigration court.

The attorney will also collect, report and maintain statistical records. Requirements include: knowledge women's rights and violence against women (domestic violence, sexual assault, trafficking); an ability to write and speak persuasively; an ability to perform creative legal research and advocacy; a commitment to collaborative cross cultural work; and the ability to work well with people in diverse settings.

Qualifications
  • Admitted member in good standing of the New York State Bar
  • Prior legal experience, including litigation and trial practice. Family Law and/or immigration practice preferred
  • An extensive understanding of domestic violence, stalking, sexual assault, crime victimization and resulting trauma, knowledge of victims' rights and remedies, and cultural sensitivity and diversity is also required.
  • Demonstrated commitment to public interest law
  • Must have valid driver's license and own vehicle
  • English/Spanish bilingual
  • Excellent interpersonal skills
  • Proficient computer skills, specifically in Abacus, Word and Excel
  • Applicants must have excellent public speaking skills, research, writing, and analytical skills, organizational, planning and time management skills, as well as the ability to work independently and under pressure.
We are an equal opportunity employer and encourage all qualified applicants to apply. Salary is commensurate with experience. We offer a good benefits package. Strong interpersonal skills are a must.
  • Please send resumes with cover letters to:
Lois Schwaeber, Esq. Director of Legal Services Legal Services Center at

The Safe Center LI

15 Grumman Road

West Bethpage, New York 11714

Telephone: 516.465.4700

FAX: 516.465.4750

Safe Homes of Orange County

Posting Date: June 9, 2015
Position Title: Residential Advocate (Overnight)
Classification: Non-exempt status
Reports to: Shelter Manager
Hours Per Week: 30
Schedule: Thursday - Saturday 11pm-9am
Anticipated Start Date: ASAP

Safe Homes of Orange County is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3), located in Orange County, New York, that has grown from a grassroots small group of committed individuals in 1986 to an organization, leader, and resource in the field of domestic violence and human trafficking advocacy and services in Orange County. Our many programs include a Family Justice Center, an emergency shelter, a legal program, individual counseling and advocacy, support groups throughout Orange County, community education and outreach program.

Duties & Responsibilities:
Safe Homes of Orange County seeks a Residential Advocate who will staff the agency's emergency shelter and 24-hour hotline during the overnight hours. Responsibilities of the position include but are not limited to:
  • Provide nonjudgmental and supportive hotline counseling and shelter screenings, intake interviews and discharges
  • Provide culturally informed emotional support and crisis intervention to adults and children in shelter
  • Maintain client records, information and agency database in accordance with agency policy
  • Provide information about and referrals to community agencies and resources
  • Complete safety checks of the shelter residence as scheduled
  • Complete all other duties necessary to maintain a safe and cohesive environment for the well-being of families in residence
  • Attend and actively participate in staff meetings and other agency meetings, as assigned, and if attendance is not possible, take responsibility for accessing meeting minutes;
  • Assist with basic housekeeping within the shelter including cleaning and preparation of bedrooms for families; and
  • Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:
  • 2 year degree and/or experience working with domestic violence victims and/or counseling and counseling experience
  • Ability to work in a fast paced, crisis oriented environment: assess priorities, take initiative, handle multiple assignments and meet deadlines.
  • Work cooperatively and supportively as part of a team.
  • Possess strong communication skills (both oral and written).
  • Ability to maintain effective working relationships with others, communicate as needed and exhibit patience and understanding toward client population being served.
  • Experience working with diverse populations and seeks understanding of cultural differences.
  • Understand and work from a feminist philosophy of empowerment, and supports SHOC mission.
  • Display commitment to ending violence against women and children and a commitment to social change through active participation in working towards ending racism, classism, sexism, ageism, homophobia, ableism, and all forms of oppression; demonstrate willingness to gain understanding of issues of oppression, battering and sexual assault.
  • Model and uphold appropriate boundaries and confidentiality in work with clients, co-workers, supervisor, and community.
  • Ability to lift up to 50 pounds, navigate stairs, and periods of sitting, standing and walking required.
  • Experience with Microsoft Word and Excel is preferred.
  • A valid, insurable driver's license and transportation required.
  • Spanish language skills preferred.

Cover letter and resume required. Please submit by June 30th to:
Attention: Madeline Henriquez, Shelter Manager
Fax: 845-562-0140

Safe Homes of Orange County prohibits discrimination due to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, and national origin in employment and delivery of services.
Urban Resource Institute

Job Title: Education and Employment Specialist

Location:  New York, NY

Division: Domestic Violence Programs

Reports To: Director, Economic Empowerment Programs

Classification: Salaried

POSITION SUMMARY

The Urban Resource Institute (URI), a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization established in 1980, operates shelter, legal and job training programs for domestic violence victims, residential and supported employment services for individuals with developmental disabilities, and an outpatient chemical dependency services. The organization promotes safety, justice, recovery, health, and independence for vulnerable, poor individuals and families residing in New York City. URI is seeking a bright, energetic individual to join our team. Under the supervision of the Director of Economic Empowerment Programs, the Education and Employment Specialist provides comprehensive, individualized case management, mentoring and educational services to support domestic violence survivors in achieving short and long-term goals around job training, education, employment, financial management and self-sufficiency. This includes handling tasks associated with URI's Working Internship Network (WIN) program, including conducting vocational assessments, facilitating career readiness, computer skills and financial literacy workshops, and managing client internships. The Education and Employment Specialist also supports URI's community and corporate partnerships which offer education, training and hands-on experiences to domestic violence victims residing in shelter.

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Provides a wide range of career readiness services to clients, including assessments, goal development, interview training, job search skills, networking and resume assistance.
  • Conducts educational workshops that focus on economic empowerment to achieve program and client outcomes.
  • Recruits clients to participate in URI's Working Internship Network (WIN) program, manages the application process, facilitates program activities, including internship placements and graduation, and conducts program administrative tasks.
  • Tracks and reports client progress towards achieving targeted outcomes.
  • Develops and manages a directory of resources, including internship and job opportunities, and GED and literacy support programs.
  • Trains and provides support to program interns and volunteers.
  • Conducts trainings for staff, clients and community.
  • Performs other administrative and program support functions, and agency-related duties or special projects as directed by supervisor.

QUALIFICATIONS
  • Master's in Vocational Counseling, Human Services, Education, Social Work, Psychology, or related field, with three (3) years of vocational experience.
  • Experience teaching adults, including adults with low literacy levels.
  • Experience teaching career readiness education and computer skills training.
  • Demonstrated ability to tailor curriculum to students at varying literacy levels.
  • Excellent analytical skills, organizational skills, and high level of attention to detail.
  • Knowledge or experience assisting clients with public assistance and housing.
  • The ability to document case records, and provide group counseling.
  • Sensitivity to the needs of underserved people; an understanding of or interest in the issue of domestic violence; and cultural competency when working with a diverse population.
  • Ability to multitask, prioritize, and adhere to deadlines.
  • Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office based programs is required.
  • Bilingual Spanish/English a plus.
SALARY

Competitive salary commensurate with experience. Excellent benefits package included.

TO APPLY

Please send your resume with a cover letter via e-mail to [email protected]. Please include the words "Education and Employment Specialist" in your email subject line.

URBAN RESOURCE INSTITUTE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.

New York State Coalition Against Domestic Violence

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