​Whether by their actual presence or constant reminders of their potential presence stalkers aim to control and coerce their victims by keeping them in a constant state of fear and anticipation. While stalking has different legal definitions in different states it can best be understood as a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to feel fear.
 
According to the National Stalking Resource Center7.5 million people are stalked in one year in the United States. In addition:
 
• 15% of women and 6% of men have experienced stalking victimization at some point during their lifetime in which they felt very fearful or believed that they or someone close to them would be harmed or killed.
• The majority of stalking victims are stalked by someone they know: 61% of female victims and 44% of male victims of stalking are stalked by a current or former intimate partner, 25% of female victims and 32% of male victims are stalked by an acquaintance.
• About half of all victims of stalking indicated that they were stalked before the age of 25. About 14% of female victims and 16% of male victims experienced stalking between the ages of 11 and 17.
• Approaching the victim or showing up in places when the victim didn’t want them to be there; making unwanted telephone calls; leaving the victim unwanted messages (text or voice); and watching or following the victim from a distance, or spying on the victim with a listening device, camera, or global positioning system were the most commonly reported stalker tactics by both female and male victims of stalking.LKING VICTIMIZATION
[Matthew J. Breiding et al., “Prevalence and Characteristics of Sexual Violence, Stalking, and Intimate Partner Violence Victimization - National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey, United States, 2011”, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Morbidity and Morality Weekly Report, Vol. 63, No. 8 (2014)]
 
Stalking does not just create annoyance; it is associated with increased risk of serious injury or death for its targets. For example: AND INTIMATE PARTNER
 
 
*76% of intimate partner femicide victims have been stalked by their intimate partner.
*67% had been physically abused by their intimate partner.
*89% of femicide victims who had been physically assaulted had also been stalked in the 12 months before their murder.
*79% of abused femicide victims reported being stalked during the same period that they were abused.
*54% of femicide victims reported stalking to police before they were killed by their stalkers.  [Judith McFarlane et al., “Stalking and Intimate Partner Femicide,” Homicide Studies 3, no. 4 (1999).]
 
Victims of stalking need support and access to resources which can answer their questions and help them stay safe. For more information about stalking, including statutory language and remedies in all U.S. state and territories, check out the Stalking Resource Center at:
 
www.stalkingawarenessmonth.org

Women's Crisis Support Team
24/7 Crisis Line 541 479-9349
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Status:    40 hours/wk (1 FTE) non-exempt employee
Hours:    Primarily weekdays with rotating back up to Intervention Team
Responsible to: Intervention Coordinator/Executive Director
Employment Status: Full-time position, 40 hours/week.  This is a grant contract which expires 7/31/17 but has the potential to be renewed.
 
Summary:
This position will be out-stationed at a health clinic in Grants Pass and provide support, advocacy and outreach for survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV) who are pregnant or newly parenting.
 
Essential Duties and Responsibilities: include the following:  Other duties may be assigned.
 

• Coordinate with Women’s Crisis Support Team staff and health care providers to ensure that eligible clients receive appropriate services.
• Meet with health care providers and consult on cases including best ways to safely contact victims, options for safety planning and dynamics affecting victim and batterer response.
• Provide to health care providers a calendar of times available for client referrals and home visits.
• Preserve the confidentiality of client information and work with staff from partner agencies to understand the importance of confidentiality in advocate services.
• Meet with pregnant or newly parenting women and teens on-site or off site (including home visits, court, another agency, or alternate location to maximize client safety and confidentiality). Provide IPV education, safety planning, advocacy, and referral to appropriate resources and services.
• Coordinate cross-training activities with other WCST staff and partner agencies.
• Coordinate outreach to target population through partner agencies and, as needed, through schools and other community organizations.
• Distribute client satisfaction surveys and return completed forms to WCST weekly.  Track numbers of clients served, services provided, and referrals. Provide monthly written report to WCST supervisor.
• Collect data and provide monthly written reports per the requirement to Health Care Provider/WCST and per requirements of the funders.
• Attend WCST staff meetings and scheduled meetings with supervisors, Health Care Provider and Leadership Team.

 Knowledge, Skills and Abilities=Qualifications
 

• Ability to relate to and communicate respectfully with people from diverse backgrounds.
• BA/BS in related field or combination of skills and experience required.
• At least two years of experience in the field of intimate partner violence and health care services.
• Working knowledge of Computers-Word, Excel, email.
• Reading and writing skills which include the ability to access and utilize a variety of resource materials in a timely manner and to maintain accurate, organized records.
• Bilingual English/Spanish Fluency preferred. 
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the dynamics of intimate partner violence and the impact on adult and child survivors, including risk of child abuse.  Understanding the connection between domestic and sexual violence and other forms of oppression.
• Demonstrated ability to remain calm, make sound decisions, give clear direction and provide strong leadership in crisis situations.
• Demonstrated understanding of safety planning and crisis intervention response.
• Knowledge of community resources and experience accessing resources.
• Successful completion of Women’s Crisis Support Team 40-hour advocacy training program (maybe completed after hiring.)
• Must live or be able to relocate in Josephine County and have a 20-minute response time to TRCH.

 
A criminal background check will be conducted for all applicants considered for employment through the WCST. Applicant must have transportation, current insurance coverage and a valid driver’s license.
 
The Women’s Crisis Support Team does not discriminate on the basis of cultural affiliation, ethnicity, race, sexual orientation, age, sex, gender-orientation, physical ability, national origin, religious or political belief.
 
 
 

Job Title: Back-up On-Call DV/SA Advocate
Department: Intervention Program
Supervisor: Intervention Coordinator
Location: On Call from home
Hours: Weekend Back up Responder 24/7 Friday 5pm- Monday 8am (Explained below)
Employment Status: $15.00 an hour per call or response time. You are only paid when you respond. You will receive $12.50 shift stipend for being available to respond to in-person or crisis calls.
 
Summary: Work as an integral part of the Women’s Crisis Support Team in providing advocacy and support after hours and weekends to victims of Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault/Stalking,  through our 24/7 crisis line and in person advocacy.
Required:

• Must have a valid Oregon Driver’s License and Auto Insurance.
• Must complete WCST 40 hour mandatory training within first few weeks of hire
• Applicants must live in Josephine County, and must be able to respond within twenty minutes to Three Rivers Community Hospital and Grants Pass Public Safety requests for in-person advocacy.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
Represent the mission, values and philosophy of Women’s Crisis Support Team to program participants, staff, and to the general public.

• Answer the 24/7 crisis line providing phone advocacy
• The Back-up Advocate will respond to requests for emergency in-person advocacy for victims of domestic violence or sexual assault on a 24/7 basis during their shift. 
• Respond to our local hospital or GPPSD call for advocacy within a 20 minute time frame
• Help victims develop a safety plan,
• Accessing all needed resources and information for victims,
• Helping victims obtain paperwork and help with Temporary Restraining Orders, Elder Abuse Restraining Orders, and Stalking Orders while on scene or if it is emergency and they need to go to court the following day for court.
• Provide transportation for the people we serve,
• Appropriately manage confidential information
• Model appropriate advocacy skills to volunteers.

 
 BACK-UP EXPLANATION OF RESPONSIBILITIES:

• The back-up advocate responder is weekend and holiday shifts. You will be provided with a schedule each year from January through December.
• If you are unable to fulfill a shift, it is your responsibility to find another advocate to fill the shift for you or trade a shift with you even if it is only for a few hours. If you have another job and would like to work the back-up advocate shift, it is your responsibility to make sure the lines are covered and someone is available to respond to Law Enforcement, Hospital, On Scene and Shelter.
• The responsibilities of the back-up advocate are to be available on call 24/7 from Friday at 5pm through Monday morning at 8am.  
• The back-up advocate will problem solve, debrief and back up the evening/weekend shelter staff, volunteers, clients or the answering service as questions or problems arise.
• The back-up advocate is responsible for responding on scene with law enforcement or at the hospital for sexual assault. When responding with law enforcement, back-up advocate needs to respond within 20 minutes.
• Before your back-up advocate shift, you will need to be prepared by having a back-up advocate notebook available with all the important data and resources needed to perform the job.

The Women’s Crisis Support Team strives for a free and open hiring process, and does not discriminate on the basis of cultural affiliation, ethnicity, race, sexual orientation, age, gender, and physical ability, and national origin, religious or political belief.
To apply, please visit our website: www.wcstjoco.org to download the application.  Please submit a cover letter, resume and completed application to 560-A NE F St. #430 Grants Pass, OR 97526
No Phone Calls Please
 

Job Title: Shelter Advocate
Department: Shelter Programs
Supervisor: Shelter Coordinator
Location: Talsunne Safe House
Hours: 5:30pm-12:00am shift and/or weekend day 9am-5pm-Approximately 15-30 hrs
Employment Status: non-exempt, hourly, $12.00 hour.
Benefits: This position does not offer PTO or Health Insurance benefits.
 
Summary: Work as an integral part of the Safe House team by providing oversight to the shelter and advocacy to the residents.
 
Responsibilities:

• Represent the mission, values and philosophy of Women’s Crisis Support Team to program participants, staff and to the general public.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Appropriately manage confidential information.
• Complete necessary program documentation, inputting daily statistics, logs, etc.
• Answer crisis line and respond to intervention calls for advocacy from law enforcement or the hospital; provide information and referrals; provide safety planning, crisis intervention and screening for the Safe House; and other WCST services.
• Orient new residents to the Safe House and WCST services and properly manage intake and exit processes. Provide advocacy, education and support for residents.
• Routine maintenance of the shelter facility
• Responsible for assuring the premises are clean and orderly by performing cleaning
• Sorting donations  during the shift
• Provide oversight during the shift and keep the shelter running smoothly.
• Provide transportation for shelter residents or off site victims.
• Attend meetings and trainings as assigned.

 
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge and ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds and underserved communities.
• Bilingual (English-Spanish) and /or Bicultural preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the dynamics of domestic violence/sexual assault and the impact on adult and child survivors.
• Knowledge of community resources, agency networking and ability to offer peer counseling.
• Demonstrate ability to remain calm, make sound decisions, give clear direction and provide strong leadership in crisis situations.
• Experience working with survivors of domestic violence preferred.
• Experience in crisis intervention preferred.
• Must have excellent judgment and strong interpersonal skills.
• Must be well organized, creative, empathetic, and people oriented.
• Experience in word processing, email, and Microsoft Office, Microsoft Excel
• Must have transportation, current insurance coverage, and a valid driver’s license.
• Successful completion of WCST 40+ hour advocacy program (may be completed after hiring) and Advocate Certification
• A criminal background check will be conducted for all applicants considered for employment through the WCST.

 
 
The Women’s Crisis Support Team strives for a free and open hiring process, and does not discriminate on the basis of cultural affiliation, ethnicity, race, sexual orientation, age, gender, physical ability, and national origin, religious or political belief.
 
To apply, please visit our website: www.wcstjoco.org to download the application.  Please submit a cover letter, resume and completed application to 560-A NE F St. #430 Grants Pass, OR 97526
 
No Phone Calls Please.
​

​Position Title:  Prevention Educator
 
Hours:                      40 Hrs a week Mon-Fri with occasional evenings or weekends
Supervisor:      Prevention Program Coordinator
Wage:             DOE + Benefits (Health, PTO, Life Insurance)  Exempt position
 
Position Summary: This position works primarily with young women and men in area high schools. The focus is men's engagement in violence prevention, mentorship of young men, and promotion of prevention strategies that encourage young men to take an active role in preventing violence. The Prevention Educator will be part of our Prevention Team whose primary duties will be the development, enhancement, and delivery of prevention curricula to area youth and promotion of community building strategies to suppress intimate partner violence. As a member of the Prevention Team, the Prevention Educator will also be responsible for organizing community outreach events in support of the WCST, Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Finally, the member will assist in WCST volunteer outreach, public speaking engagements, development and maintenance of community partnerships, and trainings.
 
Essential Responsibilities (to include, but not limited to):

• Along with the Prevention Coordinator, will develop violence prevention and community building curriculum, deliver the curriculum to student groups, community groups and youth service programs, and mentor area youth as they experiment with violence prevention tools given to them in the groups
• Engage in community awareness activities regarding violence prevention, particularly gender based violence. As a member of the Prevention Team, the Prevention Educator will take a lead role in organizing community outreach activities for Domestic Violence Awareness Month (OCT) and Sexual Assault Awareness Month (APR)
• Schedule and conduct speaking engagements with community partners, social clubs and organizations, and faith based organizations regarding the prevention of domestic and sexual violence
• Prepare informational handouts, brochures, and flyers about WCST, domestic violence, sexual assault, and violence prevention, including participation in production of bi-annual WCST newsletter
• In conjunction with the rest of the WCST staff, participate in the WCST 30 hour trainings as presenter, mentor, and resource for volunteers in training. The member will raise awareness of WCST volunteer opportunities when engaged in public speaking and outreach
• Properly track and log all WCST prevention (and school-based intervention) activities and participation statistics. Additionally, the Prevention Educator will assist in development, administration, analysis, interpretation, and promotion of outcomes and results of WCST prevention activities. The Prevention Educator will attend all WCST required trainings and team meetings
• Complete general office duties related to Prevention Team efforts – mailings, filing, and answering phones
• Participate in bi-weekly staff meetings, gatherings, and teambuilding activities
• Professionally represent the WCST at community events, fundraisers, and social activities

Position Requirements:

• Commitment to ending violence, particularly gender based, domestic, and sexual violence
• Excellent group facilitation skills
• Excellent public speaking and community engagement skills
• Experience working with youth
• Cultural competency with regards to rural and socioeconomically disadvantaged communities
• Excellent record keeping, organization, and planning skills
• 21 years of age or older, at beginning of service term
• U.S. citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident
• Possession of high school diploma or equivalent
• Must successfully pass a criminal history background check provided by WCST
• Licensed and insured driver in possession of reliable, personal vehicle for transportation

Preferred Qualifications:

• Some level of post-secondary education
• Knowledge of the dynamics surrounding domestic and sexual violence
• Experience in youth prevention activities
• Experience in community organizing
• Teaching experience
• Experience working with community based non-profits

Service Conditions:

• The WCST provides a dynamic, supportive, collaborative, and creative working environment where individual talents are celebrated and personal and professional growth is fostered. While much of the Prevention Team activity requires daily work in area schools, the Violence Prevention Educator will have their own workspace in WCST’s public office with access to all the amenities and resources of a corporate office.

Physical/Intellectual Demands

• The member will work closely with other prevention professionals at WCST and within the Josephine County community in order to bring the highest level of violence prevention services to area schools. A significant portion of Prevention Team activities will involve direct service to area youth. The position requires professionalism, strong interpersonal skills, significant communications skills, patience, flexibility, understanding, compassion, empathy, and an understanding of ever evolving youth issues. The work demands significant personal and emotional investment and can be exhaustive. The Prevention Educator will be expected to participate in self-care and debriefing activities used by WCST staff.
• The Prevention Educator will remain relevant to our young clients, conducting research and analysis of current events, current youth culture, use of violence in society, and social and cultural pressures facing youth. Additionally, the Violence Prevention Educator will remain relevant in prevention education by connecting with current research, best practices, and participation in prevention trainings, webinars, and education activities.

Equipment Used:

• The Violence Prevention Educator position will require basic working knowledge of computer usage including the use of Microsoft Office components, e-mail, and internet technologies. Use of PowerPoint and presentation technologies, including projectors and sound equipment is encouraged.

Position Title:  Prevention Educator
 
Hours:                      40 Hrs a week Mon-Fri with occasional evenings or weekends
Supervisor:      Prevention Program Coordinator
Wage:             DOE + Benefits (Health, PTO, Life Insurance)  Exempt position
 
Position Summary: This position works primarily with young women and men in area high schools. The focus is men's engagement in violence prevention, mentorship of young men, and promotion of prevention strategies that encourage young men to take an active role in preventing violence. The Prevention Educator will be part of our Prevention Team whose primary duties will be the development, enhancement, and delivery of prevention curricula to area youth and promotion of community building strategies to suppress intimate partner violence. As a member of the Prevention Team, the Prevention Educator will also be responsible for organizing community outreach events in support of the WCST, Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Finally, the member will assist in WCST volunteer outreach, public speaking engagements, development and maintenance of community partnerships, and trainings.
 
Essential Responsibilities (to include, but not limited to):

• Along with the Prevention Coordinator, will develop violence prevention and community building curriculum, deliver the curriculum to student groups, community groups and youth service programs, and mentor area youth as they experiment with violence prevention tools given to them in the groups
• Engage in community awareness activities regarding violence prevention, particularly gender based violence. As a member of the Prevention Team, the Prevention Educator will take a lead role in organizing community outreach activities for Domestic Violence Awareness Month (OCT) and Sexual Assault Awareness Month (APR)
• Schedule and conduct speaking engagements with community partners, social clubs and organizations, and faith based organizations regarding the prevention of domestic and sexual violence
• Prepare informational handouts, brochures, and flyers about WCST, domestic violence, sexual assault, and violence prevention, including participation in production of bi-annual WCST newsletter
• In conjunction with the rest of the WCST staff, participate in the WCST 30 hour trainings as presenter, mentor, and resource for volunteers in training. The member will raise awareness of WCST volunteer opportunities when engaged in public speaking and outreach
• Properly track and log all WCST prevention (and school-based intervention) activities and participation statistics. Additionally, the Prevention Educator will assist in development, administration, analysis, interpretation, and promotion of outcomes and results of WCST prevention activities. The Prevention Educator will attend all WCST required trainings and team meetings
• Complete general office duties related to Prevention Team efforts – mailings, filing, and answering phones
• Participate in bi-weekly staff meetings, gatherings, and teambuilding activities
• Professionally represent the WCST at community events, fundraisers, and social activities

Position Requirements:

• Commitment to ending violence, particularly gender based, domestic, and sexual violence
• Excellent group facilitation skills
• Excellent public speaking and community engagement skills
• Experience working with youth
• Cultural competency with regards to rural and socioeconomically disadvantaged communities
• Excellent record keeping, organization, and planning skills
• 21 years of age or older, at beginning of service term
• U.S. citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident
• Possession of high school diploma or equivalent
• Must successfully pass a criminal history background check provided by WCST
• Licensed and insured driver in possession of reliable, personal vehicle for transportation

Preferred Qualifications:

• Some level of post-secondary education
• Knowledge of the dynamics surrounding domestic and sexual violence
• Experience in youth prevention activities
• Experience in community organizing
• Teaching experience
• Experience working with community based non-profits

Service Conditions:

• The WCST provides a dynamic, supportive, collaborative, and creative working environment where individual talents are celebrated and personal and professional growth is fostered. While much of the Prevention Team activity requires daily work in area schools, the Violence Prevention Educator will have their own workspace in WCST’s public office with access to all the amenities and resources of a corporate office.

Physical/Intellectual Demands

• The member will work closely with other prevention professionals at WCST and within the Josephine County community in order to bring the highest level of violence prevention services to area schools. A significant portion of Prevention Team activities will involve direct service to area youth. The position requires professionalism, strong interpersonal skills, significant communications skills, patience, flexibility, understanding, compassion, empathy, and an understanding of ever evolving youth issues. The work demands significant personal and emotional investment and can be exhaustive. The Prevention Educator will be expected to participate in self-care and debriefing activities used by WCST staff.
• The Prevention Educator will remain relevant to our young clients, conducting research and analysis of current events, current youth culture, use of violence in society, and social and cultural pressures facing youth. Additionally, the Violence Prevention Educator will remain relevant in prevention education by connecting with current research, best practices, and participation in prevention trainings, webinars, and education activities.

Equipment Used:

• The Violence Prevention Educator position will require basic working knowledge of computer usage including the use of Microsoft Office components, e-mail, and internet technologies. Use of PowerPoint and presentation technologies, including projectors and sound equipment is encouraged.

​To apply visit our website at: www.wcstjoco.org for application.
Submit a cover letter, resume and completed application to:  Krisanna.wcst@gmail.com OR
Women’s Crisis Support Team
Attn: Krisanna Albrecht
560-A NE F St. #430
Grants Pass, OR 97526. 
 
No Phone Calls please.

Managed by the Safety Net Project at the National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV), this blog explores the intersection of technology and privacy and intimate partner violence, sexual assault and violence against women. For more information, please follow this link: http://techsafety.org/blog/2015/12/11/tech-tips-for-the-holidays

YOUR CALLS, TWEETS AND EMAILS ARE HAVING AN IMPACT
November 6, 2015
Please share widely

Keep telling Congress we need the VOCA funds!

Thanks to all of you who have contacted your U.S. Senators and Representative about the importance of keeping VOCA Fund disbursements at their current level for FY 2016. Your voices are being heard, and you are making a difference!  But this is no time to rest.

The appropriations committees in the House and Senate now have TWO WEEKS to rewrite the spending bills for FY 2016.  Unless we continue to make the case, VOCA spending may be cut from last year's $2.36 billion to $1.2 billion for FY 2016, in part because members of Congress "don't think states can spend the money!"  Wake up Congress!

5 WAYS YOU CAN HELP:

1. Call or email today. Key points to highlight in your messages:

• VOCA's Positive Impact: What has last year's increase meant for victims, service providers, your community and your state? Mention any new programs and services offered in your community, as well as gaps filled to provide services to traditionally underserved populations.
• The Impact of Cuts: Currently, the fund barely covers the needs for programs and services for victims; Illustrate what a cut in funds would mean to your program, your community, and your state.
• THE BOTTOM LINE: Urge your Member to speak to leadership and the members of the appropriations committees to stress the importance of keeping the VOCA cap high.

2. Your tweets are working.   Keep it up.  Take part in a VOCA twitter storm Monday (11/9) at NOON. Or any time. Join the conversation by using #DontCutVOCA. Suggested sample tweets: 

Please protect the Victims of Crime Act. Rape Crisis Centers need to help victims on waiting lists. #DontCutVOCA
 
Domestic violence victims need VOCA to stay safe. Too many are turned away. #DontCutVOCA
 
#DontCutVOCA when the FY 15 increase is just starting to help hurting victims.
 
#DontCutVOCA just when survivors of sexual assault are finding courage to seek services.
 
Key Appropriations contacts:
 
.@HalRogersKY 
.@CongCulberson 
.@SpeakerRyan 
.@SenatorBarb 
.@SenShelby 
.@SenThadCochran 
.@SenateMajLdr 

3. Congress is in recess and will be home next week. Invite your Member of Congress (and/or their staff) for a site visit - show them how you're putting VOCA funds to good use through a tour of your facility and the various victim services programs you offer.

4. Already reached out to your Member of Congress? Call again! Ask if they'd like more information about the how you're using VOCA Funds and why the cap must stay high.

5. Don't receive VOCA grants? Reach out to your Member of Congress and share how you would use it at your program if funds were available.  OR if you're an ardent advocate but not a program or service provider, simply insist that Congress stand with victims and does not cut VOCA. Currently, the fund barely covers the needs for programs and services for victims.  There is a desperate need for counselors, legal help, temporary housing, modernization of software in order to streamline reporting and documenting "outcomes" to name a few examples.

To reach your Representative and Senator:

Find your Senators and Representative; enter your full nine-digit zip code for the best results.  You will be taken to their contact info, including phone number.  Tell them you are a constituent!

You can also call the Capitol switchboard: (202) 224-3121. Choose Representative and then enter your zip code to be transferred. When you are done leaving a message for your Representative, call back and follow the same process to leave messages for your Senators.
 
###

For more information, fact sheets, press coverage, support letters and updates visit www.4vawa.org.  Follow us on Twitter at @NTFVAWA. 

If you aren't on one of this email list or want to add members of your staff or state/community leaders to our grassroots alerts e-mail list, send names and contact information including email to ntfvawaalerts@icasa.org.