Licensed Social Worker

Duties and Responsibilities:   On behalf of sexual assault victims, services are intended to assist clients in obtaining the economic and social/basic resources they need to stabilize their lives, regain independence, and break the cycle of abuse/violence.  TRLA social workers will work collaboratively with TRLA attorneys to help sexual assault victims become safe and self-sufficient. Specific duties include the following:  

1. Conduct intakes for the LASSA team as needed, assess the client’s individual needs related to the sexual assault, including the development of a safety plan.
2. Render appropriate services based on the client’s individual needs, addressing empowerment, privacy concerns, and safety planning.  Such services include assistance understanding and applying for Crime Victims Compensation and appealing when assistance is denied, information and referral for community-based services, crisis intervention, safe housing options and peer support.
3. Assess the client’s need for civil legal services and schedule appointments with the assigned TRLA attorney for clients requiring such assistance.
4. Provide counseling support  and referral services.
5. Work with the LASSA Project Director to train victim advocates at partner shelters and crisis centers on the legal options and public benefits available to victims of sexual assault.  Train TRLA staff to conduct safety planning and best practices for clients suffering from trauma.
6. Participate in TRLA outreach efforts.
7. Prepare reports as requested by the Branch Manager, Sexual Assault Team Manager and/or Social Work Team Manager, and perform other related duties as assigned by the supervisor of the Social Work Team.

 
 On behalf of victims of domestic violence.  The social worker’s time will be spent on these activities:
 

1. Provide clients with information about the Texas Crime Victims Compensation Fund and assist them with completing applications and obtaining funds as well as appeals to denial of funds.  Assist clients in developing individual safety plans to promote the safety and security of both the client and the client’s family.  Inform clients about the benefits of obtaining a protective order when needed.  Accompany clients to court hearings as an advocate. Assist clients with locating resources in the community including housing, job training, GED classes, utility assistance, and other financial aids available to victims to promote their stability.  Assist clients with obtaining health insurance, food stamps and other benefits, by making referrals to social service agencies when needed.  Perform comprehensive assessment of clients’ needs. 
2. Provide crisis counseling and support to victims and make outside counseling referrals for victims and their family members.
3. Develop and maintain working relationships with other groups serving victims of domestic and sexual violence including area shelters and by serving on local family violence task force committees and other victim services committees addressing victim needs.  Maintain a list of resources for appropriate client referrals including parenting classes, drug and alcohol classes, etc.
4. Participate in TRLA outreach efforts, including attending evening legal clinics and/or other public service events.  Prepare reports as requested by the Branch Manager, Family Law Team Manager and/or Social Work Team Manager, and perform other related duties as assigned by the Family Law Team Manager and/or supervisor of the Social Work Team.
5. Provide litigation assistance to TRLA Family Law staff attorneys by sharing current research in relevant areas such as family violence, mental health, substance abuse and chemical dependency issues.
6. Perform outcome evaluations after a case has been closed which includes collecting and analyzing client satisfaction data as requested.