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Southwest Georgia Victim’s Assistance Alliance, Inc.

Executive Director/ Community or Legal Advocate

Job Description

The mission of the Southwest Georgia Victim’s Assistance Alliance, Inc. (Sowega Victim’s Alliance) is to create a nurturing, healthy and safe community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. To realize this mission, Sowega Victim’s Alliance will advocate for victims of crime in the Southwestern Judicial Circuit, identify and recommend resources, offer public education, and provide direct support services. The Sowega Victim’s Alliance also seeks to end family violence in the Southwestern Judicial Circuit by providing legal services, counseling, and support for survivors of domestic violence and conducting prevention education to change individual and community perceptions about relationship abuse.

Sowega Victims Alliance is seeking a candidate passionate about this mission and vision. The ideal candidate acts from a spirit of service and possesses belief in community as a core value. Our organization embraces creative, unique and effective solutions for problems specific to rural Southwest Georgia. The abilities to collaborate and innovate are key qualities to thrive both as a leader in this position and in this community. This position requires wearing many hats both as Executive Director and as Advocate.

Start Date: July 1, 2018; Salary Range: $50,000 – $65,000; vacation/ sick incl.; no benefits.

Deadline: Priority applications accepted until 5pm 5/21/2018; position open until filled;

Email resume, cover letter and references to William@sowegavictims.org; no phone calls please.

Position Description

The Executive Director (E.D.) role oversees the organization taking all steps to maintain fiscal and programmatic compliance and integrity as well as act as liaison for stakeholders and the community. The advocate role assists survivors of domestic violence with multiple areas of services and support to include: obtaining protective measures through the criminal and civil justice systems, support and advocacy for victimization related issues such as employment, housing, creditors, academic institutions and on behalf of secondary victims of domestic violence such as children of the victim. The advocate role provides explanation, direction, support and referrals in other arenas not directly related to vision and mission. The advocate will develop a comprehensive community approach to wrap-around victims’ services. The advocate’s tasks include but are not limited to representing clients’ interests in Integrated Domestic Violence Court (IDVC) and leading the Adult Victims Task Force (AVTF). The legal advocate (J.D. only) will represent clients in various courts for victimization related legal issues. This position requires extensive travel throughout the southwestern judicial circuit to make services available to all communities and individuals.

Duties and Responsibilities

Manage all organizational needs reporting directly to Board;

Maintain all fiscal and programmatic requirements and integrity;

Assess and consult with survivors as necessary relating legal and support needs;

Provide legal represent and appearances and or support advocacy on behalf of survivors and secondary victims as needed;

Follow up with clients and continued advocacy as necessary;

Act as Liaison between Victim’s Alliance, community stakeholders and individuals;

Manage and direct all existing programs in line with vision and mission;

Act as representative for organization with stakeholders and community.

Minimum Requirements:

J.D., LCSW, LAPC or other comparable licensure in good standing in Georgia;

Excellent written and oral communication skills;

Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and Quickbooks Pro online;

Strong organizational and record keeping abilities;

Ability to provide regular reporting to and direction from Executive Board;

Ability to assess community needs and create appropriate programmatic response;

Ability to respond quickly and embrace need for change;

Ability to form and maintain beneficial relationships with community stakeholders as well as existing and potential funders;

Ability to be a “self-starter,” work independently and with a team;

Demonstrable ability to relate to people from diverse socio-economic and ethnic backgrounds;

Knowledge of Georgia state justice system in both civil and criminal practice arenas;

Minimum three (3) years’ experience working in direct service with victims;

Minimum two (2) years in a supervisory role;

Residence and/or relocation to Southwestern Judicial Circuit (no relocation expenses);

Reliable transportation.

Southwestern Judicial Circuit – Sumter County – Americus

Sowega Victims Alliance, Inc. main office is housed in Americus, Sumter County, Georgia and services the counties of the Southwestern Judicial Circuit: Lee, Macon, Schley, Stewart, Sumter and Webster. The Southwestern Judicial Circuit is approximately the size of Delaware with Americus at its seat. Americus is home to Habitat for Humanity International, Millard Fuller Center for Housing, Georgia Southwestern State University housing the Rosalynn Carter Institute, and South Georgia Technical College as well as many active civic and faith based organizations. Americus also boasts Center Stage Market, Mobile Glass Blowing Studios, Tepuy Activeware, Café Campesino coffee and Thirteenth Colony distillery. First Friday events are held every month and a yearly Hot Glass/ Craft Beer Festival. Historic Americus provides a high quality of life with the opportunity for meaningful community support with low crime and no traffic within one hour of multiple urban areas such as Albany, Columbus, Perry and Warner Robins.

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