SAWERA Blog

SAWERA CLIENT ADVOCATE
SAWERA provides free, confidential and culturally specific services to South Asian women and children who are the victims of domestic violence. Pronounced “sah-way-rah”, it also means “morning” which symbolizes a new beginning for South Asian women. We are a grassroots, non-profit organization that was formed in Oregon in 1997 to serve the community through education, advocacy, empowerment and solidarity. Our goals are to provide direct services to victims and to conduct outreach and education in South Asian communities in the greater Portland area.
We are looking for a passionate Client Advocate who will provide client support and resources. The position requires flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.
Responsibilities:
• Provide client support and resources on behalf of SAWERA
• Collaborate with other DV agencies, community groups, and government organizations to provide co-case management
• Assist SAWERA clients in seeking “Crime Victim Compensation”
• Update and manage client files
• Conduct functionality & need assessment & set quarterly goals for clients
• Conduct quarterly evaluation of progress on goals for clients
• Monitor the helpline and respond promptly
• Attend Support Group/Kids’ Club every alternate Sunday
• Complete and submit monthly DHS report and other reports required under the grants
• Other tasks as assigned, which may include but not limited to occasional organizational administrative responsibilities
Qualifications:

Required:
• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work/Sociology/Psychology/Women’s Studies, Criminal Justice/Law or related field
• Fluency in Hindi or another South Asian language
• South Asian, Bi culturally competent
Strong communication and organizational skills
• Knowledge of South Asian culture
• Two years of prior experience in advocacy work in the area of domestic violence, trauma informed services or related field
• 40 hours of DV training or committed to complete it upon being hired
• Able to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office

Preferred:
• Prior experience working with a South Asian community organization
• Knowledge of Family, Criminal, and Immigration Law

Pay and Benefits: DOE

• Minimum of 25 hours/week (Maximum is 32 hours/week)
• Mileage reimbursement to a maximum of $100/month

To learn more about SAWERA, please visit our website at www.sawera.org. To apply for this position, please email your resume and cover letter to:
su_sawera@yahoo.com

We at SAWERA welcome our new Program manager, Pramila Paranjape to our fold!

Pramila comes to us with a vast network of contacts and years of experience in the field of Social work, which she says is “not only my profession but it is my passion and commitment too”.

Her social work experience began at age 16. She was a part of women’s writers group called, ‘StreeUvach’ (Women speak) and women’s discussion forum called, ’Maitrini’ (Female friends). These experiences inspired her to choose social work as her profession.

Pramila has a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Mumbai and a Master’s degree in Social Work from the reputed Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai, India, where she was awarded the coveted Dorabji Tata Merit Scholarship.

She has served as a board member for the last 4 years on the Foster Care Review Board of Washington County of State of Oregon.

Pramila  served as a Development Officer at Women’s Economic Development Corporation of State of Maharashtra, India that promoted entrepreneurship and economic independence of women.

She also has extensive experience in working with slum women andchildren on the issues of health, education, eviction, etc.

Pramila is married with 2 high school children.

With Pramila on board, SAWERA is certain to see the dawn of new and wonderful possibilities!

Please join us for SAWERA fundraiser at Sweet Tomatoes.

Event :                                          SAWERA Fundraiser
Time :                                           15 February · 17:00 – 20:00
Location :                                  Beaverton Sweet Tomatoes
More info :                                1225 NW Waterhouse Ave, Beaverton Oregon

For those of you who are attending, please print a copy of the flier. Flier can be found at the link below:

http://sawera.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/FunRaiserFlyer.pdf

SEE YOU THERE!