Victim Services Division

Employee Support Services (ESS)

While stress and trauma are an inherent part of the job, TDCJ staff are not alone in navigating their experiences. The goal of the Employee Support Services (ESS) section of the Victim Services Division is to coordinate responses to support all TDCJ staff. ESS CRISP Coordinators collaborate with CRISP peer teams and staff impact teams to provide services to employees to include peer support, information and referrals, critical incident support and debriefing, training and follow up. ESS also partners with Regional Victim Services Coordinators to assist staff who become victims of crime while on the job.

The ESS CRISP Coordinators are located in each CID region. They are available to meet with staff by phone, videoconference or in person. The CRISP Coordinators have backgrounds in correctional service and are trained in peer support and crisis intervention. They help with connections to additional resources and are not meant to be a replacement for mental health counseling or therapy. The goal is to equip staff with skills and knowledge for managing the stress of the job to maintain quality of life both on and off-duty.

The ESS Victim Advocate CRISP Coordinators provides services and assistance directly to staff who may be victimized while on or off duty. Their goal is to respond to the emotional and physical needs of crime victims, explain their rights, assist with Crime Victims Compensation, and provide support through the criminal justice system if the case goes to prosecution.

Staff may contact the Regional CRISP Coordinator in their area directly or through the general e-mail or hotline number below. Calls are returned within 24 hours Monday through Friday. ESS e-mail: vsd.employee_support_services@tdcj.texas.gov or at 800-848-4284. Please note: the 800 number is answered Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

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