GENERAL DESCRIPTION: The mission of CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) is to provide trained volunteers to advocate in court for the safety and well-being of abused and neglected children. Position will supervise advocates who are assigned to D&N cases. This position will also interview and screen volunteers for CASA of Jeffco/Gilpin. Coordinator will organize continuing education opportunities for volunteers and coordinate recognition and retention efforts related to veteran volunteers. This position is full time, 40 hours per week.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Works under the supervision of the CASA Program Director.
Advocate Supervision:
Maintain and monitor caseload of 16 to 18 cases and 18 to 20 D&N Advocate volunteers.
Maintain consistent ongoing contact with CASA volunteers by phone, e-mail, and face to face meetings to offer assistance, support, and problem solving in difficult situations. Conduct at least one live contact per month.
Track and communicate court hearing dates and scheduled meetings for volunteers. Put all hearings on group calendar.
Review volunteers’ written court reports for content and accuracy, providing feedback as needed to improve quality prior to submission before each hearing.
Clear all volunteer removals and discharges with the Program Director.
File reports and other written correspondence with courts and all parties in a timely manner.
Maintain up to date and accurate records and files on all assigned cases, including notes on the case and notes related to the volunteer.
Attend, with volunteers, all court hearings associated with assigned cases.
Participate in case planning meetings as necessary to support volunteers.
Facilitate collaboration between CASA, other agencies and professionals (i.e. attorneys, caseworkers, foster parents, etc.) and the courts.
Perform case closure interviews with volunteers.
Assist with tracking and re-directing volunteers no longer assigned to cases.
Assist with pre-service and in-service training, and support meetings.
Maintain computer records.
Serve on special committees and/or boards related to the function and work of CASA; including but not limited to, Child Protection Team and other partner agency teams related to child protection
Complete CASA Volunteer Pre-Service Training.
For staff new to CASA who have not previously served as a CASA volunteer, accept assignment as an advocate on a case as part of the training process and job duties.
Assist with special projects and events on an as needed basis.
Support CASA staff with general administrative duties, program management and growth.
Assure well-being reports are completed by the deadline.
Assure Case Open and Case Close Well-Being reports are completed by volunteer in a timely manner.
Volunteer Coordinating:
Following receipt of application, screen prospective volunteers, schedule and conduct interviews with Community Engagement Coordinator, and determine who will be invited to train, in consultation with the Program Director when eligibility is questioned.
Follow-up on active volunteers with no case, and re-engage them with their individual supervisors or opportunities with special projects.
Organize and provide continuing education opportunities, quarterly, to veteran volunteers to meet the 12 hour per year National CASA statutory requirement.
Provide ongoing communication with current volunteers regarding opportunities for education, involvement in new special projects and current events within CASA.
Supervise volunteers who are listed in Optima as available for Special Projects Retention and Recognition: Coordinate with staff regarding nominations of volunteers for awards and recognition within the community.
Explore issues related to recognition and retention of volunteers and share with Program Director
Obtain input and assistance from volunteers and staff related to development of continuing education and formal/informal recognition and retention activities.
Work with Program Director to manage budget expenditures related to recognition and retention activities.
Perform occasional data analysis related to volunteer training and retention.
Conduct surveys of volunteers re needs and support, as needed.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education and Experience: Minimum of one (1) year of work-related experience in social services, CASA or related court or social service volunteerism, or other related service field.
Must have a valid state driver’s license.
Must have current verification of adequate automobile insurance coverage.
Must submit to criminal background check.
Must have a working telephone number.
Must be available for flexible day/evening work hours.
Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Proficient public speaking ability.
Good working knowledge and understanding of court/social service system community resources, and cultural diversity.
Good working knowledge of training and management of volunteers.
Ability to coordinate, organize and supervise a variety of individuals requiring varying levels of supervision.
Skill in the use of computers, Microsoft office, and audiovisual equipment. Must have the ability and willingness to perform job-related travel.