CASA Specialist - Part-Time, Benefited

General Description: The CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) Specialist works in conjunction with the CASA Program Manager to oversee volunteer recruitment, case assignment, supervision, recognition and retention of volunteer advocates. The CASA Specialist’s principal responsibility is to provide staff support to CASA volunteers ensuring that children assigned to the program receive appropriate advocacy.

Organization: The incumbent reports to the CASA Program Manager and supervises CASA volunteers.

Essential Functions:

• Supervise, guide and support up to 15 volunteer advocates as they manage their assigned cases
• Participate in screening and conducting applicant interviews
• Attends and assists with volunteer training events
• Assist with planning and executing swearing-in ceremony of new volunteers
• Screen all cases referred to CASA using case priority assessment
• Retrieve case files from court and assemble office/volunteer case files
• Assign active volunteers to ongoing caseload
• Review new cases with volunteers and assist with investigation strategy
• Initiate notifications to parties and relevant agencies when case is opened
• Review, edit and submit court reports
• Attends court hearings with volunteer advocates
• Input case and volunteer and case data in CASA Manager and physical files
• Maintain consistent contact with volunteers to remain informed of case status
• Implement coaching and corrective action when needed
• In conjunction with the CASA Program Manager, conduct annual written evaluations of each CASA volunteer
• Conduct routine program evaluations, to include feedback from volunteers, parents, and other service providers
• Plan and implement volunteer recognition events/activities
• Monitor volunteer activities for compliance with DCJS, VA Code and NCASA/GAL regulations
• Identify and implement activities to increase volunteer retention
• Cultivate relationships with the Court, Department of Social Services, Guardian ad Litems, attorneys, private service providers, and Schools etc.
• Actively participates in relevant partner, team, and professional meetings related to the case
• Promote awareness of Hanover CASA in the community

Working Conditions:

• Hazards
  • May interact with customers, families and/or children in difficult situations
• Environment
  • Office
  • Field – Travel may be necessary in order to perform essential functions
• Physical Effort
  • Moderate – As necessary to support program operations
• FLSA
  • Non-Exempt

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
: A comprehensive working knowledge of juvenile justice system and familiarity with current trends in child welfare, including child abuse, neglect, and permanency planning, is required. Knowledge of volunteer management and current trends in volunteerism is preferred. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to prepare and edit written materials. The position requires the capacity to maintain confidentiality and collaborate effectively with volunteers and community agencies.

Experience with automated information systems is required.

Education, Experience and Training: Prior experience with a volunteer organization. Excellent oral and written communication skills. Knowledge of and experience in the child welfare and juvenile justice systems. Bachelor’s degree required. Masters preferred – OR – Any experience and training sufficient to demonstrate the knowledge, skills and abilities is acceptable.

Special Conditions:

• Criminal Records Check, including fingerprinting
• CPS Check
• Valid Commonwealth of Virginia Driver’s License
• Work beyond normal schedule required
• Twelve-month probationary period