Child Advocacy Specialist

Child Advocacy Specialist

Corporate Office - UFCU - AUSTIN, TX 78759

Salary Range $50,000.00 Salary/year

We are looking for a Child Advocacy Specialist (CAS) who can supervise volunteers as they advocate for the most vulnerable children in Travis County.

CASA of Travis County believes every child who's experienced abuse or neglect deserves to have a dedicated advocate speaking up for their best interest in court, at school, and in our community. To accomplish this, the team at CASA educates and empowers community volunteers who ensure each child's needs remain a priority in an overburdened child welfare system. Through honorable and respectful involvement with families, courts and all parties, CASA makes independent and educated recommendations that prioritize children's safety and, wherever possible, preserve connections to their families.

As a CAS, you will guide and supervise a team of volunteer advocates by providing guidance, coaching and feedback as they advocate for the best interest of the children to whom they are assigned. Advocacy occurs in a variety of settings including courtrooms, classrooms and medical and therapy settings. You will be expected to work effectively with families and legal parties with varying experiences and perspectives, as well as exhibit an understanding of child and family advocacy issues as it relates to the child welfare system.

At the end of your first year, success would mean managing a team of 18-20 volunteers with a full caseload with a clear understanding of CASA's, trauma-informed care principles, and CASA's role within the child welfare system.

The CAS is a critical role to move CASA of Travis County towards meeting our vision of quality advocacy, a safe home and a promising future for every child in Travis County.

Responsibilities include supervising volunteer advocates in their role as "Court Appointed Special Advocates" (CASA) and Guardians ad Litem for the children to whom CASA of Travis County is appointed. Supervising no more than 18-20 volunteer advocates and a maximum of 30 family groups. Attending and participating in case related meetings, court hearings, providing assistance and coaching of volunteer advocate regarding court reports, court attendance and testimony.

Providing volunteer advocates information and professional contacts regarding community resources, facilitating provision of direct services such as food, lodging and emergency funds. Providing information and resources related to Crime Victim's Compensation and the Texas State-wide Automated Notification System (SAVNS). Guiding and supervising volunteer advocates in their participation in placement selections by reading home studies and consulting as information is gathered and partners with the volunteer advocates in making recommendations to the Court.

Assisting the volunteer advocates in identifying permanency planning issues for children while steadily moving the case forward toward the goal of a safe and permanent placement. Attending and participating in volunteer related events for recruitment and retention, completing annual volunteer evaluations and providing regular coaching of Volunteer Advocates. Fulfilling the performance standards as outlined by Praesidium, through monitoring and supervision, incident reporting, shadowing of Volunteer Advocates, QA calls, and other tasks as assigned.

For any child not seen by an advocate within the prescribed time, without an approved exception, CAS program staff must see the child within 10 days. Working collaboratively with other professionals.

Provides informed and consistent guidance, coaching and feedback to volunteer Advocates as well as encouragement and praise. Provides timely notification of staffings, meetings, and court hearings to volunteer advocates. Provides guidance, assistance and review of volunteer advocates' written and oral reports to the Court. Leads onboarding of new volunteer advocates and provides ongoing training and continuing education to volunteer advocates as needed.

Provides consistent contact in the process of maintaining and fostering relationships between the volunteer advocate and other professionals…