Overview of CASA DeKalb County, Inc.

CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) is the Guardian ad litem (GAL) appointed to 100% of children involved in the DeKalb County juvenile court system due to abuse or neglect by a parent or guardian. CASA’s role is to visit the child and speak with all relevant parties in the child’s life and present the gathered information to the court through written reports. More information about CASA’s work is on our website, casadekalb.org.

Position Summary

As an Advocate Supervisor/Volunteer Coordinator, you will work with community members who give their time and talents to serve as volunteer Advocates for children in DeKalb County. Your role will be to supervise and retain our current volunteer base, along with supporting CASA’s recruitment and training of volunteers. You will have the opportunity to work directly with children and families from DeKalb County, helping oversee the management of cases to ensure that children involved with the CASA program receive effective advocacy.

Responsibilities

- Perform all tasks related to Advocate management, including, but not limited to:

- Advocate for the best interests of children involved in abuse and neglect court, including for their physical, mental, emotional, medical and educational wellbeing and needs 

- Assist in the recruiting, interviewing and training of new volunteer Advocates

- Review new cases and appoint Advocates in consultation with other Advocate Supervisors

- Motivate, supervise, support, educate and direct the volunteer Advocates in their case work

- Attend meetings and participate in home visits with or for the Advocates

- Maintain CASA case files, statistics and Advocate information in a timely and organized manner using case management software

- Maintain confidentiality of all matters directly or indirectly related to CASA cases

- Maintain contact with and generate retention of current volunteer Advocates

- Attend and facilitate continuing education trainings and networking meetings with Advocates

- Participate in evaluating and maintaining volunteer workloads and in Advocate performance evaluations as assigned by the Executive Director or Senior Advocate Supervisor

- Represent CASA DeKalb County in all legal court proceedings, including:

- Attend and speak at juvenile court hearings

- Keep records of all court dates, types of hearing and program data

- Assist Advocates with preparation of court reports and ensure timely delivery to all parties

- Consult with CASA pro bono attorney assigned to cases

- Work cooperatively on assigned cases with DCFS investigators, caseworkers, attorneys, families, police, schools, medical providers, mental health providers, juvenile court Assistant State’s Attorney and others

Required or Preferred Experience and Qualifications

- Bachelor’s and/or advanced degree in social services, law, nonprofit management or related field, plus 3-5 years of work experience, or lived experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience

- Knowledge and understanding of dealing with trauma-related issues within children and families

- Knowledge and understanding of the juvenile court process and the role of a CASA/GAL

- Excellent oral and written communication skills

- Strong interpersonal relations, including ability to work well with volunteers, attorneys, court personnel, children, families and social service providers

- Experience with Microsoft Office Suite

- Experience with volunteer management and data collection software

- Ability to lead effectively in challenging and emergency situations

- Ability to thrive in an autonomous setting

- Ability to work with and thrive in a variable work schedule environment, including flexibility to work outside of 9 am - 5 pm working hours on occasion

- Commitment to CASA DeKalb County’s mission, vision and values

The salary range is $48,000-55,000 commensurate with experience. Benefits include paid holidays and paid time off as well as a retirement savings contribution. Healthcare support may be provided by a negotiable monthly health insurance stipend.

CASA DeKalb County, Inc., is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All policies, practices and recommendations are administered without discrimination on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, ethnicity, ancestry, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, recipient of an order of protection, marital status, physical or mental disability/handicap or military status in any of its activities or operations.

To apply, please submit a resume and cover letter to Jessica Sandlund, Executive Director, at jsandlund@casadekalb.org.