ADVOCATE SUPERVISOR
General Description:
The Advocate Supervisor provides professional support to CASA/GAL volunteers to ensure that children assigned to the CASA Kane County organization receive thorough advocacy and proactive permanency planning. He/she will be responsible for case assignment, planning, on-going advocacy direction and support to the CASA/GAL volunteers.
He/she will assist in the recruitment, case assignment and evaluation of CASA/GAL volunteers. The Advocate Supervisor will be responsible for CASA/GAL volunteer supervision, reporting and the essential case records of the organization, interfacing with other local child welfare agencies, providing input in identifying, developing, and implementing program needs and goals, and providing on-going stewardship. He/she needs to be a highly motivated and organized individual who can ensure the highest level of advocacy for the appointed children of each CASA/GAL and share passion for CASA Kane County’s mission.
History – Mission – Direction of the Organization:
In 1977, a Seattle Superior Court Judge named David Soukup was concerned about trying to make decisions on behalf of abused and neglected children without enough information. He conceived the idea of appointing community volunteers to speak up for the best interests of these children in court. He made a request for volunteers; 50 citizens responded, and that was the start of the CASA movement.
Mission Statement: CASA Kane County is a Guardian ad Litem, nonprofit volunteer organization that advocates for the best interests of children in abuse, neglect and private guardianship cases within the Juvenile Court system.
CASA Kane County is 33 years old with 24 staff members, 25 Board of Directors, 40 Children’s Ambassador Panel members and approximately 200 active CASA/GAL volunteers. As a Guardian ad Litem organization, we are appointed to 100% of all abuse/neglect cases in Kane County!
Qualifications:
Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, sociology or volunteer management related field combined with 3+ years of experience
Personal and professional integrity
Strong computer skills in all Microsoft Office Products including Word, Excel and Outlook and experience working with case management or database management software
Demonstrates excellent oral and written communication skills
Ability to work as a team player and interact positively with volunteers, staff and judicial partners
Demonstrates maturity and responsibility in handling confidential information
Ability to communicate, supervise, and empower advocates to be effective in their advocacy roles
Support Advocate Volunteers through stewardship and building and maintaining strong relationships
Knowledge and understanding of matters within families in crisis relating to child abuse/neglect
Ability to multi-task and handle timelines efficiently
Flexibility in work hours as required in order to carry out activities
Self-starter who is goal-orientated and brings a high level of energy to a dynamic team
Demonstrates professional ability to interact positively in many different settings with CASA volunteers, attorneys, and other court personnel
Ability to develop and maintain relations with other agencies and judicial partners
Problem solving and conflict resolution skills
Bi-lingual skills preferred
Juvenile courtroom experience preferred
Commitment to CASA Kane County’s goals and mission
Cooperative Working Relationships/Accountability:
The Advocate Supervisor reports to the Director of Advocate Supervision. He/She works closely with CASA/GAL volunteers, other team members and court personnel.
Responsibilities:
Completion of a 45 hour CASA Kane County CASA/GAL educational training.
Review new cases and assign advocates in coordination with the Director of Advocate Supervision
Assist in the development of initial case plans and on-going strategies for advocacy.
Provide assistance and guidance to advocates as needed and when requested.
Attend court hearings and maintain a comprehensive schedule of all activities.
Assist in the interviewing and training of new advocates.
Review, edit and prepare CASA court reports.
Ensure timely submission of CASA court reports to Staff Attorneys/Court.
Maintain and audit case files to ensure information is current and accurate.
Complete training on CASA’s “Optima” volunteer database program and assist with statistics concerning case or advocate data.
Maintain a caseload, if there is no volunteer to be assigned, and take over advocacy as the GAL including making monthly in person visits as necessary
Ensure the visitation requirements for each child/foster parent are completed each month in compliance with CASA Advocacy and Operations manual
Meet with other CASA team members in establishing a comprehensive advocate educational plan (AEP).
Perform annual evaluations of all assigned advocates.
Assist in advocate related education and recognition events with other staff.
Communicates with all advocates at least twice a month.
Acknowledge volunteers through the CASA organization stewardship plan.
Attend case related staffings or visits with the CASA volunteer to ensure proper case management, empowerment and coaching.
Attend on-going educational opportunities for greater education and resource knowledge.
Verify proper reporting and case management practices are adhered to through CASA’s “Optima” volunteer database program to ensure proper outcomes of data are reported accurately.
Attend case related meetings or appointments with other services agencies or service providers.
Assist with other tasks as needed by the administration.
Physical Requirements and Work Environment
The Advocate Supervisor is expected to have daily transportation to attend offsite meetings, educational programming and conferences, recruitment, retention and fundraising events, etc. Occasional out-of-town overnight travel. He/she will spend some time in the office that could involve intermittent physical activities including bending, reaching, sitting and walking during working hours.
Financial Overview
Annual Budget for Organization: $3,600,000. Organizations financial resources: foundation and corporate grants, special events, interest income, endowment income and earnings, annual contributions and major gifts.
Benefits
All Government, Court and National Holidays Paid – approximately 15 days
10 paid vacation days after first year, plus 6 paid sick/personal days
Hybrid Work Environment
Employee Assistance Program
Health, Dental and Vision Insurance Plan
Retirement Plan (403b) 3% match by CASA
Opportunities for continuing professional and personal development
Team and Mission-driven support and culture
Employee Classification Full time – exempt position.
Equal Employment Opportunity Policy Statement
CASA Kane County provides equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, CASA Kane County will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.