Careers with CASA

East Texas Child Advocates, Inc (CASA) – Longview, TX

We are currently hiring for an Advocate Supervisor.

EAST TEXAS CASA EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION

Please email application to: executivedirector@easttexascasa.org

TITLE: Advocate Supervisor DEPARTMENT: East Texas CASA
REPORTS TO: Program Director
STARTING SALARY: $44,000
BENEFITS: 403B, PTO, Paid Holidays, Health Insurance, Dental and Vision Insurance, Laptop, Cell Phone, Use of Company Car, CASA Cares Program, and Mileage Reimbursement.

OFFICE HOURS: Monday-Thursday 8:30am-5:00pm
Friday 8:30am-2:30pm
40 hours a week

***Although the above stated hours are office hours, staff hours may vary depending on the caseload, needs of the children CASA serves, and the organization events/requirements.

STATUS: Exempt

BASIC FUNCTION: The Advocate Supervisor is responsible for providing staff support to the CASA program, support and supervision of all advocates, other program volunteers, coordination of cases, ensure that children assigned to the CASA program receive appropriate services and comply with all Texas CASA Standards.

CASE MANAGEMENT (90%): A minimum of 25% of case management hours will include direct services to victims.
• Manage a caseload of 30 advocates or 35 cases.
• Provide supervision and effectively support advocates who work with children who have experienced abuse or neglect throughout the course of each case.
• Set up advocate case files in OPTIMA.
• Provide timely and thorough guidance to advocates through contact at least once per month by video conference, telephone, email, text or in person meeting.
• Assign cases to appropriate advocates according to the needs of the case and special skills or knowledge of the advocate in coordination with the Program Director

• A staff person performing the duties of an advocate shall provide the advocacy and documentation of advocacy consistent with Standard 8.F
• Staff will ensure that records of children served are kept up to date through current contact entries and monthly progress notes or summaries in OPTIMA by the advocate. If the advocate does not complete it will be the responsibility of the staff to make the current contact entries and monthly progress notes or summaries.
• Ensure advocacy and documentation of advocacy during appointment. (ADVOCACY) (to include in person or telecommunication assistance provided on behalf of victim with schools, health care professionals, daycare providers and therapist)
• Assist advocates in developing case plans. (INFORMATION AND REFERRAL) (to include goals for contact with victims in which services and available support are identified and/or offered like advocacy and peer support services)
• Staff will ensure that the date and reason for case closure is documented in each child case file in OPTIMA.
• Remain available to assigned advocates for individual supervision and guidance on an “as needed” basis with a minimum of at least one documented supervisory contact every month.
• Attend court hearings as needed to support and provide guidance to advocates. (ADVOCACY) (to include accompaniment of victims to court hearings, meeting with Multiple Disciplinary Team Members, attend Family Team Metting)
• For any child not seen by an advocate within the prescribed time, without an approved exception, CASA/GAL program staff must see the child within 10 days.
• Respond to email and phone messages within 24 hours.
• Ensure adequate case coverage during absence of advocates or during the process of case reassignment. (ADVOCACY) (to include in person or telecommunication assistance provided on behalf of victim with schools, health care professionals, daycare providers and therapist)
• Maintain schedule of all court dates, reviews, file and deliver court reports in accordance with statue.
• Conduct a review of the case and the advocates performance of the job description of a CASA/GAL advocate on an ongoing basis and as a component of case closure.
• Instruct and assist child victims with Crime Victims Compensation Application and Texas VINE. ASSISTANCE WITH CVC AND OTHER DIRECT VICTIM SERVICES)
• Participate in and help facilitate pre-service training for potential advocates.
• Provide direct services to victims through crisis intervention, referral, court accompaniment, & presumptive eligibility assessment for CVC services. (ASSISTANCE WITH CVC AND OTHER DIRECT VICTIM SERVICES)

PROGRAM SUPPORT (10%)

  1. Perform duties as assigned by the Executive or Program Director including, but not limited to:
    • Provide office coverage as assigned by Executive or Program Director
    • Prepare success stories as needed for Grant Applications
    • Assist in maintaining and compiling data regarding children and advocates for quarterly and annual reports.
    • Participate in program staff meetings as scheduled by the Executive or Program Director.
    • Participate in program evaluation as requested by Executive or Program Director.
    • Pursue professional development opportunities.
    • Complete pre-service advocate training for a minimum of 30 hours within the first 6 months of hire date.
    • Complete court room observation within 6 months of hire date.
    • Complete 12 hours of continuing education (pro-rated based on date of swearing in) starting the month after completion of the mandatory PSVT training.
    • Participate in Network and DFPS training and meetings when relevant to advocate training and case management.
    • Maintain a working relationship with advocates, DFPS representatives, SSCC providers, AAL’s, and individuals that are a party to assigned cases.
    • Ensure compliance with all CASA policies & procedures including but not limited to cell phone policies, code of ethics, employee handbook, confidentiality, and privacy & security.
  2. Participate in special events as needed.
  3. Other duties as assigned.

POSITION EXPERIENCE & ABILITIES:
NOTE: These requirements represent minimum levels to perform the job on a satisfactory basis. Candidates must have the ability to satisfactorily perform the essential functions of the job.

  1. Requires in-depth understanding of a comprehensive field of knowledge normally associated with the attainment of a bachelor’s degree in a field of social service, social work, or a related field preferred but not required. Minimum 2 years prior casework experience preferred.
  2. The ability to communicate with, supervise, and empower CASA advocates to be effective in their roles–experience with volunteer coaching is preferred.
  3. Requires ability to observe and make accurate assessments of situations (e.g., visiting with a party to the case).
  4. Requires knowledge of and/or work experience with issues and dynamics within families relating to child abuse and neglect, knowledge of child development preferred.
  5. Requires prior related experience in delivering services to youth and/or young adults and families.
  6. Requires proficient ability to speak, read and write English.
  7. Requires ability to speak clearly, effectively communicate in face-to-face interactions; and perform proper telecommunications etiquette. Requires excellent interpersonal skills and verbal as well as written skills.
  8. Requires ability to listen and comprehend verbal instructions, answer phones, and communicate in situations with background noise.
  9. Requires ability to recognize differences in sound, such as voices or noises that are loud and playful instead of angry and combative; and ability to differentiate tones and volume in conversations.
  10. Requires ability to maintain confidentiality.
  11. Requires organizational skills and attention to detail.
  12. Requires the ability to effectively work under pressure and remain flexible as priorities change.
  13. Requires ability to work under minimal supervision while exercising excellent professional judgment.
  14. Requires the ability to use analytical thinking to solve problems and present viable solutions.
  15. Requires ability to facilitate meetings/workshops effectively and professionally to clearly deliver information to clients and others.
  16. Proficient working knowledge and ability to operate and perform computer related tasks with equipment and software applications. Requires the ability to operate other office equipment such as telephones, copy machines, calculators, fax machines, etc.
  17. The ability to work cooperatively with different types of personalities and individuals of diverse racial/economic/cultural backgrounds.
  18. Requires use of personal vehicle, with appropriate state license, following all laws applicable; must provide proof of liability insurance. Must be age 21 or older to drive on behalf of CASA.
  19. Requires ability to work nights and weekends sometimes to meet business needs.
  20. Requires the ability to travel as required using various modes of transportation. Requires the ability to provide personal transportation on an as needed basis to perform job functions in the community.
  21. Requires ability to walk, stand and sit, sometimes for prolonged periods of time. Requires ability to grasp, push, pull, carry, or otherwise manipulate objects.
  22. Requires good health to properly perform duties. Employees shall not be permitted to work who have infectious disease or skin lesion for the duration of the communicability.

POSITION CRITICAL SKILLS:
NOTE: These requirements represent minimum levels to perform the job on a satisfactory basis. Candidates must have the ability to perform the essential functions of the job.

  1. Self-management. Demonstrate self-control and an ability to manage time and priorities. Make sound decisions even under pressure.
  2. Communication. Clearly express ideas, either verbally or in writing, to include but not limited to grammar, organization, and structure.
  3. Willingness to Learn. Assimilate and apply new job-related information promptly.
  4. Ethics & Integrity. Consistently earn the trust, respect, and confidence of coworkers, clients and customers through consistent honesty, forthrightness, and professionalism in all interactions. Includes meeting commitments and promises.

POSITION CRITICAL BEHAVIORS:
NOTE: These requirements represent minimum levels to perform the job on a satisfactory basis. Candidates must have the ability to satisfactorily perform the essential functions of the job.

  1. Team Player. Work effectively with others in the organization and outside the formal lines of authority (i.e., peers, other units, senior management, and the like) to accomplish organizational goals and to identify and resolve problems. Includes considering the impact of your decisions on others.
  2. Critical Thinking. The ability to conceptualize, apply, analyze, synthesize, and/or evaluate information as a guide to belief and action actively and skillfully.
  3. Self-Starter. Demonstrate initiative to take action to achieve goals beyond what is necessarily called for. Includes the ability to work in a less structured environment.
  4. Customer Service Orientation. Make efforts to listen to and understand the customer (both internal and external), anticipate customer needs and give high priority to customer satisfaction.
  5. Self-Confidence. Demonstrate initiative, confidence in oneself, resiliency, and a willingness to take responsibility for personal actions. Have the courage to voice views that are unpopular.
  6. Thoroughness. The ability to balance attention to detail with the cost and benefit of doing so.
  7. Adaptability. Maintain effectiveness in varying environments, tasks, and responsibilities, or with various types of people. Stay agile in the face of change.

NOTE: East Texas CASA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

The purpose of East Texas CASA’s job description is to describe the basic function, major responsibilities/tasks, and essential functions of each job so that employees can better know what is expected of them. The descriptions also provide information useful for recruiting, training, and performance appraisal. This document does not create an employment contract, nor does it modify the at-will employment status of all employees. A job description is not meant to inhibit employee creativity or innovation. The description will be revised as job responsibilities change materially.

About Us

East Texas CASA provides valuable volunteer advocacy for every child that has experienced abuse and neglect in this area. CASA volunteers provide information to the court and represent the child/children’s best interest. This includes researching each child’s situation and making objective recommendations to help them reclaim their childhoods from abuse and neglect. CASA volunteers are frequently the only stable presence in these children’s lives as they navigate the foster care system.