Texas CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) is part of a national volunteer
movement that began in 1977 in Seattle when a juvenile court judge conceived the idea of citizen volunteers speaking up for the best interests of children who are in foster care due to allegations of abuse or neglect. Today, the CASA movement has evolved into one of the largest volunteer organizations in the country. CASA volunteers are appointed by judges to watch over and advocate for these children in court, school and other settings; with the goal of reuniting children with their families whenever safe and possible.
In Texas, there are 74 local CASA volunteer advocacy programs with more than 7,000 volunteers serving over 17,000 children in 217 counties across the state. Texas CASA is the statewide organization that provides funding, resources, training and support to these local programs to ensure they can operate effectively and seek out the best possible volunteers who will advocate passionately for the children they serve.
Anyone interested should have a willingness and openness to learning and growing in a member-focused service environment.
Requirements
Assist in the delivery and implementation of Collaborative Family Engagement in local CASA programs and their child protective stakeholders in assigned counties and/or regarding specific tasks.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Track and evaluate the implementation of CFE for assigned CASA programs, develop coaching strategies to address opportunities and challenges, and share joint responsibility with the programs for progress.
- Support CFE sustainability for CASA programs and CPS/SSCCs by collaborating and building relationships with CASA and CPS/SSCCs, providing strategic planning, and coordinating and facilitating leadership and planning meetings.
- Provide coaching, consultation, modeling, and assistance to CASA programs, CPS/SSCCs and stakeholders on the CFE framework, tools, elements, and practices.
- Develop and implement virtual and in-person CFE trainings including program planning, identification of topics, curriculum development, logistics, and training delivery.
- Create and disseminate CFE technical assistance materials to local CASA programs, CPS/SSCCs and stakeholders including but not limited to resource materials, templates, one-pagers, and videos.
- Provide coaching to CASA and CPS/SSCCs on team and family meetings which could involve facilitation, observation, and providing feedback.
- Conduct CFE presentations to CASA, CPS/SSCCs, and stakeholders in local communities and at conferences.
- Collect data and assist in data and evaluation methods.
- Assist in CFE development and implementation activities as requested.
- Other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Required:
- Bachelor’s degree in social work, social services, business, or a closely related field.
- Three years of working experience with CASA programs, child protection services, or related field.
- Experience in coaching/mentoring and facilitation.
- Must be able to pass a background check.
Preferred:
- Master’s degree.
- Bilingual in English and Spanish.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:
- Knowledge, understanding and acceptance of CFE, family engagement, and/or Family Finding/Seeing philosophies and practices.
- Experience working with children/youth and their families, and demonstrated understanding of permanency, trauma informed care, connection informed care, normalcy, unmet needs, and the issues children and youth potentially face as they are in foster care and/or are connected to family members.
- Knowledge and understanding of Court Appointed Special Advocates, child protective services, and community-based care providers.
- Knowledge and demonstrated skill of change management, project design and management, and implementation science.
- Demonstrated skill in the facilitation of curriculum utilizing adult learning principles.
- Ability to facilitate groups of people into action and strong coaching skills.
- Experience communicating effectively with people over the telephone or virtually, in writing and in person, both individually and in groups.
- Demonstrated ability and comfort in public speaking.
- Leadership skills and ability to work autonomously.
- Focus on CASA network programs and child welfare professionals as our customer with demonstrated customer service.
- Strong organizational and time management skills with ability to manage multiple projects at one time.
- Strong computer skills including but not limited to Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Dropbox.
- Willingness and ability to work flexible hours and travel, including spending time in the field.
- Must possess a focused and disciplined work ethic, be detail oriented and be comfortable working in a team-oriented environment.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORK ENVIRONMENT:
- 100% of work will be performed in a home office environment in Texas requiring ongoing computer use and transportation. Travel to the Texas CASA office is required for quarterly all-staff meetings and CFE team meetings and events, as needed.
- Travel is required up to 30% of the time throughout the state of Texas. During this time, the employee may be occasionally exposed to a variety of working and environmental conditions.
- Must be able to remain stationary or move about for long periods of time and ability to move objects, up to 50 pounds.
- This position requires frequent communication in a multitude of settings. Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations.
FLSA STATUS: Exempt
COMPENSATION: $55,000 TO $65,000
Benefits
Remote working environment in Texas. In addition, the person will be eligible to participate in Texas CASA standard employee benefit programs, which include:
- Vacation, Personal Days, Paid Sick Time
- 403(b) Retirement Plan with 5% Employer Contributions
- Medical, Dental, Vision
- Group Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance
- Short- and Long-Term Disability
HOW TO APPLY:
By February 24, 2025 please upload a PDF cover letter, resume and three references to Workable. The cover letter should describe your interest in the position and include a detailed explanation of how your experience meets the minimum qualifications and prepares you for the responsibilities outlined in the job description. We do not accept phone inquiries regarding the position.
Anyone interested should have a willingness and openness to learning and growing in a member-focused service environment.
