Advocate Supervisor

Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Northwest Arkansas (NWA) is a nonprofit

organization whose mission is to provide quality volunteer representation for children who

have experienced abuse and neglect. Part of a national movement, CASA of NWA was

founded locally in 1997 and serves children in foster care in Benton, Washington, Carroll,

and Madison counties.

Job Summary: Provides direct supervision, guidance, and support to CASA volunteers,

ensuring compliance with established regulations and best practices. Assists in the

recruiting, screening, and training of volunteers. Initiates required correspondence related

to cases, maintains case records and volunteer files, and compiles information to prepare

reports to the court. This job does NOT allow for direct interaction with the youth we

serve. The main focus of this position is volunteer supervision and management. Strong

writing and editing skills a MUST. People skills a MUST. Communication skills a MUST.

Duties & Essential Job Functions

Volunteer Supervision

 Evaluates cases and assigns volunteers based on interest, time, skills, and

experience to ensure the best outcome for the child(ren.)

 Works with volunteers in developing a case plan and monitors progress on

achieving the goals of the plan.

 Provides supervision and guidance while monitoring volunteers’ performance on

issues of confidentiality, policy, boundaries, and relationships with other

professionals.

 Monitors and evaluates each volunteer’s investigative and advocacy work to ensure

that each child in the program receives the highest quality services.

 Reviews and edits court reports to ensure they are in accordance with established

guidelines and criteria, and that they are accurate, goal directed, and submitted in a

timely manner.

 Assists volunteers in the interpretation of psychological evaluations based on

assessments, IEP’s, DHS case plans, etc. to ensure that appropriate placements,

visitations, medications, and services are provided.

 Accompanies volunteers to court hearings, meetings or visits as needed or, if

required, attends in volunteers’ stead and/or makes appropriate arrangements in

volunteers’ absence.

 Reviews issues and progress on cases with each volunteer, at minimum, monthly.

 Ensures that each volunteer completes the required in-service hours for continuing

education.

 Completes and reviews an annual written performance evaluation with each

volunteer.

 Maintains relationships with all professionals involved in the case to ensure quality

of outcomes and a positive reputation in the community.

Recruiting, Training & Outreach

 Participates in volunteer information sessions and continuing education programs.

 Interviews prospective volunteers and makes recommendations as to candidates’

suitability to serve as a volunteer.

 Participates in public relations and community education events.

 Maintains professional relationships with external service providers to enhance

organization perception and visibility.

Data Entry & Record Keeping

 Maintains records and case files of active cases.

 Enters case information into CasaManager database and ensures that files are

current.

 Manually files pertinent documents in volunteers’ personnel files.

 Compiles volunteers’ case hours, visits, and contacts, and prepares monthly

reports.

 Compiles information for other reporting requirements as requested.

Other

 Remains current on changes in CASA requirements, federal and state child welfare

laws, and DCFS mandates and policies.

 Engages in on-going education regarding the developmental, emotional,

educational and social needs of children, and issues affecting families.

 Remains knowledgeable of applicable state and county service providers and

services.

 Represents CASA in a professional manner.

 Encourages excellence throughout the organization.

 Performs tasks to promote the smooth operation of office activities.

 Performs other duties as assigned.

Educational Background

 B.A. or B.S. required; advanced education, experience, and/or training preferred.

 Pass all background checks required by the CASA program prior to hiring.

 Successful completion of pre-service training curriculum.

 Obtain a minimum of 24 hours of continuing education a year

Skills/Experience

 2+ years experience working in Child Welfare

 Experience in professional and/or volunteer staff supervision preferred.

 Availability to work flexible evening and weekend hours as needed.

 Ability to establish and maintain a rapport with volunteers to ensure they remain

motivated and committed, and to promote retention.

 Desire and ability to act as a dedicated team member.

 Demonstrated writing excellence and editorial skills.

 Computer proficiency.

 Bilingual preferred

 Health Benefits available after 90 days

 Employee Assistance Program

 Retirement with 3% match

 Generous paid vacation and sick leave package

 Paid holidays including the week between Christmas and New Year’s

 Paid parental leave available after one year

 Paid sabbatical available after five years

 Flex-schedule available

The physical demands of this position include sitting, standing, walking, driving, lifting,

pushing, pulling, stacking, and computer use. Position also requires the ability to work long

hours and weekends as needed, for special events, and campaigns. This job description

does not list all the duties of the job. You may be asked to perform other duties as needed

to assure the continued success of CASA of NWA. Management has the right to revise this

job description at any time. CASA of NWA requires, as a condition of employment, that all

applicants consent to and authorize a pre-employment and/or continued employment

verification of their background. CASA of NWA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

$50,000-$56,000 negotiable based on experience.

Send cover letter and resume to Amanda Wilkerson at ***email_hidden***.