Child Advocacy Supervisor--Legal

Advocacy Supervisor

• Cover letter required to be considered. Address to Executive Director.*

Summary

The Advocacy Supervisor is responsible for the coordination and supervision of all volunteer activity and case management. The Advocacy Supervisor will develop and maintain professional relationships with all interested parties including the judge, court staff, lawyers and state and community agencies. The Advocacy Supervisor will also be responsible for assisting with the screening, and training of all volunteers.

Responsibilities

CASE MANAGEMENT

• Attend court hearings, take notes, and provide support to volunteer advocates advocating for the best interests of children in their appointed case;
• Draft appointment or termination orders and locate and copy case files when necessary
• Record notes into Optima database and see that court orders are scanned into Optima database;
• Review and research case file history to select and initiate orders for case assignment to appropriate volunteer;
• Respond to orders when assigned by Judge or any interested party;
• Keep necessary records as described by case management procedures in Optima database;
• Contact parties and professionals involved in case if volunteers are unable to do so;
• Conduct home visits, school visits, and attend IEP meetings when necessary;

VOLUNTEER SUPERVISION

• Provide support and guidance to volunteer advocates;
• Accompany volunteers to court hearings and visitations when possible and appropriate;
• Keep regular contact with each assigned volunteer;
• Track volunteer’s required monthly visits with children;
• Keep necessary and appropriate volunteer case records in accordance with case management procedures;
• Be available for consultation and assistance to all volunteers sometimes during off hours;
• Edit volunteer court reports or write reports when necessary, sending to appropriate parties in accordance with case management procedures.

VOLUNTEER TRAINING

• Assist with volunteer screening and interview process;
• Assist with development of training topics and procedures;
• Assist with training of volunteers and critique volunteers during training when appropriate;
• Assist with securing guest speakers for in-services and attend in-services when possible.

PROGRAM ACTIVITIES

• Attend all available conferences and workshops for the development of programs for volunteers;
• Attend monthly staff meetings and Advocacy Supervisor meetings;
• Assist with and attend volunteer appreciation; fundraising, and other CASA events noting that lifting and carrying of items (i.e. holiday gifts, clothing, school supplies, event décor, etc.) may be required;
• Attend continuing education at the staff level regarding volunteer management, child welfare and related topics (20 hours required);
• Offer constructive feedback to improvements and advancements for the CASA organization.

Qualifications

A bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, or other related field is required. Masters level /JD is strongly preferred. Previous experience with child welfare law, advocating for others, children’s rights, the Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCPP) and/or the court system is required. Ability to pass various background checks required.

Salary: $55,000-$65,000. Salary based on experience and level of education.

Reports To: The Program Director and the Executive Director.

Work Location: This position will cover cases in both the Union and Passaic County, NJ court jurisdictions and be based out of the Wayne, NJ office. Attendance in court and office hours in both Elizabeth and Paterson is required based on caseload.

Benefits for all positions are as follows:

• Retirement Plan with 3% organization provided match (SIRA)
• Paid Time Off (First year: 10 Vacation, 10 Sick & 15 Public Holidays, plus week off additional in holiday season, plus your birthday off)
• Paid family leave (Maternity, Paternity)
• Training & Development
• QSEHRA Health Care Plan
• Flexible schedule
• Professional development assistance
• Eligibility for federal student loan forgiveness program
• Employer paid life insurance

Fluent professional written and oral English required. Bilingual Spanish a plus but not required.