Child Advocate-Legal

This position serves as the Distance Placement Child Advocate for the CASA of Passaic and Union Counties program responsible for ensuring the best interest of children in the foster care system by assisting staff and volunteer advocates with visiting children residing across the State of New Jersey and advocating for their best interests in the child welfare and court systems. The role is responsible for visiting each child on their caseload monthly, representing their best interest in court, and facilitating solutions to meet their needs.

• Serves as the Court Appointed Special Advocate for a caseload of 10-12 youth in the foster care system.
• Maintains detailed records and reports of all activities and contacts.
• Conducts monthly face-to-face visits with children at their home for children placed more than 60-90 minutes away from Passaic and/or Union County.
• Drives to locations across the state of New Jersey as required by the organization’s caseload to access information or conduct in-depth interviews. (Requires reliable personal vehicle, mileage and toll reimbursement.)
• Interviews and maintains contact with service providers, caretakers, and educators in order to promote the best interest of the child to the Court.
• Enters all data and activity into the organization’s “Optima” database system, upload documents electronically to the system and proofread documents as needed.
• Performs related duties as assigned.
• Attends monthly staff meetings and Advocacy Supervisor meetings.
• Attends continuing education at the staff level regarding volunteer management, child welfare and related topics (20 hours required.)
• Offers constructive feedback to improvements and advancements for the CASA organization.