Program Director

Douglas County CASA is searching for a Program Director to join our team to dedicate time to our core program to provide support as we continue to grow to serve every child under the protection of the court due to abuse and/or neglect from Douglas County, Kansas.

The Program Director was added in 2024 to increase our organizational capacity. The position includes responsibilities that were formerly the Executive Director’s to increase our agency’s capacity for continued program and organizational growth. The main reason for this position is to ensure the CASA program and its staff and volunteers have a dedicated full-time person focused on its success.

The Program Director is responsible for the oversight and management of the Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Program and all aspects of that core program’s operations including staff, policies, procedures, grants, and services in Douglas County, Kansas. The role involves direct supervision of the Senior Advocate Supervisor; indirect and direct support of the Advocate Supervisor team; recruitment, training, and supervision of CASA volunteers; grant writing, management, and reporting; partnership and collaboration with the court and child welfare agencies; public speaking and events, and program management to adherence to State and National Standards and other best practices. The Program Director shall review and assure that the CASA program adheres to and remains in full compliance with all Douglas County CASA policies and procedures, Kansas CASA Standards, Kansas CASA Association guidelines, and National CASA/GAL standards. The Program Director is responsible to the Executive Director of Douglas County CASA, Inc.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

We plan to hire one full-time person but will consider hiring multiple part-time people. Desired start date is January 2025. The position will remain open until filled.

To apply submit a cover letter, resume, and names and contact information for four (4) professional references (PDF, DOC, or DOCX file format, one PDF file preferred) by email to evaughn@dccasaks.org

o We will not contact references until after successful completion of an initial interview.

o Initial and continued employment are contingent upon passing background checks.

Job Description

CASA Program Accountability, Certification and Contracts

1. Monitor and report progress on CASA program goals to Executive Director and Board.

2. Prepare and submit statistical reports for the Kansas Office of Judicial Administration (OJA), Kansas CASA Association (KCA), National CASA/GAL Association (NCASA), and other funders and governing bodies.

3. Assure that the CASA program adheres requirements set forth by the Kansas Supreme Court and the Kansas Office of Judicial Administration, Kansas CASA Association (KCA), National CASA/GAL Association (NCASA), Service Enterprise Initiative, and other funders and governing bodies.

4. Assure that the CASA program adheres to all requirements set forth through contractual agreements with funders and granting agencies.

5. Maintain necessary licenses, certifications, and agreements.

6. Develop and maintain procedures for management information systems such as financial information and other data management including, but not limited to Optima (volunteer and case management database) and QuickBooks Online (grant/financial).

Support of CASA Supervisors

1. Assist CASA Advocate Supervisors in managing CASA cases and volunteer caseloads by providing direct supervision to the Senior Supervisor, helping facilitate planning for and provision of resources.

2. Supervise the editing and submission of all Court Reports prior to filing and ensure timely filing of court reports.

3. Oversee the screening, training, supervision and evaluation of CASA volunteers in accordance with program policies.

4. Assign volunteers to Supervisors.

5. Oversee the prioritization and case assignments to volunteers, assign cases to CASA volunteers.

6. Meet with Senior Supervisor and Supervisors and volunteers as needed to address case-related concerns.

7. Attend hearings, meetings, etc. on behalf and/with Advocate Supervisors when necessary.

8. Meet with judges and child welfare agency staff members as needed to ensure productive working relationships.

9. Support at least monthly staffing with Advocate Supervisors

10. Support the Senior Supervisor and Executive director in planning for and conducting regular staff meetings.

11. Maintain personnel records, ensure proper documentation is kept in personnel files.

12. Support the hiring and onboarding Supervisors as directed by the Personnel and Agency Policies.

13. Provide leadership and direction to ensure effective operations and consistent administration of policies for the CASA Program.

14. Ensure that job descriptions are developed, updated and that regular performance evaluations are held and documented as directed by the Personnel policies.

15. Verify and approve payroll records of staff with the Executive Director and Senior Supervisor.

16. Report staff concerns to the Executive Director.

17. Divide and assign work effectively, delegating appropriate levels of freedom and authority.

18. Oversee staff development and education and assist program staff in relating their specialized work to the total program of the organization.

19. Maintain a work environment designed to attract, motivate, and retain a diverse professional staff.

Volunteer Recruitment and Training

1. Support the Community Engagement Coordinator and Recruitment Committee with recruitment and training activities.

2. Publicize CASA program (flyers, PSA, newspaper articles).

3. Direct the screening and interviewing of all prospective CASA volunteers.

4. Direct the provision of pre-service training and in-service training for CASA volunteers.

5. Assist with development and maintenance of the CASA volunteer manual as well as other training materials.

6. Work with all staff to ensure all CASA volunteer files are kept current, i.e. background checks, social security checks, motor vehicle checks, and update all fingerprints in compliance with standards.

Case Management

1. Coordinate, document, and channel all CASA Program requests until resolution.

2. Supervise the matching of CASA case with appropriate CASA volunteer

3. Ensure that orders for assignment of volunteer to case are initiated, that filed copies are sent to all parties, proper documentation to parents/interested parties is sent, and ensure CASA Supervisors meet with CASA Volunteer to go over the case file after assignment.

4. Ensure that orders to discharge a CASA from a case are filed after consultation with the Executive Director and ensure proper documentation is sent to parents/interested parties.

5. Ensure necessary paperwork is distributed to families, parties, and CASA volunteers.

6. Consult with CASA volunteers about problems or concerns and offer suggestions as to an appropriate course of action.

7. Work with the Senior Supervisor to ensure that:

• Supervisors assist volunteers in preparing court reports.
• Completed reports are filed, and copies are distributed to interested parties.
• Copies of all court orders and reports are maintained in CASA office and are made available to the CASA volunteer assigned.
• Appropriate documentation is maintained in case files.
• Supervisors attend all court hearings with the volunteer assigned.

8. Maintain appropriate communication with other Court personnel, and representatives of DCF, DCF Contracting Agencies and other agencies involved in cases. Coordinate activities with the CASA volunteer.

9. Attend Case Planning Conferences as necessary.

Fiscal Management

1. Assure adequate control and accounting of all grant funds and maintain sound financial practices.

2. Assure that official records and documents are in compliance with federal, state and local regulations and reporting requirements (such as annual information returns; payroll withholding and reporting, grant requirements, etc.).

3. Maintain all monthly program costs and keep expenditures within the approved budget.

4. Work with the office Administrative Assistant, Bookkeepers, and Executive Director in processing and paying the monthly bills.

5. Prepare grant reporting and compliance as required.

Resource Development

1. Support and work with the Executive Director and Development Director in developing and implementing efficient, sustainable and ambitious grant writing and management strategies to meet and exceed revenue goals to support current program operations and to promote consistent growth and expansion of the program.

2. Identify new grants and other funding source proposals and/or applications and prepare those proposals and/or applications as directed by the Executive Director.

3. Meet or exceed revenue goals to ensure that adequate funds are available to permit the organization to carry out its work

4. Successfully involve others in grant writing and management.

5. Establish and maintain positive relationships with grant funders (government, foundations, etc.).

6. Support and assist the marketing and/or communications strategies of the agency to foster new and existing funding support.

Public Relations

1. Serve as an effective spokesperson for the CASA Program under the direction of the Executive Director.

2. Maintain collaborative communication with relevant stakeholders and child welfare community.

3. Establish sound working relationships and cooperative arrangements with community groups, organizations and partner agencies.

Affiliations and Organizations

1. Maintain active program membership with Kansas CASA. Travel to other locations in Kansas is required and appropriate.

2. Maintain active program membership with the National CASA/GAL Association. Attend state, regional, and national meetings and conferences as directed by the Executive Director and consistent with Board approved budgets.

3. Collaborate with other local, state and national organizations when appropriate and as directed by the Executive Director.

Board of Directors

1. Provide monthly written reports to the Executive Director to inform the Board of Directors.

2. Attend Board meetings to provide reports to the Board as requested.

3. Provide support to Board Committees as needed.

General Duties

1. Maintain statistical data for grant reports and quarterly, 6 month and annual reports.

2. Complete CASA program specific grant reports and quarterly, 6 month and annual reports.

3. Assist in the planning of volunteer appreciation events.

4. Complete appropriate documentation as required.

5. Other duties as assigned by the Executive Director.

Minimum Qualifications

A. Bachelor's Degree (master’s degree preferred), preferably in one of the following or related fields: business, nonprofit management, public administration, human services, social work, psychology, education or a related field.

B. Five (5) years of experience:

· Any combination of education and life experience, which would demonstrate possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities, needed to perform the duties of the position.

· Experience in the following areas required: staff supervision and management, grant writing and administration, grant and program budget management, public speaking and partnership maintenance and development, Administrative/management experience in a non-profit organization.

· Experience in the following is preferred: volunteer management, nonprofit, or public service agencies, social service agency, volunteer organization, or court related environment with experience recruiting, training, and supervising volunteers.

C. Excellent written and oral communication skills, and interpersonal skills.

D. Be at least twenty-one years of age.

E. Successfully pass all background checks and screening required of our CASA Volunteers, including but not limited to: (1) KBI Fingerprint Criminal Records Check; (2) Child Abuse & Neglect Registry Check; (3) National Sex Offender Registration Check, (4) Three written professional references from persons unrelated to the applicant (5) Completion of a personal interview.

F. Possess or be able to procure reliable transportation, appropriate vehicle insurance, and a valid driver’s license.

Required Skills

A. Ability to work effectively with people of all social, economic, racial and cultural backgrounds;

B. Ability to relate in a non-judgmental manner and maintain an independent role with individuals and groups within a wide spectrum of problem areas;

C. Ability to manage people and to maintain professional standards for the program including confidentiality;

D. Ability to organize, plan, and implement activities appropriate to further program goals;

E. Good oral and written communication, observation, behavior documentation, and community liaison skills.

F. Ability to empower volunteers to be effective in their roles.

G. General computer skills, including proficient use of Microsoft Office 365, specifically Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, SharePoint, and OneDrive.

HOURS:

· Full-time position, non-exempt, onsite 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, Monday – Friday, with flexible hours working some evenings and weekends due to events, committee work, etc. There is flexibility for some remote work.

COMPENSATION, REIMBURSEMENT & BENEFITS

· $50,000 – $70,000 depending on experience, skills, qualifications, and education.

· Monthly Cell phone/Internet Reimbursement: $40/month to reimburse employees for use of personal cell phone and home internet.

· Paid Time Off

o Holidays: We observe most holidays observed by Douglas County (court).

o Discretionary Day: One additional discretionary day is available per year.

o Vacation Leave: Accrued 8 hours each month (equivalent of 12 days per year).

· Sick Leave: Accrued 8 hours each month (equivalent of 12 days per year).

· Optional Health Insurance (Medical, Dental, Vision): Employees working at least 32 hours per week, Douglas County CASA pays 90% of the employee’s premium and 40% of family member premiums.

· Optional Wellness Reimbursement/Stipend: $110/month reimbursement or stipend to support an employee’s Wellness Plan.

· Optional SIMPLE IRA Match: Douglas County CASA matches up to 3% of an employee’s gross compensation to the agency’s SIMPLE IRA plan.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Douglas County CASA is an equal opportunity employer in accordance with all federal and/or state laws. CASA selects employees based on their qualifications to fill established positions. No applicant for employment or employee will be discriminated against because of race, creed, national origin, gender, religion, political affiliation, marital status, sexual orientation (excluding pedophilia), gender identity, age, or disability. Equal opportunity extends to all personnel matters, including recruitment and hiring, evaluation, training, promotion, compensation, disciplinary action, and termination.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $50,000.00 - $70,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Application Question(s):

• Do you understand that applicants must consent to and pass extensive background screening, including the Criminal History Record Investigation (CHRI), child abuse registry history, sex offender registration, driving history, and SSN verification to be eligible for employment/continued employment after hire?

Ability to Relocate:

• Lawrence, KS 66044: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $50,000 - $70,000