Advocate Coordinator

Advocate Coordinator Job description

Full-Time Exempt

Advocate Coordinator

CASA of East Tennessee’s mission is to improve the lives of abused and neglected children through trained volunteers who advocate for safe, permanent, loving homes. We are currently hiring for the full-time position of Advocate Coordinator based in our Knox County Juvenile Court Office.

Reports to: Court Program Director

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in social-services-related field or equivalent experience.

Experience/Background: Prior experience in Knox County Juvenile Court/Tennessee is preferred, but any combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills, and abilities will be considered. Experience managing volunteers preferred. Familiarity with the issues impacting the children CASA serves, including substance abuse and mental health issues.

Skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills are imperative. Interpersonal skills must be excellent.

Must be able to read and interpret legal documents, medical records, and procedure manuals. Ability to multitask and meet deadlines. Excellent computer skills, including experience with calendar sharing, Google Business Suite, and database management.

Special Requirements: Commitment to the program’s mission, goals, and standards.

Must have completed CASA of East Tennessee volunteer training or schedule the training upon hire. Must be a minimum of 21 years of age; have a valid driver’s license; submit to a pre-employment screening and criminal background check. Must possess the ability to effectively communicate with, supervise, and empower volunteers to be effective in their roles.

Summary

The Advocate Coordinator reports to the Program Director and works closely with the Advocate Supervisor to coordinate and provide professional staff support to CASA volunteers, ensuring that children involved with the CASA program receive quality advocacy in court and early permanency planning. This position liaises with the Juvenile Court Judge and Magistrates to accept case assignments and manages the volume of cases relative to available volunteers. The Advocate Coordinator is responsible for the coordination and facilitation of volunteer pre-service training and assists volunteers with investigations, home visits, record requests, court preparation, assisting with and editing volunteers’ reports to the court, filing and distributing court reports, attending hearings and agency meetings with volunteers, and providing post- dispositional supervision and direction.

This is a full-time position (40 hours per week).

Essential Functions:

• Coordinates and facilitates the required 33-hour volunteer pre-service training in accordance with CASA standards.
• Processes volunteer concerns and problems, providing direction, advice, and technical expertise. Supports volunteers through the entire case, from case assignment, investigation, record requests, report drafting, report editing, and attendance at hearings.
• Provides volunteers with all necessary documents and information relative to their case including detailed written guidance on how to best manage their case (a roadmap) and provide optimal advocacy for the children to which they are appointed. Provides volunteers with essential reporting forms and guidelines, and facilitates record requests.
• Reviews case records and reports to ensure the needs of the assigned children are being addressed. Provides quality case management and supervision of volunteers as required by state and national standards.
• Attends home or school visits with children and families, agency meetings, and emergency hearings as needed. Attends all court hearings with the CASA volunteer, who advocates for vulnerable children with matters before the Knox County Juvenile Court.
• Organizes and maintains case records, updates case records as necessary, and collects and maintains data from volunteers regarding case updates.
• Maintains effective coordination with the court on case assignments, assigns and reassigns cases to volunteers, notifies volunteers of hearing dates, and attends hearings. Liaises with court staff, attorneys, and magistrates to stay current with all proceedings.
• Enters data into CASA Manager in a timely and accurate manner.

General Expectations

• Adheres to Court policy and procedures. Acts as a role model both within and outside the Court. Cultivates relationships with attorneys who serve as Guardians ad litem and attorneys who represent parents/guardians.
• Possesses the ability to work cooperatively and collaboratively with all people in the child welfare system, i.e., judicial staff, service providers, DCS, and foster parents.
• Demonstrates an attitude of respectful, non-judgmental, and empathetic behavior toward the families and children we serve, being sensitive to the values and beliefs of different cultures.
• Professionally represents CASA of East Tennessee at Court and in the community. Exhibits a professional manner in dealing with others and works to maintain constructive working relationships.
• Maintains a positive and respectful approach both verbally and in writing with superiors, colleagues, and individuals inside and outside the Court.
• Performs duties as workload necessitates in a timely, accurate, and thorough manner and is conscientious about assignments, meeting department productivity standards.
• Schedule flexibility to be available for nights and weekends as necessary for training and case needs.
• Consistently reports to work on time, prepared to perform duties.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality in all work and case-related matters.

Contributions to Operations

• Attends staff meetings and training as required.
• Supports fundraising and recruitment efforts of the agency by attending and supporting special events.
• Completes monthly reports, timesheets, and all other paperwork on time.
• Assists in fostering positive relationships with current donors and developing relationships with potential donors.
• Serves as a primary point of contact with the Court.
• Other duties as assigned.

Please Submit both a Cover Letter and Resume for consideration for this position.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $42,000 - $45,000 per year

Benefits:

• Unlimited Paid Time Off after first 90 days
• Parental leave

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Knoxville, TN 37919: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Education:

• Bachelor's or equivalent experience

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Work Location: In person

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $42,000.00 - $45,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Paid time off
• Parental leave

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Location:

• Knoxville, TN 37919 (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Knoxville, TN 37919 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Knoxville, TN 37919: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $42,000 - $45,000