Program Director

CASA of Midwest PA - Program Director Job Description

This position is funded by a grant managed by the Pennsylvania Court Appointed Special Advocates Association (PA CASA) until Fall 2025 when management will transition to CASA of Midwest PA.

Summary

CASA of Midwest PA serves the courts and children who have experienced abuse or neglect in Clarion, Lawrence and Mercer counties. The Program Director is responsible for overseeing and managing the recruitment, screening, and training of volunteers and appointments to cases.That includes general case management responsibilities to ensure confidentiality, adequate supervision, and safety and best outcomes for each child. The position is based in Clarion County, but involves regular travel to Mercer and Lawrence counties.

As the program grows, it is anticipated that this role will include managing Advocate Supervisors.The Program Director assists the Executive Director in the training of CASA volunteers and ensures that the curriculum meets Pennsylvania and National CASA/GAL Standards. The Program Director reports to the Executive Director.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, a social service related field and at least two years experience in management of volunteer, non-profit, or social service agencies. Understanding of or prior professional experience with child abuse and neglect, families in crisis, and other social service skills preferred.
• Experience working with volunteers.
• Demonstrated ability to build community awareness and network with other community agencies.
• Demonstrated ability to assess and report data to the Executive Director.
• Experience managing conflict and facilitating change.
• Demonstrated strong interpersonal skills, sound judgment, and the ability to work independently as well as collaboratively both internally and externally.
• Ability to work well under pressure with deadlines and be skilled in prioritizing responsibilities.
• Excellent interpersonal, writing, time management skills and computer skills.
• Willingness to travel as necessary, including travel to Mercer and Lawrence counties to perform duties such as case coverage. .

CASA of Midwest PA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, ethnicity, national origin (ancestry), color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, disability or physical challenge, or any other prohibited basis in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and organizational need.

Responsibilities

Essential Functions:

• Oversee general case management operations to ensure integrity of data and best outcomes for children.
• Monitor volunteer quality, retention, recognition, and support of CASA volunteers.
• Oversee CASA volunteer and program staff training including the 30-hour pre-service training program, ongoing in-service training program, and professional development,
• Ensure all volunteer policies and procedures comply with National CASA/GAL Standards for Local Programs and PA law as in the Juvenile Act 42 Pa.C.S. § 6342.
• Oversee the recruitment and education of volunteers and assist in the implementation of recruitment and retention strategies.
• Collaborate with child welfare professionals and represent CASA as a liaison to the court, child welfare agencies, and related organizations

It is anticipated that in the future, responsibilities will include:

• Provide the orientation, training, and supervision for all advocate supervisory staff.
• Provide complex case consultation between Advocate Supervisors and CASA volunteers.
• Attend meetings for Advocate Supervisors when they are unavailable.
• Conduct annual performance reviews and case documentation audits for all direct reports.

Volunteer and Case Management:

• Coordinate and ensure CASA’s presence at all applicable court hearings.
• Review court reports, assist in distribution of court reports, and attend court hearings as necessary.
• Help develop initial case plans and on-going strategies for advocacy.
• Meet regularly with Children and Youth regarding program collaboration.
• Maintain necessary and appropriate volunteer records per National CASA/GAL’s Standards.
• Maintain necessary and appropriate case records per National CASA/GAL’s Standards.
• Assist with yearly volunteer evaluations and follow-up.
• Help plan volunteer appreciation events in alignment with volunteer retention strategies.

Data and Performance Metrics:

• Coordinate program evaluation and outcome measurements, prepare program reports, and monitor metrics.
• Assist the Executive Director in completing the National CASA/GAL annual and six-month surveys.
• Assist the Executive Director with grant reports as it pertains to programmatic metrics and outcomes.
• Assist in developing yearly goals for the CASA program.

Community Relationship:

• Participate in national, state, and local organizations concerned with child abuse and neglect, as able and available.
• Provide community education about services offered by the CASA program and assist with outreach.
• Maintain effective relationships through personal contact and written communication with other professional and social service organizations and serve on community committees and task forces, as able and available.

Training:

• Complete the initial 30 hour National CASA/GAL volunteer pre-service training within six (6) months of hire.
• Participate in 12 hours of continued education training annually.

Other Requirements

• Flexible work hours required with some weekends and evenings.
• Position requires extensive background check:
• Pennsylvania State Police Criminal History Record Check
• Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance from the Department of Human Services
• Fingerprint based Federal Criminal History (FBI) Record Check through the Department of Human Services
• Social Security Number Verification
• National Sex Offender Registry Check
• Must sign a Confidentiality Statement and Conflict of Interest Disclosure.
• Must have access to a vehicle, be willing and able to travel, and possess a valid driver’s license.
• Complete special projects and tasks as assigned by the Executive Director.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $48,000.00 - $52,000.00 per year

Benefits:

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

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Clarion County, PA (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Clarion County, PA: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Willingness to travel:

• 50% (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $48,000 - $52,000