CASA Director

Summary:

• This is an administrative and supervisory position responsible for oversight of the Lehigh County Court-Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Program. This position works under the administrative direction of the District Court Administrator, the Deputy Court Administrator, and the Administrative Judge for Juvenile Dependency.

Essential Duties:

• Develop and adheres to office policies and procedures aligned with guidelines and standards as set forth by National CASA/GAL, CYAN PA, and the Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas.

• Prepare and complete statistical reports for the Court, National CASA/GAL and CYAN PA. Oversee and respond to internal and external audits of the Lehigh County CASA Program by National CASA/GAL and CYAN PA.

• Oversee the recruitment, screening, and interview process for prospective CASA volunteers.

• Directly supervise CASA volunteers, both those who are waiting for assignment and those who have been assigned as advocates for dependent children. Ensure all clearances are complete and current.

• Select and match trained CASA volunteers with dependent children.

• Assist CASA staff and CASA volunteers in determining the appropriate action on a case.

• Create, review, and edit reports from the CASA volunteers and disseminate final versions to the Court and attorneys.

• Accompany CASA volunteers to hearings. Conduct pre- and post-hearing meetings with CASA volunteers to strategize next steps on the case. Schedule and conduct debriefing interview with CASA volunteers at the termination of the dependency matter.

• Develop training program for prospective volunteers, consisting of approximately 50 hours of in-person and online training, for CASA staff and CASA volunteers in conjunction with National CASA/GAL and CYAN PA. Conduct ongoing in-service training for CASA staff and CASA volunteers as appropriate.

• Ensure a working Crisis Management Plan is in place that can be swiftly executed as needed.

• Participate in required meetings with National CASA/GAL, CYAN PA, Lehigh County Children's Roundtable, and other interagency groups, including other CASA programs, as needed.

• Conduct outreach with the public to promote Lehigh County CASA and engage in opportunities to recruit new volunteers.

• Foster positive working relationship with Court personnel, Office of Children and Youth Services, dependency attorneys, service providers, and other agencies involved in juvenile dependency matters.

• Perform other job-related duties as required or assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• The CASA Director has supervisory responsibility for 1 direct report.

Qualifications:

• To perform this job successfully, the individual in this position must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the minimum knowledge, skills and ability required.

• Must pass Criminal Background Check. Must pass Federal, State, Child Abuse, and National Sex Offender, and Mandated and Permissive Reporting clearance checks.

Education/Experience:

• Bachelor's degree (B. A.) from four-year college or university; or one to two years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Experience in social work and intimate knowledge of the Dependency system within the Pennsylvania Courts may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis.

A criminal background check is required.