CASA Volunteer Job Description

Position Title: CASA and/or SEPT Volunteer

Mission: -To respect a child’s inherent right to be safe, establish permanence, and

have the opportunity to thrive.

- To advocate for the child’s best interest in the court at every stage of

the case, once appointed by the court

Purpose of position:

To monitor and provide independent, factual information to the court regarding abused and neglected children

To monitor cases involving abused and neglected children

To advocate and insure representation of the child’s best interest in all judicial proceedings, schools, and placements

To insure court orders are carried out by the parties to the case

Duties:

  • Complete an independent, intensive inquiry into the child’s life.
  • Report findings to the court in the form of objective written and oral reports
  • Attend all court hearings, case staffing, reviews, conferences, and other meetings as appropriate
  • Monitor child’s case through ongoing observation and continued interviews of the parties and professionals involved in the case
  • Be a referral source for community services available to families and the child
  • Maintain accurate records of all contacts and submit reports monthly to supervisor

Requirements:

Demonstrate a genuine care and concern for our community’s abused and neglected children

Must be 21 years or older

Have no felony conviction

Have no conviction for a criminal offense involving a child

Have no conviction for any criminal offense for which the factual basis includes unlawful sexual contact

Are not listed in a child abuse registry

Access to transportation and telephone.

  • Access to computer helpful.

CASA Volunteer Job Description p.1

Time Required:

3-4 hours per week

Length of Commitment:

18 months minimum; duration of the case

Training Provided:Mandatory initial core training (32 hours) and 12 hours per year of ongoing training

Required Skills and Knowledge, including the ability to:

  • Keep all client and court information confidential
  • Communicate effectively both orally and in writing
  • Respect and relate to people of varying backgrounds in a variety of settings
  • Transportation to attend court, meetings, etc.
  • Deal effectively with heightened emotional situations
  • Remain objective
  • Gather and accurately record factual information
  • Meet timelines and deadlines
  • Understand child development and family relationships at a basic level

Level of Responsibility:

  • Function independently with staff support, in a variety of situations, some of which may be stressful or uncomfortable.
  • Exercises considerable judgment in
  • determining whether actions being planned and carried out in the case are in the best interests of the child
  • conveying recommendations which will impact the life of the child to other parties involved in the case.
  • Insures that appropriate boundaries are observed between self and the parties to the case.
  • Maintains a professional demeanor and appropriate working relationships with professionals involved in the case.
  • Maintains consistent contact with supervisor to share information and consult about the direction of the case.

CASA Volunteer Job Description p.2