CASA Manager/Guardian ad Litem

ABOUT PROKIDS

ProKids is a nonprofit agency that provides outstanding volunteer advocacy for abused and neglected children in Hamilton County, who through no fault of their own, are in the child protection system. We recruit, train, and support Court Appointed Special Advocate (for children) Volunteers to provide a powerful voice to these children.

Children assigned to a CASA Volunteer are successful. A national study shows that children with CASA volunteers spend less time in long-term foster care and move less often. At ProKids, our Outcome Measures demonstrate the effectiveness of CASA Volunteers.

POSITION SUMMARY

The CASA Manager serves as a Guardian Ad Litem and trains, supervises, and supports Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers who advocate for children in the child protection system. This position ensures volunteers are effectively prepared to represent the best interests of children and comply with court, agency, and program standards.

LOCATION

This position will be hybrid with a minimum of 1 day per week required to be in the office, as well as for team and staff meetings and ProKids events and trainings. Other in-office days may be required based on the position and will be determined by the supervisor. ProKids office hours are Monday through Friday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.

STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES – Team Members

· Demonstrate an understanding and commitment to ProKids’ strategic goals, mission and vision.

· Take ownership of assigned responsibilities and achieve desired outcomes.

· Identify process improvement opportunities and make recommendations.

· Support team and cross-team collaboration.

· Contribute to an inviting and inclusive workplace.

CASA MANAGER RESPONSIBILITIES

· Oversees and supports the work of CASA volunteers, trained by ProKids, who advocate for our children.

· Meets with child, petitioner and all adults living in the home.

· Follow-up with families to ensure services are in place and children and their families are participating.

· Contacts CASA at least once per month to discuss case, as well as prior to court hearings to prepare the volunteer and the court report.

· Ensures that court reports are written and submitted in a timely manner.

· Advises attorney of concerns regarding completion and accuracy of any filings and case documents.

· Attends all court hearings.

· May serve as Educational Decision Maker in the primary or secondary role.

· Enters placement and education information into CASA Manager database and reviewing and approving CASA notes.

· Attends all CASA Manager meetings and Advocacy events.

· Provides support and resources to the CASA to assist in their case work and enhance their volunteer experience.

· Works with supervisor to develop/expand outside resources for children and families.

· Provides coaching, goal setting and ongoing evaluation of each CASA.

· Keeps CASA informed of continuing education opportunities and helps CASA find creative ways to obtain required continuing education requirements.

· Represents a strong model of child advocacy to Committed Community and general community. Including but not limited to:

o Providing information and guidance for essential stories.

o Developing capacity within child welfare community to serve children and families.

o Establishing and maintaining strong, close working relationships with the court and service community.

GUARDIAN AD LITEM RESPONSIBILITIES

· Serves as a Guardian Ad Litem for Dependency, Custody and Unaccompanied Minor cases as required.

· Performs all duties in compliance with Rule 48 of the Rules of Superintendence for the Courts of Ohio and is subject to the approval of Hamilton County Juvenile Court.

GENERAL PROKIDS RESPONSIBILITIES

· Engage in role-related growth by staying current with best practices, participating in relevant training, and applying new learning to enhance individual and organizational performance.

· Acquires and maintains a working knowledge of other team’s programs and practices to encourage good communication and collaboration.

· Benchmarks with other CASA programs and organizations for best and leading practices.

· Ensures the effective representation of ProKids to external organizations and individuals.

· Communicates the need for volunteers and assists in designing and implementing volunteer training.

· Attends all staff meetings and establishes good teamwork with co-workers.

· Ensures common office spaces are ready for the next person, maintained, and stocked with essential supplies. Notifies Business Operations of maintenance and supply needs.

· Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

· Bachelor’s Degree

· 1 year of experience with child protection services and juvenile court

· Familiarity with the foster care system, guardianship and termination of parental rights

· Understanding of the impact of trauma, abuse and neglect on children and families

· Strong working knowledge of Microsoft 365 applications

KEY COMPETENCIES

· Child-centered Advocacy Skills

· Resilience and emotional intelligence

· Excellent verbal and written communication skills and interpersonal skills

· Excellent time management skills, organized, efficient and able to multi-task

· Ability to collaborate effectively across internal and external teams

· Adherent to confidentiality, policy and compliance requirements

· Sound judgement and ethical decision making

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

· Keyboarding

· Ability to sit and stand for long periods of time

· Ability to lift, carry, push or pull up to 40 pounds

· Ability to reach overhead or below shoulders

· Ability to climb stairs and navigate homes/facilities when visiting children

ProKids is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer that values and treasures Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. We are committed to creating an environment of dignity and respect for all our employees and families served.

PAY

Starting at $46,000 annually based on a 35-hour work week.

Benefits:

• 403(b)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• Do you have one year of child protection services and/or juvenile court experience?

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Cincinnati, OH 45202