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Eastern MT CASA GAL Inc Child Advocate Specialist in Glasgow, Montana

Eastern Montana Casa Gal is hiring for a Program Child Advocate Specialist for the 15th & 17th Judicial District and Fort Peck Tribal Court. The position is a full time position that will work Monday-Thursday 7:30am-5:00pm, with a half hour lunch. Will also work Friday 8:00am to 12:00pm. This is a considered a remote work at home position. The overall summary for each Judicial District: Eastern Montana CASA GAL Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving children in 18 counties across the 7th, 16th, 15th and 17th Judicial Districts. The program has expanded its services to include advocacy for children in foster care within Fort Peck Assiniboine Sioux Tribal Court. Our advocacy focuses on tribal children represented by the Department of Family Services in Roosevelt County through its contract with the Fort Peck Tribe. Although these cases fall under the 15th Judicial District, they are handled by the Tribal Court in Poplar, Montana, rather than the Montana State Judicial Court. The Program Child Advocate Specialist is responsible for direct case management and coordination, ensuring that abused and neglected children receive high-quality advocacy within district courts. This role requires proficiency in the OPTIMA database for tracking and updating case work. Flexibility regarding work schedule is essential. In addition to direct casework, the Program Child Advocate Specialist supports CASA volunteers by providing mentorship and guidance throughout the process, including interviewing parents, teachers, foster families, counselors, and the children themselves. Information obtained during interviews and document reviews is compiled into court reports for presiding District Judges. These reports assist judges in making informed decisions about each child's best interests. The role of CASA is to ensure proper care and advocate for safe, permanent placements for children in foster care as promptly as possible. CASA staff, together with the Recruiter Trainer, provide training and ongoing support for volunteer advocates (CASAs). These volunteers are appointed by judges to represent the best interests of children removed from their homes. New volunteers receive 30 hours of initial training, and the Program Child Advocate Specialist is required to undergo the same training and become a sworn CASA. Overall Job Performance: Case Review, Assignment, and Closure: Support program staff in reviewing new cases, assigning volunteers, and documenting case closures in OPTIMA. Maintain regular monthly contact with all CASA volunteers by phone, monitor caseloads, and assign DN cases in consultation with the Executive Director. Advocacy: The Child Advocate Specialist will directly advocate for children without an assigned CASA volunteer and perform all necessary volunteer activities. Supervision Requirements: Provide direct assistance and consultation to volunteers, maintaining monthly contact even if no active case is assigned. Report Review and Editing: Review and edit all monthly and hearing reports submitted by volunteers, collaborating with the Executive Director prior to filing with the court. Court Calendar Management: Attend court hearings, manage court dates for volunteers, notify them of upcoming appearances, and accompany them to staffing's, hearings, and meetings as needed-primarily in the 15th and 17th Judicial Districts, but also, when required, in the 7th and 16th Judicial Districts and at Tribal Court in Poplar, MT. Office Management: Maintain electronic files in OPTIMA, communicate volunteer concerns to the Executive Director, and ensure office operations run smoothly. Advocate Recognition: Collaborate with staff to coordinate recognition and appreciation events for advocates. Travel: Travel is required throughout the 15th and 17th Judicial Districts, to Tribal Court in Poplar, and to outside counties where children are placed. Overnight stays may be necessary when work exceeds eight hours. Other Duties: Maintain strict confidentiality regarding Dependent Neglect cases and CASA volunteers. - Become a sworn CASA/GAL Advocate Volunteer. - Effectively manage and distribute incoming communications. - Provide office coverage as needed. - Assist with selection and recruitment of CASA volunteers in coordination with the Recruiter Trainer. - Collaborate with team members across judicial districts to balance caseloads and provide mutual support. - Foster a collaborative and positive team environment to enhance program effectiveness. - Respect and properly utilize office equipment and adhere to company vehicle use policy. Direct Advocacy and Reporting: - Mentor cases with staff assistance when no CASA is available. - Provide support and consultation for CASA volunteers and collaborate with other staff. - Guide volunteers through investigations, home visits, meetings, and court hearings. - Maintain at least monthly contact with assigned volunteers. - Conduct annual evaluations of assigned CASA volunteers. - Submit monthly reports, including contact logs, case hours, and mileage, via the OPTIMA database. - Perform relevant duties as part of a team working cooperatively with program staff. Case Management: - Attend court dates, hearings, and meetings on behalf of volunteers when necessary. - Maintain accurate electronic and paper case files. - Communicate volunteer or case issues with the Program Director. - Staff weekly with colleagues and the Program Director to discuss case information. - Consult with the Executive Director for additional support as needed. Program Activities: - Participate in professional development workshops and conferences as appropriate. - Represent CASA at outreach events as requested. - Work collaboratively with staff and volunteers to promote the program in the community. - Limited out-of-town travel, evening, and weekend work are required with advance notice. - Additional duties may be assigned by the Executive Director. - Contribute to the development of the Peer Coordinator Model Program. Qualifications: - Must be at least 21 years old. - Bachelor's degree in human services or a related field preferred, or equivalent combination of education and experience. - Excellent public speaking, organizational, collaborative, interpersonal, training, and small group facilitation skills. - Understanding of volunteer engagement, child abuse and neglect laws and procedures, family crisis intervention, and child development. - Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook; must learn the OPTIMA database. - Completion of CASA Advocate training within one month of hire and successful background check are required. Preferred Skills: - Experience working with volunteers. - Knowledge of child abuse and neglect processes, family crisis intervention, and child development. - Familiarity with court-appointed special advocacy and social services is desirable. - Demonstrated initiative in supporting Eastern Montana CASA GAL Inc.'s mission and comfort in diverse settings. Summary: The Program Child Advocate Specialist mentors and supports CASA volunteer Advocates and ensures that children served by CASA receive effective advocacy and permanency planning. This position focuses on volunteer retention, ongoing mentoring throughout the case process, and works closely with the Recruiter Trainer to recruit new volunteers. The Child Advocate Specialist is hired by the Program Director with input from the Board of Directors. Eastern Montana CASA GAL provides a monthly health insurance stipend, a 401K plan, and access to a company vehicle for job-related travel. This position is located in the 15th & 17th Judicial Districts, serving Blaine, Daniels, Phillips, Roosevelt, Sheridan, and Valley counties, including all cities in those counties, as well as Tribal Court Children in Poplar, MT. Occasional assistance is also required in the 7th and 16th Judicial Districts. Salary: DOE Position includes

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