Get Involved - CASA of Jefferson County

together we will

You can help abused, neglected and abandoned children across the state by getting involved with CASA of Jefferson County.

Volunteer

to become a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA)

Contribute

by making a charitable donation

Support

local CASA activities
and events

information about
our mission and work

Volunteer

When a child enters the child welfare system because his or her home is no longer safe, a judge may appoint a Court Appointed Special Advocate, or a CASA volunteer, to speak up for the best interests of the child in family court and other settings.

As a CASA volunteer, you will make a real difference for abused and neglected children by giving them a voice and providing a stable influence in their lives. You will serve as the eyes and ears of the court to promote the safety and well-being of children in the protective services system. To ensure you understand your role, special training and supervision will be provided before you are assigned a case.

Data shows that children who are assigned a CASA volunteer advocate are more likely to:

Find a safe, permanent home
Spend less time in foster care
Have fewer moves between foster placements
Do better in school
Receive the services they need
Avoid re-entry into foster care

CASA advocates are positively impacting the lives of abused and neglected children.

What Do CASA Volunteer Advocates Do?

Volunteer responsibilities include:

Spending a significant amount of time with a child to build a relationship and gain his or her trust
Exploring all aspects of the child’s life and gather information from everyone involved, including family members, foster parents, teachers, daycare providers, doctors, lawyers, social workers and other relevant persons
Ensuring the child has access to needed services, i.e. medical, education and housing
Accompanying the child to court to advocate for their needs and rights
Providing a comprehensive picture of the child’s life to the judge when the case goes to court
Promoting safety and bringing a sense of urgency to the child’s needs
Committing to advocate for the child’s best interest until he or she reaches a safe, permanent home

CASA volunteer advocates must:

Be willing to commit several hours of your time each month for at least one year
Communicate effectively both orally and in writing
Participate in an in-depth training program
Participate in an in-service training
Pass criminal and DHR history background checks
Be over age 21

Other Opportunities

If you’re looking for ways to support CASA and the vulnerable children we serve, but aren’t in a position to become a volunteer advocate—don’t worry. There are several other ways you can help:

Become a non-advocate volunteer:
Creative ways to help your local CASA programs are endless and very welcome. Please contact our office if you are interested in volunteering as a non-advocate.

Help with administrative tasks in your local CASA office
Set up a luggage, gas card, or office supply drive
Assist with filing or data entry
Donate office space to a CASA program in your community
Volunteer to be on our events team
Make or purchase birthday and/or Valentine cards for CASA kids that your local program staff can deliver
Organize a “Blue Jeans” day at your office where employees pay $5 to wear jeans; proceeds go to CASA

Make a financial contribution:
Your tax-deductible donation enables us to advocate for more children in need. There are several ways and opportunities to give:

Make an individual donation
Supplement your contribution with a matching gift from your employer
Donate in memory or honor of a family member or friend
Give a donation to commemorate a special event
Sponsor an Event
Make a recurring donation of $10/month

DONATE TODAY

Spread the word:

Share our website with family, friends and co-workers
Follow us on social media, and like and share our postings:
Host a CASA Fundraiser for your company, community organization or school

EMAIL SIGNUP

Careers with CASA of Jefferson County

Position: Advocate Coordinator

Status: Full-time

Locations: Jefferson County Family Courts (Birmingham or Bessemer Division)

Reports to Program Director of CASA of Jefferson County

MISSION:

The mission of CASA of Jefferson County is to support and promote court-appointed volunteer advocacy so every child who has experienced abuse or neglect in Jefferson County can have a safe, permanent home and the opportunity to thrive.

Required Skills:

Ability to interact with, inspire, and empower volunteer effectively. Ability to multitask, work within a team atmosphere, and effective organizational skills. Positive uplifting attitude with ability to adapt. Knowledge and understanding of issues and dynamics within families in crisis related to child abuse and neglect.

SUMMARY OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

VOLUNTEER MANAGEMENT

Prepare and distribute documentation and oversee case development.
Provide ongoing support and supervision through regular and consistent communication.
Assist with court reports (edit, consultation, guidance).
Attend court hearings.
Ensure volunteers complete the necessary training, reports, and data entry.
Operations and Service
Recruit, train, manage and retain qualified volunteers.
Oversee volunteer performance with an emphasis on screening, training, and supervision of volunteer advocates.
Assess quality of service continuously through feedback from the court, program data, outcome measures and adherence to CASA Local Program Standards.
Monitor interactions of volunteers with children served for safety and adherence to the role of a court appointed special advocate.
Maintain program files and records and provide oversight of volunteer files and records.
Ensure all background screens are completed for volunteers.
Ensure all reports for volunteer hours, reports, notes are complete, correct, and efficient.
Maintain a caseload as requested by Alabama CASA Network.
Perform related duties as required and/or requested by the Executive Director or Program Coordinator of CASA of Jefferson County.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree, preferably in a social service-related field, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience required (volunteer or paid) in any of the following areas: social services, child advocacy, volunteer supervision, training, volunteer CASA or guardian ad litem, child welfare, education, mental health.
The ability to communicate with and empower volunteers to be effective in their roles.
The ability to work cooperatively with different types of personalities.
Knowledge and understanding of issues and dynamics within families in crisis relating to child abuse and neglect.
Commitment to the program’s mission, goals, and standards.
Proven ability to work and multi-task under pressure, respond quickly to changing situations in complex project environments, prepare responses/narrative quickly and clearly and use personal initiative.
Strong verbal and written communication.
Good interpersonal and networking skills, highly articulate team player.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Be a team-player and support co-workers.
Business casual attire appropriate for office environment.
Some travel required; proof of Alabama driver’s license and car insurance (required).

Candidates must successfully complete the local and federal criminal background checks, sex offender background checks, and Child Abuse Registry clearances.

Please send your resume, cover letter and references to: kburke@casaofjeffco.org

CASA of Jefferson County provides equal employment opportunity for all employees and applicants for employment and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions), color, race, national origin, ancestry, religion, marital status, family care status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other basis protected by federal and state laws.