together we will
You can help abused, neglected and abandoned children across the state by getting involved with CASA of Jefferson County.
to become a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA)
Contribute
by making a charitable donation
Support
local CASA activities
and events
and events
Share
information about
our mission and work
our mission and work
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
Careers with CASA of Jefferson County
Position: Program Director
Status: Full-time
Location(s): Jefferson County Family Courts (Birmingham and Bessemer Divisions)
Reports to Executive Director of CASA of Jefferson County
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Program Director provides direct support to the Executive Director and programmatic support for the program. The Program Director supervises Advocate Coordinators, coordinates with the respective courthouses, and oversees a small caseload.
REQUIREMENTS:
Management and leadership, staff and volunteer oversight and development, limited grant writing and compliance. Must have the ability to initiate, cultivate and strengthen staff and morale. Ability to multitask and work within a team atmosphere and utilize effective organizational skills. Will be open to working evenings and weekends as necessary.
DESIRED:
- Experience as a CASA volunteer or employee at a non-profit advocacy-oriented agency is desirable.
- Experience in public relations is preferred.
- Advanced law degree preferred.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Supervise and support advocate coordinators in both court jurisdictions
- Ensure effective volunteer recruitment, oversee volunteer onboarding, and coordinate volunteer training.
- Ensure staff, volunteers, and the Board of Directors have current background checks on file.
- Facilitate continuing education and in-service training for CASA volunteers.
- Maintain compliance with Alabama CASA Network and National CASA Standards.
- Attend court hearings as applicable.
- Cooperate and regularly communicate with the court, the Department of Human Resources, and attorneys to promote understanding and acceptance of the CASA advocacy role.
- Coordinate outreach opportunities for staff and CASA volunteers.
- Must provide oversight to volunteers on a set caseload in accordance with grant standards.
- Provide assistance to the Executive Director in the following areas:
- Program evaluation
- Assist with fundraising activities as needed
Candidates must successfully complete the local and federal criminal background checks, sex offender background checks, and Child Abuse Registry clearances. The Program Director will complete CASA training and be sworn in as a CASA volunteer. A drug screen may be required prior to employment and can be performed randomly throughout employment.
TO APPLY
Please submit resume, cover letter, writing sample and references to: kburke@casaofjeffco.org.
Position: Intern
Status: Part-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.
POSITION SUMMARY:
The internship is an unpaid part time position but provides excellent experience to a student interested in law, volunteer administration or social services.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Assist with the recruitment and training of volunteers (processing volunteer paperwork, attending volunteer fairs and other outreach events, responding to inquiries about volunteering).
- Prepare case summaries and initial case files for all volunteer advocates.
- Help with the intake of new cases (compiling files, drafting summaries, contacting parties).
- Support Advocate Coordinators by helping with case management and following up with volunteers.
- Complete volunteer training.
- Assist with volunteer training.
- Communicate with volunteers about trainings, events and casework.
- Assist with fundraising by preparing mailings, newsletters and emails.
- Assist with information sessions and fundraising events.
- Support volunteer advocates by attending volunteer appreciation events and continuing education trainings.
- Complete other duties as necessary.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Currently receiving or received bachelor’s degree. Previous experience in a child welfare, juvenile justice, volunteer administration, law, child abuse/neglect, or social services preferred.
- Strong oral and written communication skills.
- Computer skills.
- Professionalism and dependability.
- Skilled with organization and time management.
- Ability to problem solve.
- Initiative and good judgment.
Candidates must successfully complete the local and federal criminal background checks, sex offender background checks, and Child Abuse Registry clearances. A drug screen may be required prior to internship and can be performed randomly throughout employment.
EEO POLICY STATEMENT
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.
TO APPLY
Please submit resume, cover letter and writing sample to: kburke@casaofjeffco.org.
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.