OCA Program Coordinator, CASA

This Position is EXEMPT from the State of Delaware Merit System

Recruitment #080322-j65416-21800

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Introduction

The Office of the Child Advocate (OCA) is a state agency, housed within the judicial branch, charged with safeguarding the welfare of Delaware's children. It accomplishes this mission through advocacy, collaboration, evaluation, and education with a vision of safe and resilient children with supportive families. It has 30 full-time employees, 6 casual/seasonal employees, 13 contactors and over 400 volunteers. OCA operates out of all three counties. OCA's Legal Services Division represents approximately 550 children that are experiencing foster care through Child Attorneys and Court Appointed Special Advocates. OCA's Office of the Investigation Coordinator (IC) monitors over 900 serious child abuse cases and leads the multidisciplinary team case reviews. OCA's Policy and Training Division provides intensive reviews of serious child abuse cases, manages youth in transition programs, coordinates child welfare trainings, generates child welfare data and staffs the Child Protection Accountability Commission (CPAC). Administrative support is provided to all divisions through leadership, managers, and support staff. 

Summary Statement

Within OCA Legal Services Division, the  mission of the CASA Program is to serve as a voice for Delaware's abused and neglected children through skilled volunteers, community collaboration, and quality representation instilling a need for safe and permanent relationships that will build healthy and resilient children. The CASA Program provides carefully selected, thoroughly trained, and responsibly supervised skilled volunteers to advocate for children who are currently experiencing foster care because of abuse and neglect. The CASA program utilizes a multidisciplinary approach of legal representation that consists of a CASA volunteer, Child Attorney, and an OCA Program Coordinator, working together to ensure quality legal representation for every child client. The CASA Delaware Program is a member in standing of the National CASA Association and operates in accordance with established national standards and state law. 29 Del.C., Ch. 90A.

This OCA Program Coordinator position is housed with the OCA CASA Program. This multifaceted statewide role is responsible for the recruitment, supervision, and support of CASA volunteers to ensure the best quality advocacy for children experiencing foster care. This role is a member of the multidisciplinary legal team working together to provide legal representation of children experiencing foster care.  

Selective Requirement

Ability to successfully complete a security clearance as issued by the State of Delaware Bureau of Identification and a Child Protection Registry check. 

Preferred Qualification

Applicants who do not possess the preferred qualifications will still be eligible for consideration for this position if the job requirements are met.
  1. Experience in the fields of child welfare, social service, juvenile law, education, and volunteer program management. 
  2. Experience working with community resources and child welfare agencies throughout the State of Delaware 
  3. Experience working with Delaware Family Court. 
  4. Experience working with Delaware Division of Family Services 
  5. Knowledge of the needs and strengths of diverse community volunteers
  6. Knowledge of state and federal codes, laws, rules, and regulations applicable to program. 
  7. Strong computer skills, proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), ability and willingness to learn data management software (Apricot.)

Essential Functions

To support the OCA's CASA Program in its duties, this employee performs such tasks as:
  • Directly supervise CASA volunteers statewide to include case assignment, case management and coaching, reviews, recognition, and corrective action. 
  • Assist in screening potential volunteers by conducting interviews, requesting personal references, and ensuring applications are complete and approved for training. 
  • Participate in statewide events that promote community awareness of the agency and any events related to recruitment and retention of CASA volunteers. 
  • Support Casa volunteers through document gathering and dissemination, court and client support, coordination with Child Attorneys and interactions with all professionals. 
  • Assist in preparing for legal testimony for court proceedings as necessary. 
  • Facilitate communication between the CASA volunteer and Child Attorney.
  • Schedule pre-hearing teleconferences and prepares the child's legal team for hearings. 
  • Establish and maintain virtual case files
  • Review CASA court reports and recommendations and ensure they are timely and accurate. 
  • Assist legal team with preparation of legal pleadings.
  • Attend court hearings statewide and track court dates on electronic outlook calendar. 
  • Attend any meetings related to the child(ren) as needed.
  • Provide CASA volunteer monthly hours, case closures, CASA updates and any other data requested to the OCA data team. 
  • Supervise a statewide caseload of approximately 30 CASA volunteers and 45-55 children at any given point in time. 

Job Requirements

  1. Possession of a bachelor's degree.
  2. Experience in working with volunteers, professionals, or community advocates. 
  3. Experience in legal support work such as maintaining case files, reviewing, and filing legal documents, and assisting legal staff to gather information, and various other discovery methods. 
  4. Knowledge of interviewing to obtain facts, exploring issues, and identifying courses of action. 
  5. Knowledge of child welfare or social services case management. 
  6. Ability to communicate courteously and effectively, both verbally and in writing. 
  7. Possession of a valid driver's license or its equivalent. 
  8. Willingness and ability to travel statewide and oversee a statewide caseload. 

Additional Posting Information

This position can be located in New Castle County, City of Wilmington (900 N. King St., Suite 350, Wilmington, DE 19801), Kent County (400 Court St., Dover, DE 19904) or Sussex County (6 West Market, Suite 2, Georgetown, DE 19947). Your preferred location choice will be discussed during the interview. 

Conditions of Hire

  • A satisfactory criminal background check is required as a condition of hire.
  • A satisfactory Child Protection Registry check is required as a condition of hire.
  • Direct deposit of paychecks is required as a condition of hire. 

Benefits

Full-time Judicial Branch employees are eligible for FREE parking!!!

 To learn more about the comprehensive benefit package please visit our website at https://dhr.delaware.gov/benefits/

Accommodations

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities in all phases of the application and employment process.  To request an auxiliary aid or service please call (302) 739-5458. TDD users should call the Delaware Relay Service Number 1-800-232-5460 for assistance.

The State of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity employer and values a diverse workforce. We strongly encourage and seek out a workforce representative of Delaware including race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.