CASA of Central Oregon - Job Description

CASA Volunteer Job Description

TITLE: Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA)

OBJECTIVE: Volunteer Advocates work for the best interests of children involved in dependency proceedings in Circuit/Juvenile Court due to allegations of abuse and/or neglect.

REPORTS TO: Volunteer Coordinator, Executive Director, and the Circuit Court.

GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS:

Have an interest in children, their rights, and their special needs
Time to devote to the duties of the position (an average of 10-15 hours per month)
Personal schedule allows flexibility to attend court hearings and meetings for the child
Conscientious, thorough, and reliable
Ability to maintain confidentiality of information obtained
Ability to maintain an objective perspective in an emotionally charged situation
Ability to work with all parties, their representatives, and interested persons in a productive and professional manner
Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing
Ability to not impose personal biases and beliefs on a situation
Will consent to a personal background and criminal history check

DUTIES:

Investigate all relevant information about the case
Advocate for the child’s best interests, ensuring that all relevant facts are brought before the court
Monitor the case to ensure that the court, social services, and the child’s attorney fulfill their obligations to the child in a timely fashion
Monitor all court orders to ensure compliance and to bring to the court’s attention any change in circumstances that may require a modification of the court’s order
Have face to face contact with the child at a minimum of every 30 days
Provide a written court report to the staff 48 hours in advance of the court hearing

CASA BOUNDARIES:

A CASA does not provide services to the child, except to act as an advocate for the child. The CASA does not provide services to the family of the child.
A CASA is not a counselor or a crisis counselor.
A CASA is not a big brother/sister.
A CASA does not take the child to his/her home.
A CASA does not have the child in his/her custody.
A CASA does not babysit.
A CASA does not provide transportation for the child.
A CASA does not supervise visits between parents and the child. The CASA may be present, but does not act in a supervisory manner.
A CASA is not a parent advocate.
A CASA is not an attorney (therefore, he/she does not represent what the child wants, although he/she takes that into consideration; a CASA represents what is in the best interests of the child).
A CASA does not have contact with the media about their case(s).
A CASA does not become a part of the resolution of the case.
A CASA does not work out problems between family members except by making recommendations to the Court.

1130 NW Harriman St, Ste. 122 ‹› Bend, OR 97701 ‹› 541.389.1618 ‹› 541.383.2826 fax Madras 541.475.9426 ‹› Prineville 541.447.7220