Court Appointed Child Advocate

Summary:
This position serves as the Child Advocate responsible for ensuring the best interest of children in the foster care system by assisting staff and volunteer advocates with visiting children residing across the State of New Jersey.

Examples of Duties:
Maintain detailed records and reports of all activities and contacts.

Conduct monthly face to face visits with children at their home for children placed more than 60-90 minutes away from Passaic or Union Counties.

Drive to locations across the State of New Jersey as required by the organization caseload to access information or conduct in-depth interviews. (Requires reliable personal vehicle, mileage and toll reimbursement)

Interview and maintain contact with service providers, caretakers, and educators in order to promote the best interest of the child to the Court.

Enter all data and activity into “Optima” database system, uploads documents electronically to system, and proofread documents as needed.

Assists Program Director and Case Supervision staff with substitute monthly visits to children as needed.

Performs various clerical duties, including, but not limited to, answering telephones, faxing, copying, filing, maintaining file integration, and electronic and hard copy filing system.

Performs related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:
MA/MS/JD level degree preferred

Successful candidates should have previous experience as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), Law Guardian, Law Guardian Investigator or Guardian ad litem (GAL).

Working knowledge of standard office practices and computer programs used by the department, and ability to apply such knowledge to a variety of interrelated processes, tasks, and operations. Working knowledge of family court, child welfare, and/or child focused social issues and knowledge and understanding of issues and dynamics within families in crisis relating to child abuse and neglect preferred.

Excellent English grammar skills, spelling and punctuation, and ability to prepare various documents and reports as required.

Ability to comply with all employer and department policies and work rules, including, but not limited to, attendance, safety, drug-free workplace, and personal conduct.

Ability to understand, memorize, retain, and carry out written and oral instructions, and present findings in oral or written format.

Ability to work alone with minimum supervision and with others in a team environment.

Ability to work on several tasks at the same time and work rapidly for long periods, often under time pressure.

Ability to plan and layout assigned work projects, and apply knowledge of people and/or locations. Ability to occasionally work extended, weekend, and/or evening hours, and occasionally travel out of town for training, sometimes overnight.

Possession of a valid driver's license and a demonstrated safe driving record. 50% or more of this position requires travel in personal vehicle. Mileage and tolls are reimbursed.

Bilingual Spanish candidates encouraged to apply.

Supplemental Information:
The successful candidate will perform duties both in a standard office environment and on the road using a personal vehicle, involving sitting/walking at will, sitting for long periods, lifting/carrying objects weighing up to 50 pounds, keyboarding, close vision, color perception, handling/grasping objects, speaking clearly and hearing sounds/communication. Incumbent occasionally works extended, weekend, and/or evening hours, traveling during the work day and occasionally travels out of town for training, sometimes overnight. This position is full time (40 hours per week).

Compensation and Benefits:
$60,000 annually; generous PTO, monthly QSEHRA health insurance stipend, life insurance, matching IRA, cell phone/internet stipend, and paid winter holiday week and birthday off.

Hybrid Schedule:
This is primarily an in-person role. After 6 months of successful employment, employees are eligible to participate in the flexible work program that includes one remote day weekly.