Court Appointed Special Advocate - Volunteer



Job Details

Court Appointed Special Advocate - Volunteer
Employer

Arizona Superior Court in Pima County

Salary

$0.00 Annually

Location

Tucson, AZ

Job Type

Volunteer

Job Number

0001-0715

Department

Children & Family Services

Opening Date

07/14/2015

Purpose of the Position

A CASA Advocate is a community volunteer appointed by a juvenile court judge to represent the best interests of an abused, neglected or abandoned child(ren) involved in the dependency proceedings at the Pima County Juvenile Court.  Volunteers are closely screened for maturity, responsibility, objectivity, cultural sensitivity, and commitment as well as adequately trained to perform their advocacy role.

To be considered for a CASA Advocate position you:

  • Must complete an application
  • Must provide references
  • Must participate in a personal interview
  • Must pass all necessary background checks
  • Must successfully complete 30 hours of specialized training.
Contact the CASA office with any questions at 520-724-2060 or jill.labrie@pcjcc.pima.gov
 

Essential Functions

  • Gather and provide independent, factual information to aid the court in making it's decision regarding what is in the child's best interest and in determining if reasonable efforts have been made to prevent removal of the child(ren) from the child's home or to reunite the child(ren) with the family.
  • Remain assigned to the case and continue to advocate for the child(ren), with a view toward permanency, during the life of the case, unless otherwise directed by the court.
  • Develop and maintain a relationship with the appointed child(ren) including contact with them on at lease a monthly basis.
  • Advocate for the best interest of the child(ren) which includes identifying service needs, educational needs and make recommendations to the court regarding timely placement of the child(ren).
  • Submit a written, objective and concise court report with recommendations at review and permanency hearings.
  • Speak for the child(ren) in the courtroom, representing the child's best interest.
  • Attend all court hearings, Child and Family Team meetings, and Foster Care Review Board meetings pertaining to the appointed case.
  • Maintain contact with the assigned coordinator at least 1 time per month to provide updates on case and contact with the child(ren).
  • Comply with Arizona statutes, Rules of Procedure for the Juvenile Court, Administrative Order Rules, ACJA, and policies and procedures.  A CASA Advocate is immune from civil or criminal liability for the advocate's acts or omissions in connection with the authorized responsibilities the CASA Advocate performs in good faith.
  • Comply with the state program training requirements, both pre service as well as the annual requirement.
  • Shall notify insurance carriers that their CASA volunteer work may involve transporting children.

Minimum Qualifications

Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident; Must be at least 21 years of age; Must have 2 years clean from any illegal or non prescribed drugs; Must not be employed by Department of Child Safety, Pima County Juvenile Court or any other child welfare agencies, unless specifically authorized by the juvenile court presiding judge; Have transportation to attend meetings, visits with the child(ren) and court hearings.

This position is not benefits eligible.

Employer
Arizona Superior Court in Pima County
Address
110 W. Congress, 9th floor

Tucson, Arizona, 85701
Phone
(520) 724-3837