Exploring Roles in the ECE Community: Local and State Levels

CASA

The mission of CASA of Johnson County is to recruit and train community volunteers to speak out for abused and neglected children in court proceedings so that they can be permanently placed in a safe, nurturing environment as quickly as possible.

Court Appointed Special Advocates are trained community volunteers appointed by juvenile court judges to speak for the best interests of children who are brought before the court for reasons of abuse or neglect.
A Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) is an official part of judicial proceedings, working alongside attorneys and social workers. By handling only one or two cases at a time the CASA can thoroughly explore the history of each assigned case. The volunteer talks with the child, parents, family members, neighbors, school officials, doctors and others involved in the child’s background who might have facts about the case. The volunteer reviews all court facts about the case and the volunteer also reviews all court documents pertaining to the case. He or she then is expected to submit formal reports to the Judge at every scheduled hearing/review. The CASA continues to monitor the case to assure that the judicial and child welfare systems are moving ahead to secure a safe, permanent home for the child, and that court-ordered services are provided to the child and family. The CASA can be an invaluable resource for the attorney for the child and social worker in reaching their goals for permanency. 

Training/Support Plan:
• CASA volunteers are required to attend approximately 30 hours of pre-service training and 12 hours of in-service training annually.
• CASA volunteers follow guidelines established by the National CASA Association.
• CASA volunteers have access to additional training opportunities offered by other agencies.
• CASA volunteers receive direct supervision and guidance from program staff.
• CASA volunteers are encouraged to call their volunteer coordinator at any time with questions/concerns.

Time Commitment:
• Volunteers are required to make a twelve-month commitment to the program.
• Volunteers are required to attend all court hearings on their cases – approximately 2 per year.
• Volunteers are expected to be available for case assignment and to accept cases immediately upon completion of pre-service training, unless other arrangements have been made.
• CASA volunteers, on the average, spend 12-20 hours a month on each case.

Advocates must attend training including:

• An interview
• A criminal history check

• A juvenile dependency court observation


14 hours of in-classroom training and 16 hours of online training covering:

• Advocacy and the Law
• Awareness
• Court Process/Monthly and Court Reports
• Sexual Abuse and the Developing Child
• Learning/Behavior Disorders
• Substance Abuse
• The Social Workers Role
• Cultural Awareness
• The Role of the Attorney
• Mock Case Assignment
• Survival as an Advocate

The 14 hours of in-class training are divided into 4 sessions; 4 days over 2 weeks from 5:30-9:00 pm. The 16 hours of online training are done at your pace but must be completed by the last class session. Interviews are by appointment. Please stop by and pick up an application any time or download one from this website.  Training classes and dates are subject to change.

SafeHaven

The mission of SafeHaven is to end domestic violence through safety, support, prevention and social change.

PT Client Advocate II Weekends Sat & Sun 7:00 am - 3:30 pm
Location:	Fort Worth
Job Code:	293
# of Openings:	1
Description
SUMMARY :  Meets the daily needs of clients in the shelter, provides crisis intervention, assessment for admittance for crisis callers seeking shelter, and provides community referrals for crisis callers, as appropriate to caller need. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned. Assist residents of the emergency shelter and answers Hotline for shelter and/or referral/information. Answer Crisis Hotline, assess caller’s needs, determine eligibility for shelter admission, or makes appropriate referrals. ·       For family violence calls o   Answers Crisis Hotline, provides empathetic listening, assesses caller’s needs, manages phone crises as they arise, develops safety plans, provides DV education, determines eligibility for shelter admission, or makes appropriate referral. ·       Represents the agency in inter-agency interactions involving victims in crisis. ·       For community crisis calls o   Answers Crisis Hotline, assess caller’s needs, provides empathetic listening and appropriate community referrals if needed. ·       Provides crisis intervention in the form of safety planning, family violence education, and access to SafeHaven services and referrals to community services via emergency Crisis Hotline and face to face victim contact. ·       Documents appropriate information in Client Relationship Management System (CRMS). Provides or arranges emergency transportation for incoming clients admitted to shelter. Completes intake procedures for each client, and arranges for immediate needs of client/family. Provides crisis intervention counseling for shelter residents. Completes exit procedures for each client. Maintain confidentiality of all communication regarding clients, agency and staff. Screen people coming to shelter entrances to determine eligibility for entering shelter facility. Manages shelter operations to include: enforcing shelter rules, policies and procedures, ensuring a calm, supportive atmosphere, maintaining the security of the shelter, distributing incoming client mail, scheduling client service appointments, supporting client participation in group meetings. Document appropriate information in client files and in communication log in an appropriate and timely manner. Complete all appropriate forms maintained in resident files. Complete all paperwork and reports in a timely and accurate manner; document and report duties as requested by supervisor. Attend Monthly Client Services Meeting and Quarterly All Agency Staff Meetings Conduct daily House Meeting, chore assignments, and “Shelter Orientation” groups for new residents. Must be able to work varied shifts including day shift, evening shift and overnight shift as assigned by supervisor. Must possess a valid Texas driver's license and be able to drive during day time and night time hours. Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds. In accordance with the team philosophy of the agency, may routinely be required to carry out or assist with other tasks involving client care and client preparation, in addition to the duties listed above. QUALIFICATIONS:  To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE  High school diploma or GED with some college; Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work or related social services field preferred, or equivalent experience.  Knowledge of crisis intervention, social work theory and ethics.  Experience in and knowledge of family violence theory preferred.  1-2 years experience working in a social service environment preferred.   Must have general computer proficiency. Children’s Advocacy Center in Tarrant County Alliance For Children is the only Children’s Advocacy Center in Tarrant County and was one of the first children’s advocacy center programs established in Texas. Since 1992, over 46,000 children have benefited from Alliance For Children's teamed investigations and coordinated approach. Our program has served as a model for many of the Children’s Advocacy Centers across the state of Texas today. Alliance For Children is a nonprofit organization that operates three child-friendly centers in Tarrant County, located in Arlington, Fort Worth, and Hurst.   It is our mission to protect the children of Tarrant County from abuse through teamed investigations, healing services and community education. Alliance For Children is a fully accredited member of the National Children's Alliance, a membership association of over 700 children's advocacy centers and is a founding member of Children's Advocacy Centers of Texas.

Position: Family Advocate (closes 5/22/15)

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES:  Work under the supervision of the Director of Program Services to assure coordination of the community's mental health and social services for the benefit of victim children and their families. This position works directly with client families.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS:  Level of Education: Degree in human services field; Degree of social work preferred and two years demonstrated work experience including working with families at risk preferred

QUALIFICATIONS:   Strong interpersonal and communication skills; knowledge of Tarrant County resources; sensitivity to and awareness of unique needs of minority cultures and diverse ethnic groups; fluency in Spanish REQUIRED; must have valid Texas driver's license and proof of liability insurance.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assess family’s need of services, information and referral, and community resources.
• Provide education for families regarding the dynamics of child abuse.
• Provide crisis intervention for children experiencing suicidal ideations and provide appropriate resources for immediate professional mental health intervention.
• Work with child protection team to identify service gaps for each client child and family.
• Provide information and support for the Crime Victims Compensation process.
• Work with intern victim advocate to secure needed services for child and family.
• Provide encouragement and support to victim family to use services recommended.
• Troubleshoot system breakdown for clients who have accessed Alliance For Children services.
• Provide individual supportive guidance and case management training for intern victim advocates.
• Participate in weekly case staffings with other partner agencies.
• Attend Alliance For Children victim services meetings as required.
• Documentation of cases provided.
• Provide court education and accompaniment as needed for children and families.
• Other job duties as requested by immediate supervisor, Director of Program Services, or Executive Director.