CASA Advocate

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WHAT DOES A CASA ADVOCATE DO?

A CASA Advocate works in collaboration with the Department of Child and Family Services, local attorneys, and service providers to meet the needs of a child who has been exposed to abuse and neglect. A CASA Advocate reviews documents, meets the child and his/her family, and interviews everyone involved to understand the details of the child’s case. The Advocate shares this information, as appropriate, to others working on the case and helps to prepare reports to the Court, making recommendations about the child’s best interest and the process of family reunification so the judge can make accurate and informed decisions.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Is 21 years of age or older and has completed a high school education or equivalent.
• Communicates effectively orally, in writing, and electronically through a computer to write confidential documents, send and receive emails (with attachments), and investigate personal information.
• Consents to a criminal background check that includes national, state and local criminal information; a National Sex Offender Registry check; a Social Security number verification; and a child protective services check, as appropriate and permissible by law.
• Is available an average of 10 hours per month to visit face-to-face with the child, attend program meetings and court hearings.
• Is able to safely transport self to a variety of locations with a valid driver’s license and adequate automobile insurance.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Maintains strict confidentiality at all times.
• Maintains an appropriate relationship with the child.
• Maintains complete records and develops a clear understanding of the needs, situation, and best interests of the child.
• Participates as a team member and advocates collaboratively for children and families.
• Gathers and presents information objectively and accurately.
• Interfaces with mental health, educational, legal, child welfare, and other community service providers to ensure that the child’s needs are being met.
• Cooperates with CASA staff to submit written reports to the Court.
• Maintains regular contact with the CASA Director to exchange timely information of the child’s circumstances.
• Participates in court hearings, regularly-scheduled case conferences, and meetings.

TRAINING:

A CASA Advocate is required to participate in 30 hours of pre-service training, which includes reading, writing and watching videos. After becoming a CASA Advocate, he/she must obtain at least 12 hours of continuing education annually.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY POLICY

CASA of Lake & Sanders Counties strives to attract and will provide equal opportunities to employees, advocates and board members from diverse cultural backgrounds and from a variety of age groups and socio-economic levels. Our Program does not discriminate based on age, race, ethnicity, nationality, color, religion, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical challenge, socio-economic level, pregnancy, appearance, marital status, veteran status, or any other protected status. It is the responsibility of management to ensure that equal opportunity and equal consideration be given to all in personnel actions including recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, demotion, discipline, rates of pay or other compensation and terminations.

ANTI-HARASSMENT POLICY

CASA of Lake & Sanders Counties is committed to a work environment that reflects dignity, respect, and equitable treatment. Harassment based on age, race, ethnicity, nationality, color, religion, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical challenge, socio-economic level, pregnancy, appearance, marital status, veteran status, or any other protected status is a violation of the law. Offensive or harassing behavior will not be tolerated against any employee, advocate or board member. This policy applies to conduct by or directed toward any employee, advocate, board member, other worker or volunteer, business associate, or client in our workplace. It also applies to any business-related settings outside the workplace, including business trips, meetings, fundraisers and business-related social events.

CIVIL RIGHTS / ANTI-DISCRIMINATION POLICY

Reports of possible discrimination can be made to the Executive Director or any board member of CASA of Lake & Sanders Counties, the MT Board of Crime Control (MBCC), the Office for Civil Rights, or another appropriate external agency such as the Human Rights Commission or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

Individuals who believe they have been subjected to prohibited discrimination may file a complaint with MBCC by contacting MBCC’s Human Resources Officer. The MBCC Human Resources Officer can be reached at: Connie Young, MBCC Human Resources, 5 South Last Chance Gulch, Helena, MT 59601, 406-444-7361. MBCC does not investigate complaints of discrimination. MBCC assists in the referral of complaints concerning all forms of discrimination to the appropriate agency. Upon receipt of a complaint, the MBCC Human Resources Officer will determine if one or more of the following agencies has jurisdiction over the complaint, seeking additional information from the complainant if necessary. If one or more of these agencies has jurisdiction, the MBCC will refer the complaint to the appropriate agency within 10 calendar days of receiving the complaint, and notify the complainant of this action. If the MBCC does not refer a complaint, it will notify the complainant of this action within 10 business days of receiving the complaint as well.

Complaints filed with MT Department of Justice (MDOJ), Human Rights Bureau (HRB) must be received within one hundred eighty (180) calendar days of the alleged discriminatory occurrence. It is necessary to file a charge with the HRB or EEOC in order to preserve the right to file a private lawsuit at a later date.

Complaints of Sexual Harassment are filed by notifying the ADA/EEO/AA Officer of MDOJ, HRB within sixty (60) calendar days of the alleged harassment: Montana Human Rights Bureau (HRB), PO Box 1728, Helena MT 59624, (406) 444-2884 (406) 444-0532 (TTY), http://www.erd.dli.mt.gov/humanright/hrhome.asp.

Complaints with United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) must be filed within three hundred (300) calendar days of the alleged discriminatory occurrence at: EEOC Denver District Office, 303 E. 17th Avenue, Ste. 510, Denver CO 80203, (303) 866-1300 (303) 866-1950 (TTY), www.eeoc.gov. It is necessary to file a charge with the HRB or EEOC in order to preserve the right to file a private lawsuit at a later date.

Complaints filed with the Office for Civil Rights, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice must be received within one year of the alleged discrimination at: Office of Civil Rights, Office of Justice Programs, United States Department of Justice 810 7th Street, NW Washington, DC 20531 (202) 514-4609 (202) 514-0716 (TTY).

Anyone who wishes to file a complaint with one of these agencies may also do so directly without first contacting MBCC.