Flexible Schedule
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Johnson City, TN 37604
CASA of Northeast TN is seeking volunteer advocates for Unicoi, Greene, and Washington Counties. Our Purpose: A CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) is a trained volunteer appointed by a juvenile court judge to advocate for the best interests of an abused and/or neglected child. By handling only 1 to 2 cases at a time, a CASA volunteer has time to thoroughly explore the history and circumstances of each case with the ultimate goal of securing a safe, permanent home. Requirements: Must be 21 years or older Ability to transport self Ability to maintain confidentiality Good common sense Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing Commitment: Mandatory 35 hour training (in-person or online) with flexible scheduling afterwards 12 month commitment (or the life span of a case) Prioritize attending all court hearings on your case Maintain consistent and clear communication with program coordinator Volunteers are required to follow guidelines established by the National CASA Association Key Responsibilities: Learn - Complete an objective, independent review of each case. Review progress and reports. Engage the child with regular visits. Meet face-to-face with the child at least twice a month. Speak with the child and relevant adults. (Parents, family members, school officials, doctors, or others involved that might have facts about the case). Participate in case conferences concerning the child. Report to the court what is learned and observed. Provide a written report containing factual information to the CASA program office three business days prior to every hearing. Recommend to the court services and placement that are in the child's best interest. This will be done in the report. Support: Volunteers receive direct supervision and guidance from program staff. Volunteers are encouraged to call their volunteer coordinator at any time with questions/concerns. Volunteers have access to additional training offered by other agencies. Benefits for the Child: More likely to find a safe, permanent home. Less likely to be moved from home to home. Half as likely to re-enter foster care. Do better in school. Get more help and additional services while in the system. Although we cannot provide you with monetary rewards, there are many benefits of being a CASA volunteer: Make a difference in the life and future of a child who has been a victim of abuse and/or neglect. Help a child find permanency in a safe, loving home. Gain an understanding of juvenile courts, legal proceedings, and social service agencies. Develop/utilize communication skills. Develop/utilize assertiveness. Form friendships with like-minded people in your community. Have access to training statewide. Supervisor / Coordinator Melanie Feathers, Executive Director. Email: director@casanetn.org Elias Hensley, Volunteer Coordinator. Email: ehensley@casanetn.org Emily Tester, Johnson City / Washington County Program Coordinator. Email: tester@casanetn.org Erin Miller-Goines, Unicoi County Program Coordinator. Email: miller-goines@casanetn.org Lanetta White, Greene County Program Coordinator. Email: white@casanetn.org
Date Posted: Aug 22, 2024
