Advocate Supervisor Job Description

Organization: Dauphin County CASA

Location: Harrisburg, PA

Employment Type: Full-Time Exempt (Minimum 37.5 hours/week)

Reports to: Executive Director / Program Supervisor

Position Summary

The Advocate Supervisor motivates, empowers, and guides CASA volunteers as they advocate for the best interests of children who have experienced abuse or neglect and are involved in the court system. This role is responsible for direct volunteer supervision, case management, and ensuring that children receive sound advocacy.

Key Responsibilities

Case Management & Advocacy

Caseload Management: Supervise a maximum of 30 CASA volunteers (caseload reduced proportionately for part-time status or additional administrative duties).
Case Oversight: Review new case referrals and assist the Executive Director/Program Supervisor in assigning appropriate volunteers. Prepare assignment documentation and assist in developing advocacy plans.
Court Attendance: Attend related court hearings; supervise volunteer court reports, attendance, and testimony.
Interagency Collaboration: Facilitate relationships with child welfare agencies,legal professionals, and social service providers. Attend critical meetings with volunteers to introduce them to system professionals.
Record Keeping: Maintain timely electronic case records. Ensure all documentation is collected and records are updated/secured throughout the lifetime of the case and upon case closure.
Support: Be readily accessible to volunteers via phone and email. Attend first home visits with newly assigned volunteers as requested.

Volunteer Supervision & Retention

Guidance: Provide monthly documented contact with volunteers to assist with problem-solving, resources, and child welfare system navigation.
Compliance: Ensure volunteer activities follow the CASA mission and applicable state/federal laws. Reinforce confidentiality policies.
Report Review: Supervise the preparation of court reports and recommendations; edit and revise reports with the volunteer’s knowledge.
Evaluation: Assist with training, orienting, and conducting annual performance evaluations for volunteers.

Recruitment & Program Development

Outreach: Participate in volunteer recruitment by speaking to community groups and assisting with information sessions.
Screening: Review applications, track paperwork, and participate in volunteer interviews.
Data & Reporting: Ensure volunteer database entry and support completion of entry. Compile statistics on active cases (outcomes, demographics, and placements). Facilitate data compliance maintenance with the support of Advocate Supervisors.
Trainings: Assist in planning and implementing volunteer continuing education and in-service trainings.
Success Stories: Develop case success stories and challenges for board meetings, newsletters, or social media.

Additional Responsibilities

Provide reflective supervision, coaching, and professional development to volunteers.
Cultivate a team environment characterized by trust, transparency, accountability, and mutual respect.
Address interpersonal challenges proactively and facilitate productive resolution of conflict.
Promote staff engagement and well-being by encouraging open dialogue and supporting healthy workplace relationships.
Model organizational values and contribute to a positive, inclusive workplace culture.

Qualifications

Education/Experience: Bachelor’s degree in a social service-related field preferred, OR at least three years of experience in child welfare, social services, or volunteer coordination.
Communication: Proven ability to speak publicly and communicate effectively with diverse groups. Comfortable enforcing expectations with volunteers.
Advocacy Skills: Strong ability to advocate professionally in conflictual situations and work independently to resolve information gaps.
Knowledge: Deep understanding of family dynamics in crisis relating to child abuse and neglect.
Technical: Excellent writing, time management, and computer/database skills.
Core Competencies: Ability to foster psychological safety, accountability, and healthy team dynamics.

Preferred Qualifications

Demonstrated experience supervising, coaching, or mentoring others.
Strong interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills.
Ability to navigate emotionally complex situations with professionalism, empathy, and sound judgment.
Experience fostering collaboration and psychological safety within teams.
Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.

Requirements & Training

Pre-Service Training: Must complete the 30-hour National CASA/GAL volunteer training within 6–9 months of hire.
Continuing Education: Participate in 12 hours of annual professional development.
Background Clearances: Must pass PA State Police Criminal History, PA Child Abuse History, FBI Fingerprinting, SSN Verification, and National Sex Offender Registry checks.
Travel: Must have access to a vehicle, a valid driver’s license, and a willingness to travel.
Schedule: Flexible work hours required, including some evenings and weekends.
Compliance: Must sign a Confidentiality Statement, Conflict of Interest Disclosure, and Code of Conduct.

Organizational Values

Honesty
Integrity
Teamwork
Service
Diversity
Empathy
Collaboration

How to Apply:

Please submit a resume and cover letter detailing your interest and qualifications to Beth Siegfried at bsiegfried@dauphincountycasa.org

Requirements & Training

Pre-Service Training: Must complete the 30-hour National CASA/GAL volunteer training within 6–9 months of hire.
Continuing Education: Participate in 12 hours of annual professional development.
Background Clearances: Must pass PA State Police Criminal History, PA Child Abuse History, FBI Fingerprinting, SSN Verification, and National Sex Offender Registry checks.
Travel: Must have access to a vehicle, a valid driver’s license, and a willingness to travel.
Schedule: Flexible work hours required, including some evenings and weekends.
Compliance: Must sign a Confidentiality Statement, Conflict of Interest Disclosure, and Code of Conduct.

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