CASA Corridor of East Tennessee
110 N. Jackson St. Athens, TN 37303
423/746-9037 423/334-1100 423/368-1703
VOLUNTEER JOB DESCRIPTION
PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVE
A CASA Volunteer is a trained community volunteer appointed by a juvenile court judge or referee to advocate for the best interest of children who come to the attention of the court primarily as a result of abuse and/or neglect. A CASA Volunteer is an official part of the judicial proceedings, working alongside attorneys and social workers. By handling only one or two cases at a time, a CASA volunteer has time to thoroughly explore the history and circumstances of each assigned case.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Ensures that a child’s best interests are represented at every stage in the case.
• Complete an extensive, independent review of each case:
• Speak with the child and relevant adults (parents, family members, school officials, doctors, DCS case
manager, GAL/attorneys, foster parents, and others involved in the child’s life that might have facts about the case.)
• Maintain complete records and documentation about the case, including appointments, interviews, and
information gathered about the child(ren).
• Review appropriate records and reports.
• Observe the child and significant others.
• Report findings to the court by submitting formal reports to the judge at every scheduled review/hearing:
• Provide a written report containing factual information to the CASA program office seven business days prior to every review/hearing.
• Attend court hearings concerning the child.
• Ensure representation of the child’s best interest:
• Meet face to face with the child (a minimum of once every other week).
• Attend all court hearings to see that all relevant facts are presented.
• Attend appropriate interagency meetings regarding the child.
• Participate in case conferences concerning the child.
• Monitor case following a court hearing or decision as designated by the court:
• Ensure that the judicial and child welfare systems are moving ahead to secure a safe, permanent home for the child.
• Ensure that court ordered services are provided to the child and family.
• Consult regularly with the volunteer coordinator concerning assigned case:
• Develop a case plan.
• Review progress and reports.
SUPERVISION
Direct supervision and guidance is provided by the volunteer coordinator(s). CASA volunteers fill out a monthly supervision sheet.
TRAINING/SUPPORT PLAN
• Volunteers are required to attend approximately 35 hours of pre‐service training and 12 hours of in‐service training annually.
• Volunteers follow guidelines established by the National CASA Association.
• Volunteers have access to additional training opportunities offered by other agencies.
• Volunteers receive direct supervision and guidance from program staff.
• Volunteers are encouraged to contact 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.
• Volunteers are expected to be available for case assignment and to accept cases immediately upon completion of preservice training, unless other arrangements have been made.
• Volunteers, on average, spend 10‐15 hours per month on each case.
REQUIREMENTS
• Ability to keep all client and court information confidential
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing
• Ability to respect and relate to people from various backgrounds
• Ability to transport self.
• Ability to maintain objectivity
• Ability to gather and record factual information accurately
• A basic understanding of child development and family relationships
• Attend approximately 35 hours of pre‐service training
• Follow guidelines established by the National CASA Association
• Attend in‐service training and receive direct supervision and guidance from program staff
• Commit themselves to the program for a minimum of twelve months
• Expected to be available for case assignment and to accept cases unless other arrangements have been made
• Complete assigned cases unless other arrangement have been made
• Must be 21 years of age or older
BENEFITS
Although we cannot provide monetary rewards, there are many benefits to being a CASA volunteer. They include the opportunity to:
• Make a difference in the life and future of a child who has been the victim of abuse and/or neglect.
• Help a child find permanency in a safe, loving home.
• Assist judges in obtaining a clear picture of a child’s life and needs.
• Gain an understanding of juvenile courts, legal proceedings, and social services agencies.
• Develop/utilize communication skills
• Develop/utilize assertiveness
• Utilize you past experiences/skills
• Form friendships with like‐minded people in your community.
• Have access to training statewide.
Download Job Description In PDF: Job Description
Download Application In PDF: Volunteer Application
* Note: We now have a new volunteer web site with a message board for anyone interested in becoming a CASA Corridor Volunteer. If you have questions or would like more information about CASA Corridor stop by and post your questions in the Volunteer Forum.
Remember you must register on our new volunteer website to have access to post any questions. Clicking this link will open a new browser tab for our message board: Click Here For Our Message Board
