CASA Director

Overview  

Family Services of the Merrimack Valley is seeking a full-time (40 hours/week) CASA Director for its Essex County Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer program. The CASA Director is responsible for the supervision of CASA Advocate Supervisors who train and support a group of CASA volunteers who advocate for abused and neglected children involved in Care and Protection cases in Essex County MA Juvenile Courts. Family Services is seeking candidates with management experience, strong organizational skills and knowledge of the juvenile justice and child welfare systems.   

Key Duties and Responsibilities 

• Responsible for ongoing volunteer recruitment, screening, and training to ensure a sufficient cadre of well-trained volunteer advocates to service in Juvenile Courts throughout Essex County. 
• Provide supervision, training, coaching, consultation, support, and motivation to all CASA staff, including a team of Volunteer Advocate Supervisors and part-time administrative support to ensure adherence to best practices, professional development, completion of duties, and, most importantly, quality services to the Court and effective advocacy for children. 
• Oversee the use of a database for up to date and accurate tracking of volunteer and case quantitative and qualitative data. 
• Ensure policies and practices align with National CASA/GAL Association standards as well as policies of Family Services. 
• Serve as the primary contact and administrator for all CASA specific government contracts and private grants, including adherence to grant conditions and program and financial reporting.  
• In collaboration with Family Services’ development and marketing team, facilitate communications regarding CASA program activities and volunteer events via social media, newsletters, and emails. 
• Serve as liaison with program partners including Juvenile Court leadership, child welfare agencies, Massachusetts CASA Association, National CASA/GAL Association, as well as participate in relevant working groups and coalitions.

 Required Qualifications  

• Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 5 years’ experience in the human services field are required. 
• Demonstrated leadership abilities in supervision and operations. 
• Excellent writing and oral communication skills are necessary.  
• Computer literate including Microsoft Office Suite and aptitude for data management. 
• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple demands, projects, communications, and deadlines. 
• Knowledge and understanding of juvenile law, child abuse and neglect, families in crisis, and other social services skills. Current or prior CASA volunteer experience is a plus. 
• Prior experience working with and/or managing volunteers a plus. 
• Experience and competency working with diverse families and cultures. 

 Preferred Qualifications:  

• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Experience working with culturally and linguistically diverse youth and families. 
• Experience supporting LGBTQ+ youth and families inclusively and respectfully.
• Knowledge of Lawrence and the Greater Lawrence community, including community resources available to youth and families. 

ABOUT FAMILY SERVICES OF THE MERRIMACK VALLEY 

Family Services is a non-profit, social service organization located in Lawrence, MA. The organization helps more than 7,000 people in the Merrimack Valley each year through 20+ programs focused on youth development, parent education and emotional health. All of its services are infused with a sense of hope and possibility and enable individuals to thrive in their family, community, workplace, and school. For more information, please visit www.FSMV.org. FSMV is an equal opportunity employer  

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS 

• This is a full-time (40 hours/week), exempt position with an annual salary range of $75,000 to $80,000. 
• Benefits include competitive health and dental insurance as well as fully paid life and long-term disability insurance along with training and professional development opportunities.  
• A generous time off policy for employees working 30 hours or more per week including 4 paid weeks of Earned Time Off as well as 13 paid holidays per year.  
• An opportunity to work with and learn from a team of dedicated, passionate individuals in a diverse environment that serve children, youth, and adults.  

TO APPLY?  

Interested candidates please apply at https://fsmv.org/get-involved/careers/ .