INTERNSHIPS
INTERNSHIP DESCRIPTION
REPORTS TO: Director of Operations
AGENCY MISSION
Court Appointed Special Advocates of Cook County (CASA) is the only volunteer organization within the child protection system that empowers and entrusts one adult to consistently champion a child.
THE POSITION
Our internship is an unpaid position, but provides excellent
experience to a student interested in law, volunteer administration, or social services.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Prepare case summaries and initial case files for all volunteer advocates
- Assisting with the recruitment and training of volunteers (processing volunteer paperwork, attending volunteer fairs and other outreach events, responding to inquiries about volunteering)
- Helping with the intake of new cases (compiling files, drafting summaries, contacting parties)
- Supporting Advocate Supervisors (attending court, administrative case reviews, staffings and other meetings when volunteers are unable to; following up with volunteers on issues related to their cases)
- Complete volunteer training and accept a case if appropriate; Assist with case requests or individual home visit requests
- Assisting with fundraising (preparing mailings, assisting with CASA information sessions, helping to prepare for CASA of Cook County’s fundraisers as necessary
- Assist in the development of a resource directory for youth; maintain resource directory
- Assist in preparing for CASA Continuing Education Trainings (held monthly)
- Serving as a member of the CASA of Cook County team by completing other duties as assigned.
- Provide coaching, support and motivation as necessary to maintain and enhance the advocacy that the assigned children receive
- Review cases with volunteer advocates monthly or as needed and utilize coaching techniques when appropriate to ensure that volunteers are actively monitoring all appropriate aspects of their cases. (At least two (2) of these meetings should be in person)
- Review, edit and approve CASA court reports and finalize and distribute to Court andParties to the case
- Attend court hearings, home visits and all other meetings on assigned case or other cases as needed (either in addition to or in the absence of the CASA volunteer advocate)
- Support volunteer advocates by attending volunteer appreciation events, continuing education trainings and by recognizing their achievements throughout their case
- Help with mediating any conflict between the volunteer and the involved parties or collateral contacts on their assigned case
- Conduct 90 day and annual support reviews of all assigned CASA volunteer advocates.
- Notify volunteer advocates of conferences, seminars, meetings and relevant knowledge or resources pertaining to their case as appropriate
RESPONSIBILITIES TO THE PROGRAM
- Assist in the match and assignment of cases to new CASA volunteer advocates and Peer Coordinators.
- Participate in Volunteer In-service Training, Peer Coordinator training and ongoing continuing education trainings as necessary
- Prepare and gather all initial and subsequent case documentation for all assigned cases
- Edit, finalize and distribute all CASA Court Reports
- Serve as a liaison between CASA program and strategic partners – court, attorneys, DCFS and other service providers as needed
- Provide coverage for Peer Coordinators and CASA volunteer advocates as needed.
- Have a working knowledge of CASA Policies and Procedures including but not limited to: CASA Volunteer Handbook, Order of Appointment, Referral Procedures, Confidentiality Agreement, Training Requirements and the Illinois Juvenile Court Act.
- Participate in the Peer Coordinator Screening process if requested
- Monitor administrative aspects of case management including but not limited to, reviewing case outcomes and recommendations on a monthly basis, assisting with volunteer monthly data and updating contact information in a timely manner, tracking case history information in Optima and keeping it updated
- All other duties as necessary to support the mission of CASA of Cook County and its children
QUALIFICATIONS
- Education and/or Experience: Currently receiving or received a bachelor’s degree preferably be working on a graduate degree in related field; previous experience in child welfare/juvenile justice and volunteer administration; Must have previous experience working with volunteers and knowledge and understanding of juvenile law, child abuse and neglect, families in crisis, and other social services skills. Previous experience as a volunteer in a child welfare setting may be substituted for volunteer administration experience.
- Communication: Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Demonstrates group presentation skills; Participates in meetings; Writes clearly and informatively; Edits work for spelling and grammar; Varies writing style to meet needs; Presents numerical data effectively; Able to read and interpret written information.
- Planning/Organizing: Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently; Sets goals and objectives
- Problem Solving: Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.
- Interpersonal Skills: Maintains confidentiality; Listens to others without interrupting;Keeps emotions under control; Remains open to others' ideas and tries new things
- Teamwork: Balances team and individual responsibilities; Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; Gives and welcomes feedback; Contributes to building a positive team spirit; Puts success of team above own interests; Able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives; Supports everyone's efforts to succeed.
- Professionalism: Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments.
- Dependability: Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Keeps commitments; Commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals; Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan.
- Computer Skills: To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of: Google mail and documents; Internet software; Spreadsheet software and Word Processing.
- Organizational Support: Follows policies and procedures; Completes administrative tasks correctly and on time; Supports organization's goals and values; Benefits organization through outside activities; Supports affirmative action and respects diversity; Works within approved budget; Conserves organizational resources.
- Judgment: Displays willingness to make decisions; Exhibits sound and accurate judgment; Supports and explains reasoning for decisions; Includes appropriate people in decision-making process; Makes timely decisions.
- Initiative: Volunteers readily; Undertakes self-development activities; Seeks increased responsibilities; Takes independent actions and calculated risks; Looks for and takes advantage of opportunities; Asks for and offers help when needed.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
- Resume
- Cover Letter including a brief statement describing why you want to intern at CASA
Submit resume and cover letter to amber.kirk@casacookcounty.org
Questions? Call 312-433-4928 or email amber.kirk@casacookcounty.org
