We are looking for an Early Family Engagement (EFE) Specialist who will supervise volunteers as they advocate for the most vulnerable children in Travis County.
CASA of Travis County believes every child who's experienced abuse or neglect deserves to have a dedicated advocate speaking up for their best interest in court, at school, and in our community. To accomplish this, the team at CASA educates and empowers community volunteers who ensure each child's needs remain a priority in an overburdened child welfare system. Through honorable and respectful involvement with families, courts and all parties, CASA makes independent and educated recommendations that prioritize children’s safety and, wherever possible, preserve connections to their families.
As an EFE Specialist, you will further the mission of CASA by ensuring quality advocacy by supervising Early Family Engagement volunteers assigned to cases to explore possible family/fictive support and identify the immediate needs of children and families. The EFE Specialist position requires critical working relationships with partner organizations, including the Department of Family and Protective Services, the Office of Child Representation, the Office of Parental Representation and the Children’s Rights Clinic, among others.
At the end of your first year, success would mean having an understanding of child and family advocacy issues and the Travis County child welfare system, understanding the Guardian ad Litem role and best interest factors, and retaining and supervising a team of volunteers.
The EFE Specialist is a critical role to move CASA of Travis County towards meeting our vision of quality advocacy, a safe home and a promising future for every child in Travis County.
Responsibilities 1. Supervises Early Family Engagement (EFE) Volunteers for the children to whom CASA of Travis County is appointed at the ex-parte stage.
Provides coaching, motivation, and mentoring to EFE volunteers.
Ensures EFE volunteers have the information needed to make contact with child placements, parents, and other relatives.
2. Provides informed and consistent guidance and supervision to EFE Volunteers.
Assists in tracking all new ex-parte appointments, ensuring all necessary documentation is received (original petition, affidavit, show cause order, appointment order).
Evaluates cases for EFE volunteer matching and assignment.
Identifies and maintains an understanding of DFPS policy and procedure changes.
3. Ensures the high standard of performance of services of CASA of Travis County.
Models a commitment to child safety and volunteer engagement.
Provides consistent contact in the process of maintaining and fostering relationships with the volunteer, clients, family members and other professionals while assigned at ex-parte stage.
Qualifications
A Bachelor’s degree is required however, in lieu of a degree, significant professional relevant experience may be considered.
Spanish fluency is required.
Demonstrated integrity, honesty and ethical conduct.
Knowledge of the mission of CASA, role of Guardian ad Litem and best interest factors.
Understanding of child and family advocacy issues, including child placement options, therapeutic intervention/assessment/needs for children and families, legal intervention and rights regarding children and families.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with CASA of Travis County.
Established relationships with key stakeholders involved in the Travis County court process.