The mission of the Pennsylvania Court Appointed Advocate (PA CASA) Association is to grow, strengthen, and unite local CASA programs so they can ensure the safety, well-being, and forever home for every abused and/or neglected child in Pennsylvania. We meet this goal by strengthening Pennsylvania’s network of 21 local CASA programs located throughout the Commonwealth, building new CASA programs in counties that do not have a CASA, and securing resources critical to CASA’s work in Pennsylvania.
For more information, visit: pacasa.org
Position Overview
The PA CASA Emerging Leaders Fellowship is a nine-month paid virtual program designed for individuals who have lived experience in foster care and are committed to making a positive impact. This fellowship provides a unique opportunity to collaborate with PA CASA staff to develop leadership skills, expand professional networks, and become effective advocates for themselves and their communities. Fellows will participate in training workshops, bi-weekly meetings, and regular check-ins to support their professional development throughout the program. They will also plan and lead an advocacy project focused on their passion, addressing the needs of children and youth in foster care.
PA CASA is committed to ensuring that our work includes the voices of youth and young adults. The Fellowship provides young adults the opportunity to inform PA CASA priorities, ensuring that the work performed at the state office consistently supports our mission. The fellowship provides an opportunity for young adults to advise PA CASA on how to improve systems, services, and outcomes for individuals who experience time in foster care. This program brings lived experience to the forefront of the work to ensure we effectively meet the needs of the children and families CASA serves.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Participate for the entirety of the Fellowship term: September 2024 - June 2025
- Attend the PA CASA Statewide Conference
- Attend virtual weekly meetings and bi-weekly mandatory training/workshops
- Participate in short assignments and check-ins with PA CASA staff
- Develop and implement a project in collaboration with the PA CASA Impact Project Coordinator
- Share information and identify emerging issues and trends within the foster care system
- Discuss gaps, share your expertise around solutions, and work with PA CASA staff and/or stakeholders to implement these solutions
- Effectively collaborate with PA CASA staff and partners by attending meetings, training, and events
- Collaborate with PA CASA to create individualized goal plans
Qualifications
- Support PA CASA’s mission, vision, and values
- Be between the ages of 18 and 24 years old
- Have either received services from a CASA program in Pennsylvania or experience in foster care in the state of Pennsylvania
- Have an interest and passion for advocacy and improving the child welfare system
- Ability and willingness to communicate with other members within the fellowship cohort, CASA staff, volunteers, board, community stakeholders, and legislative officials
- Demonstrated interpersonal skills, sound judgment, and the ability to work independently as well as collaboratively both internally and externally
- Effective communication skills
Special Job Requirements
- Must submit Act 33 (Child Abuse) and Act 34 (Criminal Record Check) clearances
- Must sign a Confidentiality Commitment/Pledge and Conflict of Interest Policy
- Must be willing and able to travel (PA CASA will reimburse all Fellowship-related travel)
Training and Development
Fellowship members will receive regular mentorship, support, training, and connections to leadership opportunities inside and outside PA CASA.
Compensation and Hours
Fellowship members will be identified as contractors of PA CASA and be compensated contingent upon their attendance and participation in all training/workshops and the completion of assignments. Fellowship members are anticipated to provide up to 15 hours of service per month and a reimbursement rate of $25 per hour. Fellowship members will be required to submit monthly invoices for payment.
Equal Opportunity
PA CASA provides a policy of equal opportunity to all volunteer applicants without regard to age, race, ethnicity, national origin (ancestry), color, religious belief (creed), gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, military/veteran status, political affiliation, disability or physical challenge, or any other prohibited status in accordance with all federal, state, and local laws. Our EEO policy applies to all areas of advocacy, including recruitment and selection, training and development, awards and recognition, termination, and recreational and social activities.
