POSITION SUMMARY
The CASA Executive Director provides strategic and operational leadership for the Court’s CASA Program, advancing its mission to advocate for the best interests of children involved in the child welfare system. The Executive Director is responsible for the day-to-day management and continued growth of the program, with a primary focus on expanding the availability, quality, and effectiveness of CASA advocacy services.
The Executive Director oversees program operations; staff and volunteer recruitment, development, and support; community partnerships and outreach; and compliance with applicable CASA standards. Working collaboratively with Court leadership, staff, volunteers, and community partners, the Executive Director strengthens and expands the CASA Program to provide high-quality advocacy to more children throughout Portage County.
JOB DUTIES AND KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Provide leadership and direction for the CASA Program consistent with the mission, policies,
and expectations of the Portage County Juvenile Court and applicable Ohio CASA and National CASA
standards.
- Oversee the day-to-day operations of the CASA Program, including program planning, case
management practices, recordkeeping, reporting, and compliance.
- Establish and monitor program goals and priorities, with an emphasis on expanding the
program’s capacity to provide high-quality advocacy services to children involved with the Juvenile
Court.
- Recruit, hire, supervise, coach, and support CASA Program staff and promote ongoing staff
development.
- Recruit, screen, and assess prospective CASA volunteers in accordance with applicable
standards and requirements, including applications, interviews, reference checks, background
checks, and other
required screening processes.
- Oversee the assignment, supervision, support, and recognition of CASA volunteers; provide
guidance on complex advocacy issues; and promote consistent, high-quality child-focused advocacy.
- Plan, coordinate, and conduct pre-service training for prospective CASA volunteers and
continuing education for current volunteers.
- Monitor and assist volunteers in the preparation of Court reports and ensure reports are
timely, complete, appropriately prepared, and distributed to required parties in accordance with applicable rules, standards, and Court practices.
- Maintain effective systems for tracking volunteer, case, training, and program information;
maintain accurate records; and compile required statistics and reports.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
- Strong leadership, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills, with the ability to lead,
develop, and motivate staff and volunteers and foster a positive and collaborative program culture.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate
professionally with diverse audiences and deliver effective public presentations.
- Knowledge of the juvenile court and child welfare systems, applicable Ohio laws and Court
rules, and Ohio and National CASA standards, or the ability to acquire such knowledge.
- Strong critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, with the ability to
exercise sound judgment, work independently, manage competing responsibilities, and respond
effectively in challenging or high-stress situations.
- Knowledge of community resources and the ability to develop effective partnerships with
organizations and service providers serving children and families.
- Ability to collect, manage, analyze, and report program and case data accurately and
effectively with proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and the ability to utilize CASA case-
management and other technology systems.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality, exercise discretion, and maintain appropriate
professional boundaries
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in social work, criminal justice, public administration, social sciences, or
a related field.
- 3-5 years’ experience in program management, volunteer management, child welfare, juvenile
justice, human services, or a related field.
- Demonstrated leadership and supervisory experience, including experience managing staff,
volunteers, or programs.
- Knowledge of the child welfare and juvenile court systems, or demonstrated experience working
effectively with courts, child-serving agencies, and community partners.
- Ability to successfully complete required CASA training within the first three months of
employment and National CASA Training of Facilitators within the first six months of employment.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master’s degree in social work, criminal justice, public administration, social sciences, or a
related field.
- Previous experience with a CASA/GAL program or within the child welfare or juvenile court
system.
- Experience leading or expanding a volunteer-based program.
Work Location: 209 S. Chestnut St., Ste. 203 Ravenna, OH 44266
Salary Range: 70,000+ commensurate with qualifications and experience
Working Conditions
- This is a full-time position generally working Monday through Friday; however, the work schedule is flexible and will vary based on program needs. The position requires frequent evening and occasional weekend hours for volunteer training, community events, presentations, and other CASA activities, with flexibility in the regular work schedule to accommodate these responsibilities.
- Work is performed primarily in an office and Court environment, with local and occasional out-of-area travel required for meetings, training, home visits, community outreach, and other CASA-related activities.
