Director of Specialty Programs

Job Summary:

You can make an incredible impact at CASA. You will be part of a caring and committed team of individuals working on behalf of children and youth experiencing foster care. To be successful in this role, you must demonstrate and champion alignment with our company’s vision, mission, and values in daily work actions. You must also demonstrate a commitment to complying with CASA’s policies, regulations, processes and participate enthusiastically in CASA’s culture of continual improvement, including support of our Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS), Values-Based Leadership, and personal development.

This position is an exempt position and will require working hours outside of a typical work week. CASA will accommodate the selected candidate’s work schedule for any additional hours worked at after-hour events.

Intent of the Position:

The Director of Specialty Programs is responsible for leading the overall operations and success of CASA’s Specialty Programs; including oversight of program staff, performance, compliance, data and advocate retention and program outcomes. This position provides oversight, support, and guidance to specialty programs employees while ensuring accountability through clear direction, effective delegation, and the consistent application of standards, policies, goals and performance metrics.

Responsibilities:

· Promote alignment of all specialty program employees and advocates with CASA’s mission, values, guiding principles, and the EOS model, including accountability structures, performance metrics, and meeting cadences.

· Provide clear direction and consistent coaching to employees, setting expectations, monitoring development goals, and fostering a culture of accountability and growth within the CASA specialty teams.

· Collaborate with Grants and Finance to regularly review current and future grants, ensure compliance with budget requirements and provide data to support grant applications.

· Oversee Specialty Programs data collection, tracking, and analysis, including pre- and post-test surveys, to ensure accurate reporting of program performance, outcomes, and progress toward established goals.

· Oversee advocate engagement and retention efforts within Specialty Programs, providing guidance and support to the Advocate Experience Supervisor to strengthen the advocate experience.

· Monitor overall specialty budget, help with budget planning and ensure the specialty department follow the annual budget.

· Select, evaluate, and develop program staff to build a competent, committed team focused on best practices in child advocacy and positive outcomes.

· Guide and support Specialty Programs Managers to ensure program goals, outcomes, and performance standards are achieved, including effective volunteer recruitment, training, supervision, case management, and the transition of newly trained advocates into case assignments.

· Ensure program compliance with internal policies, processes, and National and Texas CASA standards through regular oversight and quality assurance.

· Staff cases and review internal file audits with Managers and Advocate Supervisors, implementing corrective action plans when needed.

· Collaborate and problem-solve with Children’s Court, DFPS, Guardians Ad Litem, and other community partners to support outcomes that are in the best interests of the children we serve.

· Keep the Vice President of Programs informed of specialty program operations, challenges, and strategic issues, and represent the agency at key conferences and meetings as needed

· Participate in advocate pre-service training within six months of hire and then in a minimum of 12 hours of ongoing education per year.

· Other duties as assigned by your leadership

Required Education and Experience:

· Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher learning in social work, social welfare, social services, psychology, sociology, education, or criminal justice or equivalent combination of education and experience.

· Five or more years of experience in a non-profit agency providing services to children and families.

Three or more years leading a team.

· Experience with data collection, reporting program outcomes, and maintaining grant compliance

Preferred Education and Experience:

· Master’s degree from an accredited institution of higher learning in social work, social welfare, social services, psychology, sociology, education, or criminal justice.

· Previous experience working with CASA or a similar child advocacy organization.

· Experience successfully implementing and managing programs serving children, youth, or families, preferably in a nonprofit or child welfare setting

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

· Knowledge of MS Office applications, database systems, Internet, and email software, with proficiency in Excel and data reporting.

· Knowledge of child welfare practices, program compliance, and applicable National and Texas CASA standards

· Ability to develop and deliver effective training for employees, volunteer advocates, and youth to enhance knowledge and skills.

· Skills in supervising, coaching, and developing employees.

· Skills in effective written and verbal communication, including presenting information and reporting program outcomes.

· Skills in analyzing program data, identifying trends, and using information to support decision-making. Ability to build and maintain positive working relationships with employees, volunteer advocates, and community partners.

· Ability to lead multiple programs, manage competing priorities, and ensure goals and performance standards are met

· Ability to identify opportunities for improvement and implement effective solutions.

· Ability to process and handle confidential information with discretion.

· Ability to sit and work comfortably for extended periods of time.

· Ability to lift materials weighing up to a team lift of 50 pounds, walking and standing for extended periods, and bending to reach for materials.

Quality Assurance Requirements:

· Comply with National and Texas CASA standards and applicable grant requirements.

· Pre-employment drug screening required.

· Applicants must pass a Criminal Justice Information Systems (CJIS) fingerprint-based background check and maintain CJIS eligibility throughout employment.

· Applicants must pass a child abuse and neglect registry check and maintain abuse and neglect registry eligibility throughout employment.

· Possess proof of current automobile insurance and maintain throughout employment.

· Possess a valid current and unexpired Class “C” Texas Driver’s license and maintain throughout employment.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disabilities, and/or genetic information (including family medical history), any other characteristic protected by law. We comply with all federal, state and local laws and regulations regarding employment.

Texas Administrative Code (TAC) 377.113(a)(6) job descriptions for employees, directors, and volunteers.