Resource Specialist

We are looking for a Resource Specialist who can support CASA’s mission by connecting families and placements with community resources and information to provide stable, long-term support to the children in their care. 

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 diverse community volunteers who ensure each child's needs remain a priority in an overburdened child welfare system. Through inclusive, 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 a Resource Specialist, you will work closely with Child Advocacy Specialists and their volunteer advocates to assess family needs, locate resources, and build and maintain relationships with community service providers to address needs. You will also provide regular education to Program Staff and volunteers highlighting community resources and will seek feedback on the providers being utilized, collaborating with the Family Engagement Program Manager to collect and assess data that quantifies the impact of the work on children served. 

At the end of your first year, success would mean managing a structured resource library for team members that meets any local need, identifying and tracking quantifiable data points for the usefulness of resources, and maintaining relationships with local community resource providers. 

The Resource Specialist is a critical role supporting CASA’s vision of a trained volunteer advocate, a safe home, and a promising future for every child who needs us, demonstrate cultural humility and a commitment to child safety and race equity in all endeavors. 

Responsibilities 

1. Provides consultation and support to CASA Child Advocacy Specialists and volunteer advocates regarding community resources

• Works with the Data Team to build and maintain a database of resources for referral, including staff and volunteer feedback about the quality of services
• Hosts regular educational opportunities for CASA staff and volunteers

2. Works directly with families of children served by CASA to identify and navigate community resources that would assist in stabilizing relative placements

• Identifies appropriate community resources that address unique family needs based on internal referrals
• Provides consultation with families as needed to assist with system navigation and follow up

3. Establishes relationships with community-based service providers and keeps current on available services to support family and kinship caregivers for the children to whom CASA is appointed

• Develops techniques for efficient and effective resource identification to support children
• Attends and participates in community meetings with other stakeholders that may support families

4. Ensures the high standard of performance of service of CASA of Travis County

• Models a commitment to race equity, child safety, and the value of family engagement and relational permanency
• Builds and maintains effective relationships with others on the CASA team and other stakeholders in the Travis County child welfare system

Qualifications

1. A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree is required. CASA of Travis County welcomes employees from diverse educational backgrounds and degree programs. In lieu of a degree, relevant professional experience may be considered
2. English/Spanish fluency
3. Ability to identify and understand barriers to relative permanency for youth in the child welfare system, and to assist in efforts to address those barriers
4. Demonstrated passion for the mission of CASA and our desire to keep children connected to their families
5. Intermediate level knowledge of Windows applications, including but not limited to Microsoft Excel, Access, Word, and Outlook
6. Demonstrated organizational skills and the ability to work with efficiency and independence
7. Demonstrated ability to work under time constraints, be goal-oriented, and maintain productive and effective relationship with staff, volunteers, and community stakeholders
8. Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and interact in a friendly, supportive manner
9. Demonstrated commitment to diversity of thought, experience effectively working with a diverse population, and understanding of the impact of race and equity in larger systems
10. Demonstrated resilience, flexibility, and self-awareness
11. Demonstrated integrity, honesty, and ethical conduct

Preferred Qualifications

1. Knowledge of community service providers, including but not limited to mental and physical health providers, childcare, legal aid, and financial and material resources
2. Experience in identifying and helping families navigate community resources
3. Experience in the Travis County child welfare system and/or with the CASA model
4. Training or experience in permanency issues, both legal and relational, for children involved in the child welfare system
5. Knowledge and understanding of best practices related to child safety and the prevention of abuse

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

The Resource Specialist will be expected to have transportation to attend staffings, visitations, court hearings, fundraising events, etc. While this position is not remote, there is some flexibility in scheduling and tasks that may be completed outside of the office. The position requires some flexibility as communication with advocates, service providers, and families may occasionally need to occur outside of regular business hours. The Resource Specialist will spend time in the office that could involve intermittent physical activities including bending, reaching, sitting, and walking during business hours. Additionally, it is anticipated that the person may spend several hours of each day seated at a computer. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable a person with physical disabilities to perform this job.