Case Specialist

About the role

Jackson County CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that mobilizes community volunteers to advocate for children who have experienced abuse and/or neglect and are under the jurisdiction of the Jackson County Family Court. The Case Specialist works closely with Staff Attorneys to engage newly appointed child clients, conduct preliminary investigations, and provide initial and ongoing case support until a Volunteer Advocate is assigned, ensuring children receive high-quality representation and timely services.

Responsibilities

• Case Initiation: Complete immediate, thorough investigations; meet with the child early to introduce CASA and the court process, assess their wishes and needs, engage family and stakeholders, formulate placement/service recommendations, and ensure seamless transfer to the ongoing CASA team.
• Case Support: Build trusting relationships with clients through regular contact; communicate with family support teams (e.g., social workers, therapists, educators); attend case-related meetings (72 Hour Meetings, Team Decision Making Meetings, Stability Staffings, Family Support Team meetings, IEP meetings); review documentation; monitor court orders; advocate for timely services; link families to resources; assess placement alternatives.
• Customer Service: Provide timely communication to clients, Staff Attorneys, Volunteer Advocates, and Advocate Supervisors; facilitate case transfer meetings to ensure continuity.
• Record Keeping: Maintain thorough records and promptly update case-related data in CASA’s online database.
• Professional Integrity and Development: Comply with Missouri Guardian ad Litem Standards and Rules of Professional Conduct; develop understanding of safety vs. risk, trauma-informed care, and child welfare best practices; maintain confidentiality; participate in annual continuing education (minimum 12 hours); set DEI and child welfare development goals; engage in annual performance review.
• Other Duties: Complete CASA Pre-Service Training within three months of start date; perform other related duties as requested.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in social work or another human services field required; three years of case management experience in child welfare or serving at-risk populations may substitute.
• Demonstrated commitment to client-centered advocacy.
• Working knowledge of issues impacting CASA’s clients and families, including poverty, trauma, intimate partner violence, substance use disorders, untreated mental health, SOGIE, and child development.
• At least 21 years of age.

Essential Qualities

• Ability to exercise objectivity in assessing and making recommendations for children and families.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships in a diverse, inclusive, and multi-disciplinary environment; values collaboration and teamwork.
• Empathetic and solution-oriented, using a blameless problem-solving approach.
• Commitment to remaining current on research and best practice standards.
• Promotes dignity and well-being of clients, staff, and volunteers.
• Comfort with respectful confrontation; practices healthy professional boundaries and self-care.
• Strong organizational skills with ability to juggle multiple assignments and meet short deadlines.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Commitment to Jackson County CASA’s mission and values.

Special Requirements

• Must pass criminal and child abuse/neglect background check.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable personal transportation required; frequent travel within Jackson County and surrounding areas, including long-distance travel; mileage reimbursed.

Schedule

Full-time, primarily M–F 8:30 am–5:00 pm; some evening and weekend hours required; ability to work some hours remotely. Office located at 2544 Holmes, Kansas City, MO 64108.

Physical and Mental Demands

Prolonged standing, walking, sitting at a desk, and computer use; frequent use of hands and fingers; climbing/descending stairs; grasping, handling, bending, kneeling, crouching; speaking, hearing, and reading in varied settings; lifting/moving up to 25 pounds; substantial in-person public contact; vision for close and distant focus. Office noise level is typically low to moderate with usual interruptions. Business casual attire; professional attire may be required depending on environment.

Benefits

• 15 days paid time off and 15 days paid leave earned within the first year; paid holidays.
• 100% employer-paid health, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance.
• Simple IRA with match.
• Employee Assistance Program.