Social Worker IV (Court Appointed Special Advocates) - Kapolei, Oahu

Recruitment Number 26-187LM, SR-22, Kapolei, Oahu.

About the Role

This position is assigned to the Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Program, which provides trained volunteer citizen advocates to serve as guardians ad litem for children involved in abuse and neglect cases before the Family Court. The role involves training, supervising, and supporting volunteer advocates by conducting training, matching volunteers to cases, providing case consultation and guidance, reviewing case activities and reports, accompanying volunteers to court and meetings, and carrying cases when necessary.

The position also interviews and screens prospective volunteers, represents the program at community outreach and recruitment activities, and contributes to program development by evaluating and recommending improvements to policies, procedures, and program goals. It serves as a liaison between the Family Court, volunteers, community agencies, and other service providers, promoting effective working relationships and continued volunteer involvement in the CASA Program.

Responsibilities

• Train, supervise, and support volunteer advocates.
• Conduct training sessions for volunteers.
• Match volunteers to specific cases.
• Provide case consultation and guidance to volunteers.
• Review case activities and reports.
• Accompany volunteers to court and meetings.
• Carry cases when necessary.
• Interview and screen prospective volunteers.
• Represent the program at community outreach and recruitment activities.
• Evaluate and recommend improvements to policies, procedures, and program goals.
• Serve as a liaison between the Family Court, volunteers, community agencies, and other service providers.
• Promote effective working relationships and continued volunteer involvement in the CASA Program.

Requirements

Education: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor’s degree which included a minimum of twelve (12) semester credit hours in courses such as social work, social welfare, criminal justice, human services, counseling, psychology, sociology, or other related social sciences.

Excess work experience as described under Specialized Experience, or any other responsible administrative, professional, or analytical work experience which provided comparable knowledge and abilities, may be substituted on a year-for-year basis.

The education or experience background must demonstrate the ability to write clear and comprehensive reports and other documents, read and interpret complex written material, and solve complex problems logically and systematically.

Specialized Experience: Two and one-half (2-1/2) years of progressively responsible professional social work experience involving the utilization of a variety of social work skills and exercising professional judgment in assisting individuals and their families. This includes conducting assessments, developing and implementing treatment plans, working cooperatively with other professionals and community agencies, and evaluating client progress.

Substitution Allowed:

• A bachelor’s degree in Social Work or Criminal Justice Administration qualifies for Social Worker II or six (6) months of experience.
• A master’s degree in Social Work or Criminal Justice Administration qualifies for Social Worker III or one and one-half (1-1/2) years of experience.
• A Ph.D. degree in Social Work or Criminal Justice Administration qualifies for Social Worker IV or two and one-half (2-1/2) years of experience.

Non-Qualifying Experience: Experience that did not provide necessary professional social work concepts and theories will not be considered qualifying. Examples include but are not limited to:

• Supportive services to professional social workers or other professionals.
• Determining eligibility for public welfare benefits.
• Vocational, educational, psychological, or pastoral counseling.
• Occupational or physical therapeutic services.
• Peace Corps or VISTA work not requiring professional social work knowledge.
• Experience relocating displaced clients.
• Trainee-level social work experience without competent professional supervision.

Qualifications

Selective Certification Requirement - Driver's License: This position requires a current and valid driver’s license to operate a motor vehicle.

Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) Requirement: The position involves contact with detainees in juvenile facilities, inmates in prisons or jails, or residents of community confinement facilities. Applicants must not have engaged in or been convicted of sexual abuse or harassment as defined by PREA regulations.