Job Description

TEXAS CASA SEEKS PUBLIC POLICY COORDINATOR

Location: Austin, Texas

Reports to: General Counsel & Chief External Relations Officer Effective: June 27, 2022

Texas CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) is part of a national volunteer movement that began in 1977 in Seattle when a juvenile court judge conceived the idea of citizen volunteers speaking up for the best interests of children who are in foster care due to allegations of abuse or neglect. Today, the CASA movement has evolved into one of the largest volunteer organizations in the country. CASA volunteers are appointed by judges to watch over and advocate for these children in court, school and other settings; with the goal of reuniting children with their families whenever safe and possible. Volunteers stay with each case until it is closed with the goal of ensuring these children are kept safe and have the opportunity to thrive and grow.

In Texas, there are 72 local CASA volunteer advocacy programs with more than 10,000 volunteers serving nearly 30,000 children in 219 counties across the state. Texas CASA is the statewide organization that provides funding, resources, training and support to these local programs to ensure they can operate effectively and seek out the best possible volunteers who will advocate passionately for the children they serve.

Texas CASA is an inclusive, welcoming and affirming organization that values, celebrates and actively seeks out diverse candidates. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate against any individual, employee or applicant on the basis of race, national origin, color, creed, sex, age, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, or veteran or citizenship status. People of all identities are encouraged to apply.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Public Policy Coordinator leads Texas CASA’s grassroots legislative advocacy efforts at the state level, leads and assists on other advocacy-related responsibilities, and performs various communications functions for the Public Policy Department. The Public Policy Coordinator also serves as the liaison to local CASA programs that have transitioned to Community-Based Care and coordinates updates of MOUs between DFPS, Single Source Continuum Contractor (SSCC) and local programs. The Coordinator may also assist in contract reviews in support of the General Counsel function, as needed.

Public Policy Coordinator

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Oversee maintenance and growth of a network of Legislative Advocacy Teams (LATs) by informing and empowering CASA volunteers, staff, and board members to advocate for child protection system
• Provide timely social media and online communications, notices, updates, and action alerts regarding significant policy actions affecting children and families in foster care through Texas CASA’s communications
• Assist legislative advocates and CASA programs in building relationships with
• Lead planning and implementation for CASA Day at the Capitol, which occurs during each legislative
• Support planning and implementation of the annual Texas CASA Child Welfare
• Support planning and implementation of the annual Texas CASA Legislative
• Lead planning and implementation of legislative advocacy trainings to prepare LAT members for the legislative
• Help research and write policy collateral and other materials used for legislative advocacy purposes.
• Coordinate communication and events related to Big Voices for Little Texans
• Serve as the liaison to the local CASA programs that have transitioned from the legacy system to Community-Based Care. This includes providing updates to CASA programs regarding the relevant MOUs between DFPS, the SSCCs, and local CASA
• Assist in non-MOU contract review and preparation as assigned by the General
• Provide general support for the Public Policy Department and work on other issues and events as determined by the General Counsel/Chief External Relations
• Other duties as

Additional Functions:

• Develop written plans, policies, and procedures for the provision of services provided by this position.
• Provide and ensure high consumer relations standards in dealing with fellow employees, the Texas CASA network and supporting
• Provide assistance to all appropriate board or internal Texas CASA  committees  as  assigned  by the General Counsel and Chief External Relations Officer,  including  assistance  in scheduling, development of agendas, and preparation of materials and oral

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required:

• College degree or 2 years of equivalent experience in working with programs statewide, human services, volunteer organizing, the Texas legislature, and/or legislative
• Must be able to pass a background

Preferred: Master’s degree or above in a mental health field, law, social work, or public policy and experience in child welfare, legislative or public policy work preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Skill in interpersonal relationships, including the ability to motivate volunteers, negotiate among multiple parties, resolve conflicts, and establish and maintain effective working relationships with various levels of
• Knowledge of Texas CASA and the local programs, the legislative process and of issues affecting children in state
• Strong problem-solving and trouble-shooting
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, including public speaking and presentations.
• Intermediate skills in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and social
• Excellent computer skills to create documents for public and legislative use, presentations and database
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, work independently, meet deadlines, organize and prioritize responsibilities, and identify and resolve conflicts in a timely and appropriate
• Ability to manage and maintain confidential
• Must possess a focused and disciplined work ethic, be detail-oriented and be comfortable working in a team
• Commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion; as well as willingness and openness to learning, growing and having discussions around this

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The Public Policy Coordinator will work primarily (80% – 85%) in a hybrid (partially remote and in person) environment requiring ongoing computer use. Travel is required 15-20% of the time throughout the state of Texas. During this time, the employee may be occasionally exposed to a variety of working and environmental conditions. The Public Policy Coordinator will spend some time in the office that could involve intermittent physical activities including bending, reaching, sitting and walking during working hours. Additionally, it is anticipated that the person may spend several hours of each day seated at a PC. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable a person with physical disabilities to perform the job.

FLSA STATUS: Non-exempt

COMPENSATION: Dependent on experience, starting at $50,000.

BENEFITS: Hybrid (partially remote and in person) working environment.  In addition,  the  person will be eligible to participate in Texas CASA standard employee benefit programs, the first of the month after 30 days following the date of hire, which include:

• Medical, Dental, Vision
• Group Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance
• Short- and Long-Term Disability

• Vacation, Personal Days, Paid Sick Time
• 403(b) Retirement Plan

How to Apply

HOW TO APPLY:

Job Categories: Equal Opportunities. Job Types: Full-Time. Salaries: 40,000 - 60,000.

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