CASA Program Coordinator

Job Description

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Division of Compliance, Bureau of Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) is seeking a Local CASA Coordinator to join our team!

Are you passionate about making a meaningful difference in the lives of children? Do you thrive in a role that blends community engagement, relationship building, and leadership?

The CASA team is looking for a Local Program Coordinator to join our fun, supportive, and mission-driven team. In this role, you’ll help ensure that children involved in the court system have a strong, consistent voice advocating for their best interests.

The Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program coordinator plays a vital role in strengthening the CASA volunteer and child voice in juvenile court by supporting volunteers and building partnerships that improve outcomes for children and families. This position serves as a connector between courts, child welfare partners, volunteers and the community.

Key Responsibilities Include:

Community Engagement and Program Growth

• Increase awareness and public support for CASA through outreach efforts
• Build and maintain strong relationships with courts, HHS Family Well-Being & Protection, and community stakeholders to increase CASA case assignments.
• Collaborate with community organizations to expand partnerships, visibility, and volunteer recruitment efforts.
• Develop and execute a strategic recruitment plan to grow and diversify the volunteer base.
  
  

Volunteer Coordination & Case Oversight

• Provide support to CASA volunteers from case assignment through case closure.
• Review and submit CASA court reports, ensuring compliance with policies and deadlines.
• Offer ongoing guidance, feedback, and networking opportunities to volunteers.
• Ensure compliance with volunteer management standards.
• Use data systems to provide volunteer support and ensure accurate volunteer and case records.
  
  

Training & Volunteer Development

• Assess and meet ongoing training needs of advocates and coaches.
• Deliver or coordinate pre-service training for new volunteers.
• Develop and implement a continuing education plan aligned with program goals.
• Utilize virtual learning and conferencing tools for training and engagement.
  
  

We’re Seeking Someone Who Is:

• A strong relationship builder and communicator
• Organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities
• Passionate about child advocacy and community impact
• Comfortable working with courts, public systems, and volunteers
• Skilled in facilitating training and supporting adult learners
  
  

If you're ready to bring your skills, energy, and passion to a role that truly matters—we’d love to hear from you.

Benefits

Working for the State of Iowa comes with its perks. In addition to a competitive salary, you'll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth:

• Health, Dental, and Vision Coverage: Health and dental insurance packages to keep you and your family healthy at a low cost with outstanding coverage!
• Paid Time Off: Take time to recharge with paid time off, including vacation (96 hours/year to begin, increasing with years of service), sick leave (144 hours/year), and paid holidays (9 days/year).
• Retirement Plans: Participate in retirement plans such as IPERS (employees contribute 6.29% and the State of Iowa contributes 9.44%) as well as our Retirement Investors Club (RIC), Employer Sponsored Retirement Plan (the State of Iowa matches dollar for dollar up to $75/month).
• Flexible Spending Accounts: Take advantage of flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care expenses.
• Insurance Coverage: Benefit from life insurance and free long-term disability insurance for added peace of mind.
• Employee Assistance Program: Access resources and support through our Employee Assistance Program for personal and professional challenges.
• Employee Discount Programs: Enjoy discounts on a variety of goods and services through our employee discount programs.
  
  

For Additional Information On Benefits Click Here .

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Background Checks

Applicants will be required to complete a background check to be considered for this position.

The State of Iowa is an EEO/AA Employer

HHS values those with “lived experience” and encourages adults who were fostered as youth, foster parents, and/or parents who were in the DHS system to apply. Minorities, women, persons with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply (Hearing and Speech Impaired – Relay Iowa 1-800-735-2942 TDD).

E-Verify and Right to Work

The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify, a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States. The State of Iowa also complies with the federal Right to Work laws, which protect employees’ rights to work without being required to join a labor organization. For more information, please visit www.e-verify.gov .

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Applicants must meet at least one of the following minimum requirements to qualify for positions in this job classification:

• Six years of full-time work experience in the administration or operation/execution (i.e., providing consultation and/or technical assistance to stakeholders, research and analysis, or enforcement of program guidelines/policies/procedures) of a program (i.e., the provision of a service or an administrative oversight/enforcement responsibility).
• All of the following (a and b):
• A total of four years of education and full-time experience (as described in number one), where thirty semester hours of accredited college or university course work in any field equals one year of full-time experience; and
• A total of two years of graduate-level education and full-time experience (as described in part a), where twenty-four semester hours of accredited graduate college or university course work in any field equals one year of full-time experience.
• Current, continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes eighteen months of full-time work as a Program Planner 1.
  
  

For additional information, please click on this link to view the job description .