Job Description

Posting number: 192978

Department: Department of Children's Advocacy

Division: Guardian ad Litem

Job classification: Program Coordinator I

Posting type: Open

Categories: Social Services, Investigative, Human Services, Customer Service, Community and Social Services

Summary

SC Department of Children's Advocacy.png

Are you an experienced professional looking for new opportunities to further your career? The SC Department of Children's Advocacy is seeking a hardworking and dependable candidate just like you to apply! This position will offer great benefits with the state, including 15 days of annual and sick leave per year or more depending on applicable state service.

Responsibilities of the Case Worker:

Program Coordinator I: Under limited supervision, responsible for casework, court preparation and court attendance for cases in which there is no volunteer Guardian ad Litem appointed. Must operate in accordance with the best practices and policies of the South Carolina Guardian ad Litem Program. Additional responsibilities to include training and public relations components as the needs of the circuit/county changes.

Employee must be able to work under limited supervision and exercise discretion concerning confidential information; responsible for providing day to day case management, court preparation, supervision and assistance to volunteer advocates; ability to follow directions and leadership of County Director, Regional Staff and State Office Staff; responsible for following the South Carolina statutes applicable to the Guardian ad Litem Program and the Best Practices established for the SCGAL Program.

• Performs direct advocacy for victims of abuse/neglect within the assigned judicial circuit on cases to ensure compliance with law, policy and program's objectives regarding the best interest of children until such time a volunteer Guardian ad Litem can be appointed. Direct advocacy may also include courtesy visits for staff members and volunteers in other counties.
• Maintains current programmatic knowledge of child-specific and hearing related information in assigned caseload. Completes monthly monitoring reports and inputs the data into database. Maintain accurate case files.
• Establishes and maintains positive working relationships with the Department of Social Services, Family Court and other child serving agencies.
• Assists the coordinator with the supervision/management of volunteers, volunteer training sessions and recruitment efforts as caseload decreases.
• Complete any special assignments or tasks assigned by supervisor.

Examples of duties

• A high school diploma and relevant experience or equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered with an approved equivalence by the Division of State Human Resources (DSHR).

Additional Requirements:

• Position may require overnight travel.
• Position may require the employee to work evenings and weekends.
• Position requires routine driver duties.
• Position requires frequent lifting: 25 lbs.
• Position requires non-essential declaration.
• Must have and maintain a valid driver's license.
• Work is performed primarily in an office environment, but travel and field work will be required in areas where there are some risks and hazards that are known, predictable and controllable.
• Ability to exercise judgment and discretion concerning confidential information and case management.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with volunteers, co-workers and partner agencies.
• Ability to perform multiple tasks, prioritize scheduling and organization required.
• Ability to train and supervise volunteers.
• Knowledge of computer applications and data entry.
• Ability to interpret and apply laws, regulations, policies and procedures.

Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree is preferred.

Supplemental information

The SC Department of Children's Advocacy is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy childbirth or related medical conditions, including, but not limited, to lactation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information.

Supplemental questions are considered part of your official application. Any misrepresentation will result in your disqualification from employment. Please complete the state application to include all current and previous work history and education. A resume will not be accepted nor reviewed to determine if an applicant has met the qualifications for the position.

The SC Department of Children's Advocacy offers an exceptional benefits package for full time (FTE) employees:

1. Health, dental, vision, long-term disability, and life insurance for employees, spouses, and children. Click here for additional information.
2. 15 days annual (vacation) leave per year
3. 15 days sick leave per year
4. 13 paid holidays
5. Paid Parental Leave
6. S.C. Deferred Compensation Program available (S.C. Deferred Compensation)
7. Retirement benefit choices*
8. State Retirement Plan (SCRS)
9. State Optional Retirement Program (State ORP)

*Enrollment in one of the listed plans is required for all FTE employees; please refer to the contribution section of hyperlinked retirement sites for the current contribution rate of gross pay.