Exploring Roles In ECE

  The first organization I have chosen was the Communities In Schools Nevada. The reason why I chose this organization is because this site focuses on keeping kids in school and help them get their high school diploma. According to the web site "133 students drop out of school every school day while only 45% of Nevada's high school student's graduate" (Communities In Schools). They work with the public schools to build relationships with businesses, social services, healthcare, as well as having parents and volunteers to provide resources. The only thing I was able to find under the career section is that they are looking for talented individuals that want to make a difference to send them a resume. This site does not list any specific skills and experiences that are needed to forfill the jobs.
    The second organization I have chosen was the Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA). The reason why I chose this organization is because I want to help children who are abused and neglected find permanent homes where these children feel safe. This organization teaches children how to rust adults again and how adults can change their lives. This organization has many volunteer positions. In order to become a volunteer one must be 21 years old and must spend 40 hours of classroom training, homework and court observation. There are no skills required, however one must be committed to helping children who have been abused and neglected. There is an application and interview process that are required, but once you are accepted one gets to the necessary training they need and volunteer 10-15 hours a month.
   The third organization I have chosen was the Casey Family Programs. This organziation focuses on foster care and also improves the child welfare system. They have nine field offices in five states, however they help people in all 50 states, Washington DC and Puerto Rico. The reason why I chose this organization is because I feel that it is important to protect children and create strong families. I believe in their cause of helping children acheieve their goals, have a stable family and grow into successful adults. The one job I am interested in is Director Strategic Consulting. The job entails working with Managing Director to provide counseling, technical assistance, and relationship management. It also requires research, monitor, and brings together to work towards the safe reduction of foster care.

The Qualifications are as followed:

A college degree with a minimum of 8 years of relevant experience required – recent experience in public administration in child welfare, foster care, or related field. Consultation with key administrators in the public child welfare arena may be substituted for recent direct work in public child welfare.

· Knowledge of and responsible experience with collaborations, agreements, and partnerships, especially among government agencies is needed. Knowledge about, competence in and familiarity with the infrastructures of child welfare systems required.

· The essential professional qualifications include: excellent organizational ability, analytical, strategic thinking and significant business acumen; clear and concise oral and written communication skills; avid attention to detail; as well as the ability to identify and resolve issues proactively, creatively and expeditiously. A balance of assertiveness and diplomacy is important, as well as the ability to collaborate effectively with a team of professionals, internal and external to CFP.

· Presentation skills required and ability to address small or larger groups with confidence and accuracy in information presented. Must be able to work well both independently and as part of a team, to manage multiple priorities efficiently and to thrive while under pressure or deadline-driven circumstances. Proven effectiveness and ease in a multi-cultural environment is required.

· This is a regular full-time position that may require travel on average 60% of the time.

· Physical requirements include the ability to lift and reach for light objects; close visual acuity to prepare and analyze data, text, and figures; ability to type utilizing a computer keyboard; ability to travel to outside locations; and the ability to work at a computer for extended periods of time as a primary job function.

(Casey Family Programs).

Sources:
Casey Family Programs.(2011). http://www.casey.org
Communities In Schools. (2012). http://www.cisnevada.org
Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA). (2011). http://www.casalasvegas.org