Help Us Grow Our Impact
We are seeking seasoned CASA Volunteers to provide support, guidance, and mentoring to other volunteers as Peer Coordinators.
About Peer Coordinators
Peer Coordinators are experienced, specially trained volunteers who step into a supervisory role to assist other CASA Volunteers. As a Peer Coordinator, you will draw on your own experience as a CASA Volunteer to provide support and guidance to other CASA Volunteers, and offer resources and problem-solving as issues arise.
We began this program in 2014 with five Peer Coordinators and the program has grown year after year. Last year, 19 Peer Coordinators supported 117 CASA Volunteers who have advocated for 261 children from the child welfare system in Adams and Broomfield Counties.
Peer Coordinators are the reason CASA of Adams & Broomfield has grown to be one of the largest serving CASA programs in Colorado.
Qualifications of a Peer Coordinator
Experience
Must have served as an Advocate for CASA of Adams and Broomfield Counties in good standing on at least one case and/or one year.
Professionalism
Follows through on commitments; approaches others in a tactful manner; reacts well under pressure; treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; accepts responsibility for own actions.
Teamwork
Gives and welcomes feedback; contributes to building a positive team spirit; puts success of team above own interests; able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives; supports everyone’s efforts to succeed.
Communication
Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; listens and gets clarification; responds well to questions; participates in meetings. Writes clearly and informatively; edits work for spelling and grammar; varies writing style to meet needs; able to read and interpret written information.
Delegation
Delegates and monitors work assignments of Advocates; matches the responsibility to the person; gives authority to work independently; sets expectations; provides recognition for results.
Problem Solving
Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; gathers and analyzes information skillfully; develops alternative solutions.
Planning/Organizing
Prioritizes and plans work activities; uses time efficiently; sets goals and objectives; assists Advocates with organizing their tasks.
Interpersonal Skills
Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; listens to others without interrupting; remains open to constructive feedback and others’ ideas.
Customer Service
Manages difficult or emotional situations; responds promptly to Advocate needs; solicits Advocate feedback to improve service; facilitates communication.
Featured Peer Coordinator
Pam had been a CASA Volunteer just shy of two years when she was approached to become a Peer Coordinator. She wanted to do more to be of service to the children and youth served by CASA. Her motivation to give so generously of her time comes from the realization that not every child shares her experience of growing up in a loving and safe home.
Pam believes the Peer Coordinator Model not only helps CASA serve more children and families, but also creates a larger support system for CASA Volunteers. With more support and resources on hand, the more detail-oriented staff and volunteers can be. “The more we notice, the more we can help,” she said.
Pam White
I grew up in Pennsylvania and moved to Colorado in 1992 with my husband, who is a research meteorologist for NOAA in Boulder. We have three grown children and two granddaughters. I began my work life as a high school English teacher, but also worked for 15 years in public relations and proposal writing for a defense contractor and for 25 years as director of religious education for an Episcopal church. I’ve been retired since 2017. I volunteer with CASA because I believe every child should have adults who care about them and a safe, loving home. Being around my CASA kiddos keeps me young and being part of the CASA team makes me feel useful.
If you have any questions, or are interested in becoming a Peer Coordinator, contact Paula Stack, Peer Coordinator & Truancy Program Director, at paula@casa17th.com.