Part-Time Paralegal
Basic Functions:
The part-time paralegal supports the work of the CASA Staff Attorneys and Permanency Specialist by performing a variety of administrative, law-related duties in support of CASA’s mission. The position is 20-24 hours per week. It is anticipated that this will primarily be a remote position with occasional need to travel to the Manchester CASA Office or one of the Regional CASA Offices.
Supervision:
The Part-Time Paralegal reports directly to the Senior Staff Attorney.
Major Duties & Responsibilities:
- Supports the work of the Permanency Specialist in Termination of Parental Rights Cases by: communicating with CASA volunteers regarding discovery and trial exhibits, tracking case pleadings and maintaining the digital file of NH Supreme Court decisions.
- Drafts administrative motions, correspondence and court appearances for attorneys.
- Prepares responses to discovery requests in court cases.
- Reviews and analyzes relevant statutes, rules and court protocols and court orders to research information for use in CASA legal matters.
- Assists attorneys’ preparation of PowerPoint trainings for CASA staff and volunteers.
- Communicates with Court Clerk staff, Program Staff and CASA volunteers about pending court pleadings.
- Maintains Staff Attorneys electronic filing system.
- Responds to legal inquiries and other matters on behalf of Staff Attorneys.
Knowledge & Skills:
- Computer skills and knowledge of relevant software: Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe.
- Database management.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Ability to work with minimal supervision.
- Ability to keep all case and court information confidential.
- Excellent and demonstrated organizational skills.
- Ability to be flexible and function as part of CASA’s Legal Team.
Education & Experience:
- Associates degree or two years’ college with a major study in law, paralegal studies or a related field, or a paralegal certificate from a paralegal program.
- Two years’ experience as a paralegal providing litigation support.
- Prior experience working in family law or knowledge about child protection cases a plus.
Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of New Hampshire provides a voice for children and youth who have experienced abuse and neglect by empowering a statewide network of trained volunteers to advocate on their behalf so they can thrive in safe, permanent homes.
CASA of NH is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prioritizes hiring diverse, talented people who can expand our perspectives. We encourage applications from historically underrepresented and racially minoritized groups and people with experience in the foster care system. We seek to offer a safe, inclusive, and supportive work environment where all employees and volunteers, whatever their race, ethnicity, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, education or disability feel valued and respected. As an organization, we stand against racism and all forms of oppression including transphobia, classism, sexism, and xenophobia. Read our full diversity statement here.
How to Apply
Submit cover letter, resume and salary requirements by email to Melissa Desrosiers.
Program Manager – Laconia
Join CASA of NH, a dynamic, high-energy, mission-based organization that is oriented toward diversity, equity, and inclusion. CASA of NH provides volunteer advocacy for children in New Hampshire who experienced abuse or neglect. You will be joining caring professionals led by a senior leadership team who values a supportive, diverse, talented, and friendly work environment, while setting high expectations. Be your best and work with the best at CASA of NH.
Role of Program Manager:
The Program Manager supervises, coaches and supports CASA Guardians ad Litem (volunteer advocates) and Peer Coordinators to oversee and implement the direct service of the CASA Program to advocate effectively on behalf of vulnerable children. CASA of NH is seeking an enthusiastic, compassionate, and organized team player for this position who thrives in a collaborative, committed environment. The position is full-time and based in our Laconia office.
Reports To:
Program Director
Major Duties & Responsibilities:
- Assists in recruitment, interviewing, and screening of Volunteer Advocates & Peer Coordinators
- Assists in training of Volunteer Advocates & Peer Coordinators
- Supervises Volunteer Advocates and Peer Coordinators who volunteer in Family Courts
- Ensures all court case data and files are accurate and up to date
- Collaborates with community partners such as court personnel, Division of Children, Youth & Families, and others
Basic Qualifications
- Experience supervising staff and/or volunteers and empowering them in their roles
- Experience in conducting training with focused enthusiasm and energy
- Excellent oral, written and interpersonal skills
- Comfortable learning proprietary software for case tracking
- Knowledge of juvenile court/child protection system a plus
- Experience working with and respecting all people regardless of socioeconomic background, culture, religion, sexual orientation, disability or gender and experience working with culturally diverse populations
- Demonstrate awareness, sound judgement and sensitivity to the interests and concerns of diverse multi-stakeholder groups
- Associate’s Degree in addition to 5+ years’ experience
- Commitment to CASA of New Hampshire’s mission and goals
- Enjoys working in a busy, collaborative, and supportive environment
Other Information
This is a full-time, salaried position with competitive benefits, generous vacation and sick time, and paid health insurance.
Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of New Hampshire provides a voice for children and youth who have experienced abuse and neglect by empowering a statewide network of trained volunteers to advocate on their behalf so they can thrive in safe, permanent homes.
CASA of NH is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prioritizes hiring diverse, talented people who can expand our perspectives. We encourage applications from historically underrepresented and racially minoritized groups and people with experience in the foster care system. We seek to offer a safe, inclusive, and supportive work environment where all employees and volunteers, whatever their race, ethnicity, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, education or disability feel valued and respected. As an organization, we stand against racism and all forms of oppression including transphobia, classism, sexism, and xenophobia. Read our full diversity statement here.
How to Apply
Submit cover letter, resume and salary requirements by email to Jonelle Gaffney and Bernadette Melton-Plante.
Donor Spotlight: Support for CASA comes in all shapes, sizes, and latitudes.
Halfway between the equator and the North Pole lies the 45th parallel. Those who live and play in New Hampshire’s scenic and adventure-rich North Country have likely seen the controversial green plaque marking the spot. (Due to the Earth being not quite a perfect sphere, and also the fact that the sign has been moved and/or stolen on occasion, the exact location of the 45th parallel is a little fuzzy.)
Just north of this shifty line of demarcation, in the town of Pittsburg, can be found some of Court Appointed Special Advocate of New Hampshire’s most steadfast supporters. You might call this a tale of two bears.
Corrine Rober and Steve Baillargeon are long-time supporters and friends of CASA. Some of Corrine’s “first steps” helping CASA took place on the runway for fashion show fundraisers. In 2014, Corrine and Steve’s company, Bear Rock Adventures, launched a full-day fundraising and awareness event for CASA. Running for multiple years, these jamboree benefits offered activities and attractions for the whole family, along with some key visibility for CASA of NH.
“We’re always looking for ways to connect to the community and meet the needs in the community. There are a lot of struggles for kids in the North Country, and not a lot of support,” explains Corrine.
More recently, when the CASA Cares Gala returned live in 2022, after being held virtually during the pandemic, Corrine and Steve were large contributors to the event’s success. Not only did they donate a Bear Rock Adventures glamping and ATV package for the auction, they added to the excitement in person, and placed the winning bid for lunch and a tour of the capital building with Governor Sununu.
As a sign of their commitment, Bear Rock Adventures has also officially selected CASA as one of their charities of choice. Corrine and Steve directed their PR team to include CASA messaging in Bear Rock’s marketing, and they recently hosted an open house at the store to spread awareness. “We’ve always believed in what CASA is doing. The need for assistance for youth in the area made us decide that CASA is one organization that is really vital for our community,” says Corrine.
Additionally, Bear Rock Adventures has partnered with The Family Restored, whose mission is to strengthen and support families affected by addiction through family support groups, 12-step workshops, and scholarships to help pay for treatment and recovery housing.
A stone’s throw down the road from Bear Rock Adventures (perhaps with a stop at Moose Alley Cones for a Bear Paw sundae) is At Bear Tree Inn and Cabins, also home to Murphy’s Steakhouse. In 2002 proprietor Georgie Lyons became only the second ever CASA of NH volunteer north of Dixville Notch. As a CASA, Georgie spent three years advocating for four North Country children. “I loved the training,” she says, “and it felt really good helping the children out.”
Having stepped back from her CASA role due to the many commitments of running a business, Georgie now serves on the CASA North Country Advisory Council. “It’s disheartening to see what these kids are going through in this day and age,” says Georgie. “There’s so much more pressure and stress on children and parents.”
Her confidence in the good a CASA can do for children has kept Georgie connected with the organization for the past two decades. “It’s a great organization, and it’s so needed,” she says. From donating lodging for staff during work trips to sharing the word about CASA far and wide, Georgie plays a key part in furthering CASA’s mission in New Hampshire’s north.
While the exact location of the 45th parallel is somewhat wavering, the support of Georgie, Corrine, Steve, and others like them in the North Country is anything but. CASA of NH is so grateful for our friends in “high” places.
Program Manager – Manchester
Join CASA of NH, a dynamic, high-energy, mission-based organization that is oriented toward diversity, equity, and inclusion. CASA of NH provides volunteer advocacy for children in New Hampshire who experienced abuse or neglect. You will be joining caring professionals led by a senior leadership team who values a supportive, diverse, talented, and friendly work environment, while setting high expectations. Be your best and work with the best at CASA of NH.
Role of Program Manager:
The Program Manager supervises, coaches and supports CASA Guardians ad Litem (volunteer advocates) and Peer Coordinators to oversee and implement the direct service of the CASA Program to advocate effectively on behalf of vulnerable children. CASA of NH is seeking an enthusiastic, compassionate, and organized team player for this position who thrives in a collaborative, committed environment. The position is full-time and based in our Manchester office.
Reports To:
Program Director
Major Duties & Responsibilities:
- Assists in recruitment, interviewing, and screening of Volunteer Advocates & Peer Coordinators
- Assists in training of Volunteer Advocates & Peer Coordinators
- Supervises Volunteer Advocates and Peer Coordinators who volunteer in Family Courts
- Ensures all court case data and files are accurate and up to date
- Collaborates with community partners such as court personnel, Division of Children, Youth & Families, and others
Basic Qualifications
- Experience supervising staff and/or volunteers and empowering them in their roles
- Experience in conducting training with focused enthusiasm and energy
- Excellent oral, written and interpersonal skills
- Comfortable learning proprietary software for case tracking
- Knowledge of juvenile court/child protection system a plus
- Experience working with and respecting all people regardless of socioeconomic background, culture, religion, sexual orientation, disability or gender and experience working with culturally diverse populations
- Demonstrate awareness, sound judgement and sensitivity to the interests and concerns of diverse multi-stakeholder groups
- Associate’s Degree in addition to 5+ years’ experience
- Commitment to CASA of New Hampshire’s mission and goals
- Enjoys working in a busy, collaborative, and supportive environment
Other Information
This is a full-time, salaried position with competitive benefits, generous vacation and sick time, and paid health insurance.
Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of New Hampshire provides a voice for children and youth who have experienced abuse and neglect by empowering a statewide network of trained volunteers to advocate on their behalf so they can thrive in safe, permanent homes.
CASA of NH is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prioritizes hiring diverse, talented people who can expand our perspectives. We encourage applications from historically underrepresented and racially minoritized groups and people with experience in the foster care system. We seek to offer a safe, inclusive, and supportive work environment where all employees and volunteers, whatever their race, ethnicity, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, education or disability feel valued and respected. As an organization, we stand against racism and all forms of oppression including transphobia, classism, sexism, and xenophobia. Read our full diversity statement here.
How to Apply
Submit cover letter, resume and salary requirements by email to Jonelle Gaffney and Bernadette Melton-Plante.
2022 Director’s Award: Senator Hassan and Senator Shaheen
The Director’s Award is given to an individual (or individuals) who has demonstrated a longstanding commitment to supporting and promoting CASA of New Hampshire. It recognizes those who have had significant and far-reaching impact in regard to advancing CASA of NH’s work on a variety of levels.
2022 Honorees: Senator Maggie Hassan and Senator Jeanne Shaheen
CASA of NH is proud to present the inaugural Director’s Award to Sen. Maggie Hassan and Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, as both have demonstrated a longstanding commitment to New Hampshire’s children. Throughout their careers, from their tenure as governors to their current roles in the U.S. Senate, Sens. Hassan and Shaheen have time and again shown their support for CASA of New Hampshire and the children we serve. From Sen. Shaheen’s resolution to designate June 6 as CASA/GAL Volunteers’ Day to her work this past summer to secure $89 million for key projects in the state, which included funding for CASA of New Hampshire, she has helped CASA of New Hampshire grow as well as bring awareness to our mission. Sen. Hassan has long supported legislation and policies that support children and families, and has recognized CASA’s work in person. Speaking in 2015, then-NH Gov. Hassan said, “CASA of New Hampshire helps ensure, truly, that our most vulnerable have the right to be safe, and to be treated with dignity, and to learn and to grow in a caring and permanent and loving family. […] They [CASA of New Hampshire] are a critical partner to our child advocacy and welfare system in our state, and we need each and every Granite Stater to think about these kids each and every day.” Sen. Hassan has also advocated at the national level to ensure CASA continues to receive funding via the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA).
2022 Judicial Service Award: Master Thomas Cooper
In the 30 years since two New Hampshire judges took a chance on a program that promised advocacy for children by highly trained volunteers, CASA of New Hampshire has advocated for more than 10,000 children. At the heart of every one of those cases has been a judge with a life-altering decision to make. CASA of New Hampshire would not be where it is today without the support of judges all around the state who believe in the work our volunteers do and who continue to support our mission. CASA of New Hampshire’s Judge of the Year award is given annually to a judge whose outstanding contributions exemplify CASA’s mission to protect the best interest of the child and whose support helps to promote the success of the CASA/GAL volunteer program.
2022 Honoree: Master Thomas Cooper
Considerate, engaged, respectful, fair, measured — these are some of the words that come to mind when thinking about Master Thomas Cooper. He is all these things to all parties who appear before him in his courtroom. Above all, though, he always keeps the perspective of the child front and center. His decisions reflect what he believes to be best for the child after weighing the interests of all involved. Master Cooper encourages parents who might be struggling, respectfully holds parties accountable when necessary, and asks questions to better understand the challenges. Master Cooper is relatable and patient with our youth who appear before him. He easily engages with youth and puts them at ease when he meets with them. Master Cooper has always been very respectful of CASA and truly values CASA’s role in the cases before him.
— Tessa Dyer, IT Specialist and Lisa Cioffi, Program Manager
In 2021, Master Cooper was awarded the Justice William Grimes Award for Judicial Professionalism by the New Hampshire Bar Association. He has served as a Marital Master for the State of NH Judicial Branch since 2008.
2022 Community Partner Award: Kurt and Sue Mathias
Our Community Partner Award highlights CASA’s valuable community partners for their support, engagement and resources that they have contributed to furthering the mission of the work we do. CASA recognizes that we have broad and deep support from the New Hampshire community but we seek to acknowledge those people and companies who have gone above and beyond.
2022 Honorees: Kurt and Sue Mathias
After 22 years, Kurt and Sue Mathias made the “bittersweet” decision to sell Boston Billiard Club & Casino in Nashua. CASA of New Hampshire would like to recognize Kurt and Sue’s generosity over the years, which includes — but is certainly not limited to — selecting CASA of New Hampshire in 2017 as one of their nonprofits of choice to receive charitable gaming funds. Since then, their decision to choose CASA of New Hampshire has resulted in a tremendous impact, significantly helping us serve more children throughout the state. They are committed supporters of CASA in many other ways, donating both time and resources to CASA Cares, including the popular “lunch with the Governor” live auction item at this year’s event in May. We are grateful for their generous support and are honored to present them with this award — they are true community partners.
2022 John McDermott Champion of Children Award: Carol Goldstein
John McDermott was a man whose life was committed to changing the future for New Hampshire’s youth. He spent his entire career in law enforcement and juvenile justice working diligently to improve the lives of children. John knew and believed the committed work of one or many could, and would, change the course of events and impact generations to come. John McDermott’s life was an example of how relentless advocacy can move mountains and turn the thinking of a single child in need around. The John McDermott Champion of Children Award is an annual award that celebrates the work of one person whose tireless advocacy has influenced the lives of many.
2022 Honoree: Carol Goldstein
Carol served as the juvenile clerk in the Nashua family court for 30 years before her well-deserved retirement this year. From the start, Carol has been a huge supporter of CASA of New Hampshire. She always took the time to meet and get to know each CASA volunteer, and would help by reaching out to CASA if a court report was late, or to facilitate in scheduling judges to speak at trainings and events. She is always in attendance at the CASA Cares gala, annual meetings, and important gatherings. Carol is incredibly committed to the philosophy of family reunification. In the courthouse, her vast knowledge and experience were invaluable to parents and children. Carol did a tremendous job of building a rapport and explaining court proceedings to them. Carol is lively, energetic, and one of the hardest workers CASA knows. She has always been CASA’s go-to person; an enthusiastic, reliable, and unwavering Champion of Children.
— Bernadette Melton-Plante, Program Director
Past honorees:
2021 – Lou Catano
2020 –Sylvia Gale (Posthumous)
2019 – Judge Willard “Bud” Martin
2018 – Governor Christopher Sununu
2017 – Gail Snow
2016 – Sue Meagher
2015 – Kristi Lamont
2014 – Ann Larney
2013 – Sandra Matheson
