Public Policy Intern

Texas CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) is part of a national volunteer movement that began in 1977 in Seattle when a juvenile court judge conceived the idea of citizen volunteers speaking up for the best interests of children who are in foster care due to allegations of abuse or neglect. Today, the CASA movement has evolved into one of the largest volunteer organizations in the country. CASA volunteers are appointed by judges to watch over and advocate for these children in court, school and other settings; with the goal of reuniting children with their families whenever safe and possible. Volunteers stay with each case until it is closed with the goal of ensuring these children are kept safe and have the opportunity to thrive and grow.

In Texas, there are 74 local CASA volunteer advocacy programs with more than 7,000 volunteers serving nearly 20,000 children in 220 counties across the state. Texas CASA is the statewide organization that provides funding, resources, training and support to these local programs to ensure they can operate effectively and seek out the best possible volunteers who will advocate passionately for the children they serve.

Texas CASA is an inclusive, welcoming and affirming organization that values, celebrates and actively seeks out diverse candidates. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate against any individual, employee or applicant on the basis of race, national origin, color, creed, sex, age, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, or veteran or citizenship status. People of all identities are encouraged to apply.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Texas CASA seeks a dynamic, motivated, and knowledgeable Public Policy Intern to support the Public Policy Team with various tasks and research to support Texas CASA’s 2025 legislative agenda and the CASA Day at the Capitol. 

Requirements

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Event support for CASA Day at the Capitol
• Bill tracking and analysis
• Researching information for legislative testimony
• Drafting text for the Texas CASA Public Policy newsletter
• Creating educational resources such as webinars, handouts, website content, etc.
• Other duties as assigned.

 QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ideal candidates should be enrolled in or graduate from a masters program in social work, public affairs, or similar degree program
• Upper-class undergraduate candidates with relevant experience will also be considered 
• Skills in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Familiarity with the child welfare system and issues impacting children/youth in foster care is a plus
• Must be able to pass a background check

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, including public speaking and presentations
• Appreciation for collaborative work and planning, a willingness to learn or to advance their knowledge of Texas’ legislative system and the ability to work well in a fast-paced, professional environment
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, work independently, meet deadlines, organize and prioritize responsibilities
• Ability to manage and maintain confidential information
• Must possess a focused and disciplined work ethic, be detail oriented and be comfortable working in a team-oriented environment
• Commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion; as well as willingness and openness to learning, growing and having discussions around this arena

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The primary office is Texas CASA’s headquarters in Austin, TX. Although work may be performed in a remote location requiring ongoing computer use, Texas CASA requires weekly transportation to the primary office at the discretion of the CEO. While in the primary office, the employee may be occasionally exposed to a variety of working and environmental conditions, that could involve intermittent physical activities including bending, reaching, sitting and walking during working hours.

The Public Policy Intern will be expected to have daily transportation to attend offsite meetings, and various events.  Additionally, it is anticipated that the person may spend several hours of each day seated at a PC. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable a person with physical disabilities to perform the job.

 FLSA STATUS: Non-exempt

 COMPENSATION: Intern will be paid $15/hour

Benefits

Hybrid (partially remote and in person) working environment. In addition, the person will be eligible to participate in Texas CASA standard employee benefit programs, which include:

•  403(b) Retirement Plan with 5% Employer Contributions

HOW TO APPLY:

By December 13, 2024, please email a PDF cover letter and resume to publicpolicy@texascasa.org. The cover letter should describe your interest in the internship. We do not accept phone inquiries regarding the position.

Texas CASA is an inclusive, welcoming and affirming organization that values, celebrates and actively seeks out diverse candidates. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate against any individual, employee or applicant on the basis of race, national origin, color, creed, sex, age, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, or veteran or citizenship status. People of all identities are encouraged to apply.