Jim Steele Email & Phone Number

100 Grove Street, Worcester, Ma.

The CASA Project, a member of the National CASA Association since 1981, recruits, screens, and trains community volunteers to become Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), also known as Guardians ad Litem (GAL). As a result, The CASA Project has provided thousands of children with the voice they needed in court. Each CASA volunteer undergoes 30 hours of extensive training on such topics as the Roles and Responsibilities of CASA, The Court System, The Department of Children and Families, Case Building, Interviewing, Report Writing and Understanding the Children We Serve. Upon receipt of a court appointment the CASA volunteer will then conduct an independent investigation by reviewing all pertinent documents and records. Volunteers will also interview the child, parents, social worker(s), foster parents and other appropriate counselors, teachers and service providers to determine the facts and circumstances of the child's situation. To assist in this investigation, parent(s) and other collaterals may be asked to sign a release of information to allow the CASA volunteer to seek information solely relevant to the immediate Care and Protection. This release could be modified by the signee and/or their legal representative, prior to their signature. Further, the individual service provider may also request the use of a modified or substitute form as maybe required for their own purposes. Any or all information obtained may be included as part of the written CASA report submitted to the appropriate Juvenile Court. Included in the CASA report is the caveat “This report is of a confidential nature prepared for the court. Copies are distributed to counsel to be reviewed with the parties. No additional copies of this report may be made.”Should you require any additional information on The CASA Project, please do not hesitate to contact me or visit our website at www.CasaWorcesterCounty.org

100 Grove Street, Worcester, Ma.

Oversee the volunteers that conduct an independent investigation by reviewing all pertinent documents and records. Volunteers also will interview the child, parents, social worker(s), foster parents and other appropriate counselors and teachers to determine the facts and circumstances of the child's situation. Visit the child at least once every 4 - 6 weeks, to ensure the living situation is safe and appropriate. Foster placements and social workers may be reassigned many times and the CASA volunteer may be the only constant adult in the child life. Provide written reports for court hearings which include findings and recommendations. It is not usually necessary for the volunteer to be present at the hearings. Make recommendations for specific, appropriate services for the child and family and advocate for necessary services which may not be immediately identified or available. Monitor implementation of case plans and court orders. Advocate for the child's interests in the community by bringing concerns regarding their health, education and mental health, etc. to the appropriate professionals to assure that the child's needs in these areas are met. *

Managed a multi-million dollar operation controlling the operating plan, employment, employee relations, management development and compliance with Federal and State regulations.• Reduced injuries in the operation by 76.3% by implementing a management-training program reinforcing safe job methods.• Increased production by 35% by refining the daily operating plan to improve staffing distribution• Instituted a 5 point internal audit process that improved service reliability by 75%.

Scheduled the movement of goods throughout New England and NY/NJ metropolitan area. • Leveraged knowledge of rail, air and ground transportation networks to integrate movement between multiple UPS districts • Condensed routes by 7% to eliminate duplicate movements.• Reconfigured all Eastern Massachusetts routes due to Homeland security challenges during the Democratic National convention in Boston without any service disruptions.

Coordinated schedules, routes and dispatch of 114 drivers from Maine to Pennsylvania. Monitored ICC hours of service and managed the annual bid and vacation processes.• Replaced a multi page, archaic scheduling spreadsheet with a single, easy to read page that eliminated incorrect dispatches• Consolidated the annual bid and vacation selection process by three weeks eliminating costly Union grievances

Coordinated schedules, routes and dispatch of 114 drivers from Maine to Pennsylvania. MonitoredICC hours of service and managed the annual bid and vacation processes. Replaced a multi page, archaic scheduling spreadsheet with a single, easy to read page that eliminated incorrect dispatches Consolidated the annual bid and vacation selection process by three weeks eliminating costly Union grievancesPrevious positions of increasing responsibility