Child Advocate

Hendricks County Government•Danville, IN

About The Position

The CASA Child Advocate maintains regular, in-person contact with up to ten children adjudicated in Children In Need of Services (CHINS) cases, develops in-depth knowledge of each case, advocates for each child’s best interests, and makes fact-based recommendations to the Juvenile Court. The role investigates children’s circumstances, reviews case records and relevant documents, interviews people with knowledge of the case, keeps complete case records, monitors cases, and supports children in understanding the legal process in an age-appropriate manner. The Child Advocate works with the Juvenile Court, the Department of Child Services (DCS), attorneys, families, service providers, and other professionals. The position requires monthly travel throughout Indiana, regular case reporting, court reports and attendance at hearings as necessary, monthly case staffings, and accurate use of the Optima case management system. The advocate remains assigned until formally discharged by the Court and maintains confidentiality and compliance with applicable laws and professional standards. The role is listed as an independent contractor for 10–20 hours per week. Work is performed remotely or in a standard office environment, with travel throughout Indiana for in-person child contact and case investigation. Previous experience working directly with children is required.

Requirements

Be at least 21 years of age.
Previous experience working directly with children is required.
A high school diploma and three years of related experience in volunteer, nonprofit, public service, or human social services are preferred.
Excellent written and oral communication skills, including presentation and training skills.
Attention to detail and strong organizational ability.
Knowledge of family dynamics and issues related to child abuse and neglect.
Valid Indiana Driver’s License, safe driving record, and reliable transportation.
Successfully pass required screening, including an application, criminal record and Child Abuse Registry checks, a personal interview, and four reference checks.
Successfully complete 30 hours of initial CASA training; missed sessions must be made up before appointment to a case.
Be accepted as a volunteer by the Program Administrator and sworn in as an officer of the Court.
Observe four hours of CHINS/TPR proceedings.
Successfully complete 12 hours of additional training annually.
Accept supervision by the Program Director and maintain confidentiality.
Immediately report any past, present, or pending criminal charges to the Program Director.
Travel throughout Indiana monthly and manage up to ten cases.
Exercise significant independent judgment when considering complex variables.

Nice To Haves

A high school diploma and three years of related experience in volunteer, nonprofit, public service, or human social services are preferred.

Responsibilities

Maintain regular, in-person contact with assigned CHINS children and monitor each case through contact with the child at least every 30 days.
Investigate each child’s circumstances and develop in-depth case knowledge.
Review relevant documents, including case records and DCS case files.
Interview children, parents, social workers, relatives, school personnel, placement providers, and others with relevant knowledge.
Maintain complete case records documenting appointments, interviews, information gathered, records reviewed, and time spent.
Assess whether a permanent plan exists and whether reasonable efforts have been made to provide services to the child and family.
Advocate for each child’s best interests, taking into account age, maturity, culture, ethnicity, family and sibling attachments, belonging, and identity.
Provide the Court with fact-based information about the child’s wishes and best interests and make recommendations to the Court.
Recommend appropriate services, including evaluations, assessments, physical and mental health services, and treatment for the child and/or family.
Submit written recommendations to the Program Director regarding treatment and the permanent plan, and promptly discuss case concerns.
Help children understand the legal process in an age-appropriate manner.
Provide the Program Director with monthly reports of case information.
Immediately report suspected child abuse or neglect to the appropriate authorities and the Program Director.
Work with the Juvenile Court, DCS, counsel, and other professionals involved in each case.
Submit Court reports and attend Court hearings as necessary.
Attend monthly case staffings.
Ensure data in the Optima case management system is accurate and up to date.
Represent CASA professionally with courts, agencies, partners, organizations, and the public.
Maintain relationships with professional and social service organizations, funders, foundations, and charitable organizations; serve on appropriate committees and task forces.
Provide community education about CASA services and assist with outreach.
Participate in organizations addressing child abuse and neglect.
Maintain confidentiality of information that could identify parties involved in CASA cases.
Comply with applicable laws and regulations and conduct CASA business honestly, fairly, and professionally.
Remain involved until formally discharged by the Court and promptly return case notes and paperwork to the Program Director when the case ends or the assignment terminates.
Comply with applicable provisions of the Indiana Code of Judicial Conduct.
Perform other duties as assigned.