INTERNAL - CASA: Staff CASA/FRC

Vigo County, Indiana•Terre Haute, IN

About The Position

The Staff CASA/FRC serves as a Staff Court Appointed Special Advocate for the Vigo County CASA program, advocating for and representing abused and neglected children in the juvenile court system. The role includes investigating and monitoring assigned cases, maintaining regular contact with children and relevant parties, gathering case information, preparing court reports, attending court proceedings, and providing testimony when required. The position also serves as the dedicated CASA for the Family Recovery Court (FRC), overseeing case appointments and attending FRC functions, meetings, and hearings. The incumbent maintains case records and program data, coordinates with courts and community agencies, assists with case triage and waitlists, and provides individualized case management and supervision to assigned cases and CASA volunteers. Additional duties include clerical and reporting work, participation in staff and community activities, and special projects assigned by the Program Director. The position reports directly to the Vigo County CASA Program Director. Most duties are performed in a standard office environment, with occasional extended, evening, or weekend hours and occasional overnight travel for conferences or training.

Requirements

Must be at least 21 years of age.
Baccalaureate degree in Criminology, Criminal Justice, Human Development, or a related field, or work experience in a related field.
Must complete the 30-hour CASA training course and carry an advocacy caseload.
Valid driver's license and proof of valid insurance.
Must meet employer and department hiring requirements, including passing a drug test and criminal background check.
Ability to supervise and assist CASA volunteers, including training and performance evaluation.
Working knowledge of standard office practices, standard English grammar, spelling, and punctuation, and ability to prepare documents and written reports.
Working knowledge of Microsoft Office programs, including Word, Excel, Publisher, and PowerPoint, and web-based software used by the courts and program.
Ability to operate standard office equipment, including a computer, calculator, fax machine, copier, telephone/headset/call-forwarding system, and shredder.
Ability to provide public access to or maintain confidentiality of department information and records in accordance with program, county, state, and national standards.
Ability to communicate orally and in writing with coworkers, county departments, and the public, with sensitivity to professional ethics, gender and cultural diversity, and disabilities.
Ability to understand, retain, and carry out written and oral instructions; compare data; and make determinations based on data analysis.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and as part of a team.
Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment for extended periods and under time constraints.
Ability to plan, present, and speak at presentations, trainings, fundraisers, and events.
Ability to occasionally work extended hours, weekends, and evenings and travel out of town for conferences or training, including overnight stays.

Nice To Haves

Working knowledge of child welfare or child-focused social issues, including issues and family dynamics related to child abuse and neglect.
Working knowledge of juvenile justice or social service systems and the ability to apply that knowledge to interrelated tasks.

Responsibilities

Advocate for and represent abused and neglected children in the juvenile court system.
Observe, investigate, evaluate, facilitate, and monitor assigned cases, including researching case background and status and gathering medical, school, and placement information.
Serve as the dedicated CASA for Family Recovery Court, oversee program case appointments, attend program functions and meetings, and submit weekly written case summaries.
Interact with children and people connected to their cases, including parents, family members, caregivers, providers, teachers, and other community contacts.
Conduct spot visits to help ensure child safety and report abuse or neglect to the Abuse Hotline as required by state law.
Maintain contact with each assigned child at least once every 30 days unless an approved exception applies.
Collaborate with court personnel, the Department of Child Services, law enforcement, schools, mental health providers, and other agencies; attend Family Team Meetings.
Assist with case triage and management of the case waitlist.
Maintain program database information, including placements, parent and child information, case logs, court appearances, research, and casework.
Ensure documents are scanned, processed, and accessible to relevant offices, agencies, court personnel, staff, and volunteers.
Prepare written reports for periodic review, permanency, termination of parental rights, and other court hearings or requests; attend court proceedings and testify as required.
Provide case management and supervision for assigned cases, including resource information, family stabilization, permanency planning, treatment, discharge planning, case review, evaluation, and documentation.
Maintain direct child contact, monthly case updates, contact logs, volunteer contact-log approvals, and director case updates in accordance with state and national standards.
Prepare reports by gathering information from multiple parties, resolving data discrepancies, and checking entries against State CASA requirements.
Perform clerical duties, including preparing brochure content, proofreading, supporting social media content, copying, scanning, mailing, filing, and updating bulletin boards and time sheets.
Support volunteer coordination by assigning and supervising volunteers, maintaining information on volunteers on leave, contacting volunteers about waitlisted cases, and providing backup support to the Volunteer Coordination Team.
Supervise assigned CASA volunteers, including case management, court preparation, monthly updates, contact-log review, performance documentation, and disciplinary action or removal when necessary.
Attend staff meetings, planning meetings, community CASA and volunteer events, and sessions concerning new procedures and policies.
Perform additional related duties and special projects assigned by the Program Director.