Madison County Government Hiring for Staff Advocate-/GAL at Anderson, IN Full Time

East Central Indiana CASA, Inc. JOB DESCRIPTION STAFF ADVOCATE/GAL POSITION General Description: The role of the Staff Guardian ad Litem (GAL) is separate and distinct from that of a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) volunteer. Appointment of a CASA volunteer remains the preferred model of providing an advocate for abused and neglected children, and it is the goal that every child in a dependency proceeding be appointed a CASA volunteer. When that is not possible, however, appointment of a Staff GAL to serve as the childs advocate may occur. The Staff GAL will ensure that children to whom they are appointed receive sound advocacy and early permanency planning. This is a full-time position. Qualifications: The Case Manager should have the following skills and experience:

• Bachelors Degree in social service-related field or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• The ability to work cooperatively with different types of personalities.
• Ability to communicate with DCS staff, school personnel, service providers, and children and families.
• Knowledge and understanding of issues and dynamics within families in crisis relating to child abuse and neglect given preference.
• Basic knowledge of computers and Microsoft Office Software is necessary.

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“` – Belief in every childs inherent right to a safe and permanent home in which they can thrive.

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“` – Strong written and verbal communication skills. – Commitment to ECI CASAs goals and mission.

Accountability: The Staff GAL is hired by the Executive Director. The GAL supervisor will supervise and delegate duties to this position. The direct supervisor is responsible for his/her performance reviews. Responsibilities:

• Complete program’s initial training session for advocates.
• Learn to use Quest and Optima Case Tracking systems.
• Ensure case notes and other necessary information are kept up to date in Optima.
• Upon initial appointment to a case, interview the child, parents, relatives, foster parents, teachers, DCS case manager, and others involved with the situation.
• Review all records relevant to the case.
• Participate in development of initial case plans when possible.
• Visit each child assigned in placement setting at a minimum one time a month.
• Visit each childs school and interview teachers/other staff regarding school performance at least quarterly.
• Discuss day to day functioning of each child with parents/relatives/caregiver at least quarterly.
• Meet or communicate with service providers prior to review hearings and permanency hearings.
• Attend Child and Family Team Meetings (CFTMs) on each case.
• Identify whether active and reasonable efforts to reunify the child and his/her birth family are being provided.
• Monitor implementation of progress with court-ordered services and plan.
• Bring unmet needs and/or other concerns to attention of DCS case manager.
• Prepare and submit Court Reports at a minimum of one week prior to court hearing.
• Attend all review and permanency court hearings on each case.
• Participate in regular case staffing with Supervisor and/or Executive Director.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date case files in office.
• Assist with completion of case statistics reports as requested.
• Attend in-service training and assist with coordination when requested.
• Complete bi-weekly timesheets.
• Attend conferences/seminars/meetings as requested by the Coordinator or Executive Director.
• Assist Agency with special projects and events as needed upon the request of the Executive Director.
• Other duties as may be assigned by Coordinator or Executive Director.

Employee Classification: Full – Time – 40 hrs week

Resumes must be submitted

[email protected]