CASA - Part-time Staff CASA - Vigo County, IN - Terre Haute, IN

The role of the Staff CASA is separate and distinct from that of a CASA [Court Appointed Special Advocate] volunteer. It is the goal that every child in a CHINS proceeding be appointed a CASA volunteer. When that is not possible, appointment of a Staff CASA to serve as the child’s advocate may occur.

The Staff CASA will ensure that children to whom they are appointed receive sound advocacy and early permanency planning.

Examples of Duties:
Complete program’s initial training session for volunteer advocate.

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 least monthly.

Visit each child’s 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 with service providers prior to review hearings and permanency hearings.

Attend Child and Family Team Meetings on each case.

Identify whether active and reasonable efforts to reunify the child and his/her birth family are being provided.

Monitor implementation of and progress with cour-ordered services and plan.

Bring unmet needs and/or other concerns to attention of DCS case manager.

Participate in regular case staffing with Director.

Write and submit “Update to Court” to Director for editing two weeks prior to court hearing.

Attend all review and permanency court hearings on each case unless in agreement with DCS, then no need to attend hearings.

Maintain accurate and up-to-date hard c opy case files/digital in office.

Assist with completion of case statistics reports as requested.

Attend in-service training and assist with coordination, as requested.

Complete work time sheets.

Attend conferences/seminars/meetings as requested by the CASA Director.

Other duties may be assigned by CASA Director.

Typical Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in social service-related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Belief in every child’s inherent right to a safe and permanent home in which they can thrive.

Ability to communicate with DCS staff, school personnel, service providers, and children and families.

Ability to work cooperatively with different types of personalities.

knowledge and understanding of issues and dynamics within families in crisis relating to child abuse and neglect given preference.

Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Commitment to Vigo County CASA’s mission and goals.

Supplemental Information:
Part-time up to 20 hours/week.

Vigo County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.