Staff Advocate - CASA - PAT III

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

To perform this position successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed in this document are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Tippecanoe County provides reasonable accommodation to qualified employees and applicants with known disabilities who require accommodation to complete the application process or perform essential functions of the job, unless the accommodation would cause an undue hardship.

Incumbent serves as Staff Advocate for the Tippecanoe County Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Department, responsible for managing cases that would otherwise be unassigned to a CASA. Incumbent is a sworn officer of the court.

DUTIES:

• Investigates facts of assigned cases and documents all findings as the case progresses.
• Investigates and recommends course of action for assigned cases. 
• Maintains regular contact with child(ren) in assigned cases to ensure sufficient knowledge of the facts to support specific recommendations to the court. 
• Communicates with Department of Child Services, service providers, parents, foster parents, relatives, medical professionals, educational professionals, and other members of the treatment team, and other community systems on a regular basis to ensure the child(ren)’s needs are met.  
• Identifies whether active and reasonable efforts toward reunification are provided as required. Seeks cooperative solutions by acting as a facilitator among parties as needed.    
• Transports self to locations within and outside the county as case investigation and monitoring requires.  
• Monitors progress toward established goals while the case is under the jurisdiction of the court.
• Maintains accurate and up-to-date files for assigned cases including preparation of files for scheduled case conference and court hearings.  
• Utilizes program’s web-based data system to document details related to assigned cases. Utilizes county data system to maintain an accurate schedule for case conferences and court hearings on assigned cases.   
• Utilizes court case management system(s) and communicate with court staff as needed.
• Attends case conferences for assigned cases.
• Prepares written reports for each court hearing stating findings and recommendations for assigned cases.
• Attends hearings for assigned cases and testify when required.
• Advocates for the best interests of the child(ren) in assigned cases. 
• Confers with Program Director on a regular basis, as needed.
• Assists Program Director with volunteer appreciation and recognition activities and events, as directed.  
• Assists Program Director in evaluation of the program, as requested.  
• Backs up Volunteer Coordinator as needed.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

I. JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• Baccalaureate Degree in social services related area or equivalent combination of education and work experience. Previous experience in child advocacy, child welfare, and/or child focused social issues preferred.  
• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Ability to comply with the training and certification standards of Tippecanoe CASA, the Indiana Office of GAL/CASA, and National CASA including completion of the 12 hour GAL/CASA administrative training and 12 hours of continuing training each year as approved by the Indiana Office of GAL/CASA.
• Ability to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the dynamics within families in crisis relating to child abuse and neglect.
• Ability to gain a working knowledge of Indiana CHINS Deskbook, Indiana Code references and annotations, Indiana Sexual Offenders Registry, National CASA Associations Standards/Policy and Procedures, QUEST software, and COMET (CASA Outcome Management and Evaluation Tool) software.
• Ability to demonstrate a working knowledge of Standard English grammar, spelling and punctuation, and ability to prepare various documents and make simple arithmetic calculations.
• Ability to operate standard office equipment, such as computer, keyboard, printer, calculator, and telephone.
• Ability to provide public access to or maintain confidentially of department information and records according to state requirements.
• Ability to understand, memorize, retain, and carry out written or oral instructions and present findings in oral or written form.
• Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing with co-workers, other County departments, court personnel, probation officers, Department of Child Services, various community service providers and organizations, various law firms, and the public, including being sensitive to professional ethics, gender, cultural diversities and disabilities.
• Ability to comply with all employer and department policies and work rules, including, but not limited to, attendance, safety, drug-free workplace, and personal conduct.
• Ability to compare or observe similarities and differences between data, people or things and to apply knowledge of people and/or location.
• Ability to work alone with minimum supervision and with others in a team environment.
• Ability to work rapidly for long periods, work on several tasks at the same time, and complete assignments effectively amidst frequent distractions and interruptions and under time pressure.
• Ability to work with potentially irate or hostile persons, including ability to ensure protection of self and others.
• Ability to occasionally work extended hours, occasionally work evening and/or weekend hours, and occasionally travel out of town, sometimes overnight for meetings, training, and/or conferences.  
• Ability to occasionally respond to emergencies on a 24-hour basis and from an off-duty status.
• Ability to occasionally testify in legal proceedings/court as required.
• Possession of a valid Indiana driver's license and demonstrated safe driving record.

II. DIFFICULTY OF WORK:

Incumbent encounters situations of great diversity and operates according to general department guidelines, adapting information to meet specific circumstances. Independent judgment and extensive analysis may be required in ascertaining the most appropriate methods to achieve desired results.

III. RESPONSIBILITY:

Incumbent applies standard practices and procedures in making decisions on individual cases, following precedents whenever possible. Work is reviewed periodically for effect on department goals/objectives and compliance with legal requirements. Unusual cases may be discussed with supervisor prior to official activity.

IV. PERSONAL WORK RELATIONSHIPS:

Incumbent maintains frequent contact with co-workers, other County departments, court personnel, probation officers, Indiana Supreme Court Advisory Commission, Tippecanoe County Division of Child Services, numerous community service providers, various law firms, community churches, and service organizations, and the public for purposes of giving and receiving information and making referrals to other organizations.

Incumbent report directly to Program Director.

V. PHYSICAL EFFORT AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Incumbent performs duties in standard office environment, involving lifting objects weighing less than 25 pounds, walking/sitting at will, hearing sounds/communications, and speaking clearly. Incumbent may respond to situations involving potential harm to self and/or others.

Incumbent may regularly work extended hours, occasionally work weekends/evenings, and travel out of town, sometimes overnight for meetings, training and/or conferences. Incumbent responds to emergencies on a 24-hour basis and from off-duty status.