Guardian ad Litem; GAL

Description

Job Title: Guardian ad Litem/CASA Volunteer Supervisor

Location: Indianapolis, IN (Hybrid)

Reports To: Guardian ad Litem Supervisor

As a Guardian ad Litem (GAL)/CASA Volunteer Supervisor at Kids' Voice of Indiana, you will be appointed by the court to advocate for the best interests of children in Child in Need of Services (CHINS) cases. In this dual-impact role, you'll serve children directly, building trusting relationships and elevating their strengths and needs, and supervise a team of Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers pursuing the same goals.

In this dynamic, mission-driven role, you will work both independently and collaboratively with CASA Volunteers, attorneys, court personnel, caregivers, DCS, service providers, and others to gather information and make well-informed recommendations that support safe, stable, and nurturing outcomes for children and youth. You'll combine initiative, critical thinking, and organization with emotional intelligence and a deep commitment to equity, inclusion, and ethical advocacy.

GALs are adaptable professionals who manage competing priorities with empathy, clarity, and professionalism.

• Build strong, trust-based relationships with children on your caseload and maintain regular communication with them, their caregivers, families, and other key adults in their lives
• Conduct regular in-home visits and gather relevant information to assess child safety, well-being, and progress
• Collaborate closely with Staff Attorneys, Educational Liaisons, and other team members to develop and communicate well-informed best-interest recommendations
• Participate in meetings such as Child and Family Team Meetings, treatment meetings, and mediations
• Attend court hearings and testify as needed to support recommendations on behalf of children
• Communicate regular with DCS, providers, educational professionals, and other involved parties
• Keep all case documentation, including contact notes, court reports, and Optima records, accurate and up to date in a timely manner
• Connect children and families with available resources, and assist with referrals or information-sharing as appropriate
• Provide ongoing support, consultation, and oversight to a team of approximately 10 - 15 CASA Volunteers:
  • Ensure CASA Volunteers understand their responsibilities, maintain high standards of advocacy, and follow best practices in child welfare.
  • Offer coaching, feedback, and professional development opportunities to CASA Volunteers.
  • Facilitate regular check-ins and team meetings to address challenges, share updates, and celebrate successes.
  • Review CASA volunteer case notes and reports for accuracy and completeness
  • Assist CASA volunteers in connecting children and families with available resources, referrals, and support services.
  • Attend meetings and/or Court on behalf and/or with CASA Volunteers.
• Maintain familiarity with emerging research, trauma-informed practices, and child welfare trends to strengthen advocacy
• Participate in internal staffings, regular supervision, and continuing education
• Model professionalism, empathy, and ethical advocacy in all internal and external interactions.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

CASA Volunteers

As a Guardian ad Litem, you are a thoughtful, child-focused advocate who brings clarity, compassion, and objectivity to complex family court cases. You are skilled at gathering information, analyzing facts, and navigating multiple systems to elevate the best interests of the child. You build rapport with families, professionals, and community members while maintaining firm boundaries and professionalism. Your resilience, communication skills, and critical thinking allow you to…