Staff Guardian ad Litem (GAL) | Full-Time

Kids Voice of Indiana Inc; Indianapolis (IN); Hybrid; USD 47,000 - 57,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision and life

Retirement with employer match

Generous leave policy (20 days PTO, 16

Job summary

Kids' Voice of Indiana is seeking a Guardian ad Litem/CASA Volunteer Supervisor in Indianapolis, IN (Hybrid). The role advocates for the best interests of children in CHINS cases, while supervising a team of CASA volunteers and collaborating with attorneys, court personnel, DCS, and service providers.

The position combines direct child advocacy with staff supervision, requiring strong communication, empathy, and trauma-informed practice.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in social work or related field and background checks.
• Experience advocating for children, family systems, or related services is preferred.
• Ability to supervise CASA Volunteers and coordinate with attorneys, court personnel, and DCS.

Responsibilities

• Build trust-based relationships with children and communicate regularly with caregivers and families.
• Conduct in-home visits to assess safety and well-being.
• Develop best-interest recommendations with legal and clinical teams.
• Attend meetings, hearings, and mediations; testify when required.
• Oversee 10–15 CASA Volunteers, coaching and coordinating regular check-ins.

Skills

Relationship-building

Communication skills

Caseload management

Empathy and ethics

Team supervision

Education

Bachelor's degree in social work or related field

Tools

Outlook

Teams

Optima (case management)

Job description

Description

Job Title: Guardian ad Litem/CASA Volunteer Supervisor

Location: Indianapolis, IN (Hybrid)

Reports To: Guardian ad Litem Supervisor

What You'll Do

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.

Your Key Responsibilities

• 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.

Your Direct Reports

CASA Volunteers

Core Competencies

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 testify with confidence, engage in collaborative decision-making, and supervise CASA Volunteers in pursuit of safe, stable outcomes for every child you serve.

Compensation & Benefits

• Starting Salary: $52,000/year
• Benefits: Medical, dental, vision and life insurance; retirement savings with employer match; generous leave policy including 20 days PTO at start and 16+ paid holidays; ongoing professional development; a mission-driven, collaborative team culture and more.

What You Bring

• Bachelor's degree, preferably in social work or a related human services field
• Successful completion of state, national, and DCS background checks
• Demonstrated interest or experience in child-centered advocacy, family systems, or related services
• Strong relationship-building and communication skills, both written and verbal
• Ability to organize, prioritize, and manage a caseload independentlyCommitment to inclusive, equitable, and trauma-informed practices
• Sound judgment, ethical integrity, and resilience
• Flexibility to work some evenings, weekends or outside traditional business hours

What Makes You Stand Out

• Experience in family law, juvenile law, education, or child-serving systems
• Training or certification in trauma-informed care, child development, or special education
• Background in volunteer supervision or peer coaching
• Bilingual proficiency (especially Spanish/English)
• Familiarity with CASA/GAL models and Indiana court system

Tech Know-How

• Proficiency with Microsoft Outlook and Teams
• Ability to navigate case management systems (e.g., Optima)
• Comfort with remote meetings, documentation, and digital communication tools

Physical Requirements

This hybrid position operates in both professional office and remote settings and requires regular use of standard office equipment, including computers, phones, and copiers. Physical requirements include frequent speaking, listening, walking, standing, reaching, and the ability to lift and carry materials up to 20 pounds. This position involves travel for court hearings, meetings, and site visits.

This position will remain open until filled. For full consideration, applications should be received by October 16, 2026.

Kids' Voice of Indiana is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.