Employment Opportunities

The Guardian Center, Inc.
Carmi, Illinois

Position: Advocate Caseworker

Full-Time Position | 35 Hours Per Week

Service Area: White, Wabash and Edwards Counties, Illinois

Position Summary

The Advocate Caseworker provides trauma-informed, victim-centered advocacy and support to children who have experienced sexual abuse, severe physical abuse, or witnessed violence, as well as their non-offending caregivers and families. The Advocate Caseworker serves as a consistent source of support throughout the investigative and legal processes, helping families understand the process, identify needs, access appropriate services, and navigate the challenges that may follow an allegation of abuse.

Working as part of a multidisciplinary team, the Advocate Caseworker collaborates with law enforcement, the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), State's Attorneys, medical professionals, mental health providers, and other community partners to coordinate services and promote a child-centered response. The position focuses on reducing additional trauma, strengthening family support, and ensuring children and caregivers have access to appropriate resources and advocacy services

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Support Children and Families: Provide compassionate, family-centered support to children and non-offending caregivers throughout the investigative and legal processes.

  • Build Relationships: Establish and maintain contact with families, listen to their concerns, identify needs, and provide guidance during difficult and sometimes overwhelming situations.

  • Connect Families with Resources: Help families access counseling, medical services, community resources, and other support services.

  • Provide Court Advocacy: Prepare and accompany children and caregivers to court proceedings, explain what to expect, and provide emotional support before, during, and after court.

  • Coordinate with Community Partners: Work closely with law enforcement, DCFS, State's Attorneys, medical providers, counselors, and other multidisciplinary team members.

  • Participate in Team Meetings: Coordinate and facilitate monthly multidisciplinary team meetings in assigned counties and participate in case-related meetings.

  • Provide Crisis Intervention: Recognize immediate family needs and help connect children and caregivers with appropriate support.

  • Maintain Case Documentation: Complete intake information, document services provided, maintain accurate case records, and track cases progressing through the court system.

  • Promote Community Awareness: Assist with community education, training, and outreach to increase awareness of child abuse and the services available through The Guardian Center.

  • Continue Learning: Participate in required training, professional development, and supervisory meetings.

Qualifications

The right person for this position is compassionate, organized, dependable, and comfortable working with children and families during challenging circumstances.

We are looking for someone who:

  • Has a genuine desire to help children and families.

  • Demonstrates empathy, patience, professionalism, and good judgment.

  • Communicates effectively and builds positive relationships with families and professionals.

  • Can work independently while also being a strong team member.

  • Is organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple responsibilities.

  • Is comfortable working with community agencies and the child welfare and criminal justice systems.

  • Understands the importance of confidentiality and professional boundaries.

  • Is willing to learn, participate in training, and continue developing professionally.

  • Can remain calm and supportive in emotionally challenging situations.

  • Has reliable transportation and is willing to travel within assigned counties.

Education and Experience

Applicants must meet one of the following qualifications:

  • Bachelor's Degree in social work or a related field; or

  • Have an Associate's Degree and at least three years of experience working with children and families through social service employment.

Preference will be given to applicants with experience working with children and families through employment or volunteer activities.

Applicants must successfully pass a screening through the Illinois Department of Child Abuse and Neglect.

Work Schedule and Benefits

  • Full-time position, 35 hours per week.

  • Normal office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

  • 12 paid holidays annually.

  • 12 paid vacation days annually after the first year of employment.

  • Paid sick time.

  • Flexibility is required, as occasional emergency situations, court hearings, and family needs may require availability outside normal office hours.

Every child deserves to be heard, supported, and protected.

If you are looking for meaningful work where your compassion, dedication, and willingness to help others can make a real difference, we encourage you to apply.

To Apply: Please submit a resume and references to nbradfield@theguardiancenter.org

Every Child Deserves to be heard.