Position Description We support trained, effective Guardians ad Litem to advocate for safe and permanent homes for the children we represent. Together, we will build and sustain an effective, racially equitable program that advocates for children and their families with compassion, high engagement, and a community lens. About Us The Program desires advocates who represent the best interests of abused and neglected children in court. Our Guardians ad Litem are independent from the court and the child welfare system and are appointed by a judge to represent a child's best interests in court proceedings. Since its inception, the Minnesota Guardian ad Litem (GAL) Program has committed itself to giving abused and neglected children a strong voice in our court system. The Minnesota Guardian ad Litem Program is a state agency providing services throughout the state of Minnesota. Position Description Family Court Guardian ad Litem Northern region 9th Judicial District - Committed to giving children a strong voice. We are seeking one full-time (1.0FTE), represented non-exempt Guardian ad Litem to advocate for children in family court proceedings. Work is performed under the supervision of a Division Supervisor and administrated under the direction of the Family Court Division Manager. Introduction: This is responsible work advocating for on complex matters in Family Court, where children may have been abused and/or neglected; and/or children are involved in high conflict disputes regarding custody and parenting time. The candidates selected for these positions will need to reside in the Ninth Judicial District. These positions are home officed positions that could be serving counties and districts in and around the Ninth Judicial District. Travel throughout the area is required. Program procedures and guidelines are in place to ensure the responsibilities are carried out in accordance with the Minnesota Rules of Practice and Rules of Guardian ad Litem Procedure as well as Juvenile Protection Rules, the Minnesota Rules of Court, Statutes and Administrative Orders and Policies; GAL Board Policies; GAL Program Standards; and district and local program requirements. Primary Responsibilities Work involves: Observation of child(ren) in home and other settings to document interactions with caretakers, peers, and others. Compilation of accurate, precise, and factual findings, conclusions, and recommendations regarding the child's best interests within the @context of their family and community that prepare the Guardian ad Litem to present written and/or oral reports to the court in a timely manner in accordance with court rules, state and local statutes, and Program policies, practices, and standards. Attendance of court hearings and other proceedings to present oral and written recommendations to the court and/or to testify as required. Primary Responsibilities: (additional detail on responsibilities provided upon hire) Examines files and discovery for relevant documents and data pertaining to the child including basic facts of the case and any extenuating circumstances to collect information for proceedings. Observation of the child in the home and other settings to witness the child's interaction with caretakers, peers, and others. Prepares interview questions appropriate to the case. Interviews child and others involved with the child using recommended interview techniques. Obtains releases of information. Calls and questions witnesses, when appropriate. Responds to questions about a case. Demonstrates knowledge of and sensitivity to the child's cultural background when working with family and community members and considers the importance of cultural issues in making appropriate recommendations to the court on behalf of the child. Identifies culturally appropriate resources for placement, treatment, and other necessary services for the family/child. Organizes and catalogues case notes and records in case management system ensuring accuracyand precision in accordance with GAL program requirements and access rules. Adheres to record and case confidentiality/access rules. Maintains an accurate and up-to-date calendar of hearings. Prepares written reports and provides other necessary documentation needed to make written and oral recommendations to the Court or testify as required. Files reports and materials in a timely manner. Stores and closes files in accordance with district/county policies. Determines when to request legal representation for self and/or child and works with attorney in case preparation and review as needed. Attends individual supervision meetings, administrative reviews, case plan meetings and other proceedings as an advocate for the child. Attends program staff meetings and continuing education sessions as scheduled. Participates on local, district and/or state task forces and committees. May be accompanied by and/or act as mentor to new Guardian ad Litem. ** Exposure to extensive secondary trauma and on-going conflict is anticipated as work is conducted with individuals who are victims and/or perpetrators of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse and child neglect. Qualifications Knowledge: Knowledge of family judicial process, rules, and law, including Minnesota Statutes. Knowledge of the objectives, philosophy, policies, and procedures of the GAL program. Knowledge of child development. Knowledge of the issues and dynamics that surround family cases, such as parental conflict, custody disputes, child abuse, domestic abuse, chemical dependency, and mental health. Abilities: Ability to interact professionally with judges, court administrators, staff, representatives of other agencies, attorneys, children and the public while representing the Guardian ad Litem Program in a professional manner. Ability to work independently, think critically and analyse complex family situations, and make objective and sound recommendations in the best interest of the child. Ability to develop and maintain respectful and cooperative working relationships with co-workers. Ability to remain professional/composed in crisis situations and the ability to defuse high conflict, complex situations. Ability to be receptive to feedback, have a willingness to learn and embrace the need for continuous improvement. Ability to find and work with an interpreter as necessary. Skills: Appropriate listening, oral, and written communication and critical observation skills that present effectively through interviewing, oral presentation, and formal court reports. Skilled in time and resource management and the ability to create and maintain accurate, complete, and up-to-date files. Novice proficiency with technology and relevant computer software programs and databases. Novice skill in typing and use of basic office equipment. Minimum Qualifications: (Any combination of training and work experience which indicates possession of the knowledge, abilities and skills listed above. An example of an acceptable qualification for this... For full info follow application link. The Guardian ad Litem Program is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to the principles of diversity. We actively seek and encourage applications from persons of diverse backgrounds. It is the policy of the Guardian ad Litem Program that all decisions regarding recruitment, hiring, promotions, and other terms and conditions of employment be made without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, familial status, membership or activity in a local commission, disability, sexual orientation, or age. If you need a reasonable accommodation for a disability in order to participate in the employee selection process or if you have any additional HR related questions, please contact, GALHR@courts.state.mn.us.
