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 Volunteer Juvenile Court Guardian ad Litem- Committed to giving children a strong voice. We are seeking volunteer Guardians ad Litem to advocate for children in juvenile court proceedings. Work is performed under the supervision of a Program Supervisor and administrated under the direction of the GAL Program Managers: 2nd Judicial District (Ramsey County), 4th Judicial District (Hennepin County), and 10th Judicial District (Washington, Anoka, Wright, Sherburne, Pine, Isanti, Chisago, and Kanabec counties). Introduction: Volunteer Guardians ad Litem are responsible for advocating and representing the best interests of children involved in child abuse and neglect matters in Juvenile court proceedings. 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: Monthly 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: 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. Reviews and researches files and discovery for information in proceedings, relevant documents, and data pertaining to the child and basic facts of the case and any extenuating circumstances. Meets with and observes the child in the home and other settings and documents the child's interaction with caretakers, peers, and others. Prepares interview questions appropriate to the case. Interview the child and others involved with the child using recommended interview techniques. Obtains releases of information. Keeps accurate and precise notes in accordance with GAL program requirements and access rules. Organizes and catalogs interview/file review notes and records. Demonstrates knowledge of and sensitivity to the child's cultural background in 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. Prepares written reports to the court in a timely manner according to court rules per the prescribed format regarding the best interest of the child, including findings, conclusions, and recommendations. Attends court hearings and prepares all necessary reports and documentation for the Court. Makes written and oral recommendations to the Court and testifies as required. Attends staffings, administrative reviews, case plan meetings, and other proceedings involving the child as an advocate for the child. Maintains an accurate and up-to-date calendar of hearings. Files reports and materials in a timely manner. Calls and questions witnesses, when appropriate. Determines when to request legal representation for self and/or child. Works with an attorney in case preparation and review. Compiles, organizes, and maintains accurate and up-to-date case files. Adheres to record and case confidentiality/access rules. Closes files. Stores files in accordance with Guardian ad Litem Board policies. Respond to questions about a case. Attends program staff meetings and continuing education sessions as scheduled. Participates in local, district, and/or state task forces and committees. Identifies and is knowledgeable regarding resources for placement, treatment, and other necessary services for the family/child. May be accompanied by and/or act as a mentor to new Guardians ad Litem. Qualifications Knowledge: Knowingly demonstrates the ability to learn and develop the following knowledge, skills, and behaviors. Juvenile and family judicial process, rules, and law, including Minnesota Statutes. Objectives, philosophy, policies, and procedures of the GAL program. Child development, and the issues and dynamics that surround juvenile and family cases, such as child abuse, domestic abuse, chemical dependency, and developmental disabilities. Community resources for placement, treatment, and other necessary services, including the ability to identify community resources available for providing culturally appropriate services. Culture/demographics being served in the community and the ability to work with diverse cultures. Skills: Ability to interview using appropriate techniques and critical observation skills. Ability to work independently, think critically analyze complex family situations, and make objective and sound recommendations in the best interest of the child. Ability to create and maintain accurate, complete, and up-to-date files. Ability to listen, speak, and write effectively to conduct interviews, make oral presentations, and prepare clear, concise written reports. Ability to become proficient using a computer, laptop, iPad, smartphone, and relevant computer software programs and databases. Ability to find and work with an interpreter as necessary. Behavior: Ability to relate 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 partner and work collaboratively with justice partners, peers, and families and the ability to work as part of a team... 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.
