Guardian Ad Litem ; Domestic Relations Office

Position: Guardian Ad Litem I (Domestic Relations Office)

Conduct child custody evaluations and limited duty investigations for Family Law Court, making recommendations thatare in the best interest of the child and affect the parent/child relationship. Interview parents, children, and collaterals,and communicate with professionals, including therapists and attorneys, and assess home environments and
parent/child relationships. Request, review, evaluate/assess confidential and sensitive information, such aspsychological records, child protective services records and law enforcement records. Write court reports, prepare forand testify in court hearings as well as attend and participate in mediations. Provide high level case management/casework services to families.

Distinguishing Characteristics:

This is the first in a series of three guardian-related job classifications within the Courts job family. This classification investigates and protects the best interest of the children for whom the District Court appoints a Guardian Ad Litem. Duties performed are initially of a minimally complex nature and type within the scope of Guardian Ad Litem duties and then advance to a more complex level of Guardian duties.

This classification may require a flexible work schedule in order to meet the needs of the department.

• Conducts forensic interviews and assessments of parents. Reviews legal documents and other forms of written or tangible items of evidence to be submitted by litigants at time of trial.
• Assesses and advocates the best interest of the child for who appointed in all aspects of the case, including all legal proceedings. Attends and participates in court hearing, depositions, mediations and any other activities associated with a Family Law matter to which a Guardian Ad Litem has been assigned. Appointments continue until the case is no longer active in the Court system or the Guardian is otherwise relieved by the Court.
• Interviews the children and each individual that the Guardian considers likely to have significant knowledge of the children's history and condition. Observes the children interacting at each home and at school and with any other individuals involved in the case in order to form an opinion for the Court in answering questions of conservatorship.
• Requests and reviews school, medical and psychological records on parents and children. Recommends appropriate therapeutic intervention where indicated.
• Monitors participation and progress in recommended or court-ordered parent education or counseling.
• Conducts and writes social studies for non-agency adoptions and other reports as directed by Court order.
• Sets hearings when necessary to report to the Court, to request the appointment of an Attorney Ad Litem for the children, or to request dismissal from a case. Files necessary motions, with the assistance of attorneys.
• Ensures that all required documentation is submitted prior to hearing of uncontested adoption or termination cases. Sets disputed matters for pre-trial. Provides written reports to the Court in adoptions, termination of parental rights suits and any other suit affecting the parent-child relationship. Monitors compliance with Court orders prior to final hearing.
• Maintains contact with Attorneys to facilitate investigation and settlement of cases. Participates in mediation and promotes out-of-court resolution of issues whenever possible and in the children's best interest.
• Attends all legal proceedings and provides recommendations and expert testimony to the Court.
• Provides public information on divorce, mental health, child development and co-parenting topics to groups and individuals.
• Provides immediate service on an on-call basis as Duty Guardian to the Court. Assists parents and/or attorneys who walk in with request for Guardian appointment or other divorce-related issues. Refers litigants to appropriate community resources, including facilitation of drug testing.
• Maintains case files and computer records on each case.
• May assist in providing training of staff and may present department and general public training activities.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Education and Experience:
Master's degree in one of the Social or Behavioral Sciences, Social Work, Sociology, Psychology, Counseling or Education AND two (2) years of increasingly responsible experience in casework with children, family counseling or mediation.

Licenses, Registrations, Certifications, or Special Requirements:
Valid Texas Driver's License.

Preferred:
Spanish Speaking Preferred


Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• Family law and the District Court system.
• Conciliation and mediation concepts.
• Policies, practices, procedures, and legal terminology related to court system.
• Federal, State, Local and County applicable laws, rules, regulations and guidelines.
• Psychological concepts of good behavior, social adjustment and emotional stability.
• Local social services, organizations and programs and the resources available.
• Computer equipment to include word processing, spreadsheets,…