FTE ICWA Guardian ad Litem- 6th Judicial Regional Area

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.

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.

ICWA Guardian ad Litem 6th District Regional Area

We Are Committed to Advocating for The Best Interests of American Indian Children by Persistently Applying ICWA & MIFPA to Preserve American Indian Families and Culture

We are seeking one full-time (1.0

FTE), represented non-exempt ICWA Guardian ad Litem advocate for children in Juvenile and Family Court proceedings within our ICWA Division. Work is performed under the supervision of an ICWA GAL Program Supervisor and administered under the direction of the ICWA Division GAL Program Manager.

An ICWA Guardians ad Litem advocate for the best interests of American Indian children in court proceedings. Incumbents apply an intimate understanding of the provisions of the Federal Indian Child Welfare Act, the Minnesota Indian Family Preservation Act, and BIA Regulations in providing effective representation of the Indian child's best interests. ICWA Division Policies and GAL 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.

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 ICWA 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)

• Knowledge and familiarity working with the American Indian community in which Indian children, parents and extended family members reside or maintain social and cultural ties.
• 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 their home and other settings to witness the child's interaction with parents, caretakers, peers, and others including but not limited to:
  Tribal Social Services, Child Protection, Foster Home, extended family. 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…