Guardian Ad Litem Office, 14Th Circuit- Child Advocate Manager

Requisition No: 878493

Agency:
Justice Administrative Commission

Working Title:

GUARDIAN AD LITEM OFFICE, 14TH CIRCUIT- CHILD ADVOCATE MANAGER -

Pay Plan:
Justice Admin Comm.

Position Number:

Salary: $42,612.34

Posting Closing Date: 09/15/2026

• Collaborate with the Guardian ad Litem Office multidisciplinary team, management, Department of Children and Families, contracted service providers, Department of Juvenile Justice, Department of Education, Law Enforcement, etc.
• Oversee the work of Guardian ad Litem Office volunteers.
• Gather and document independent pertinent case information.
• Provide best interests advocacy recommendations to the multidisciplinary team, to the court, and to child welfare partners.
• Prepare written reports for the court.
• Provide testimony to the court.
• Attend internal and external case-related court hearings, depositions, case plan conferences, dependency mediations, staffing meetings, and other relevant meetings.
• Visit and contact assigned children, parents, caregivers, schools, and service providers.
• Utilize the organization’s database and reporting systems.
• Participate in internal and external training, meetings, and conferences.

• Self‑motivated and achievement oriented.
• Strong desire to learn and pursue personal development.
• Ability to take direction and work as part of a team.
• Ability to effectively interact with and influence people from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to exercise discretion, respect privacy, and maintain confidentiality.
• Strong organizational and time‑management skills and ability to meet deadlines.
• Excellent oral, written, and computer literacy skills.
• Ability to maintain a professional and effective demeanor in emotional or traumatic situations.
• Ability to coach, instruct, and motivate volunteers.
• Knowledge of case management, social support services, and concepts of child development.
• Knowledge of the dynamics of child abuse, domestic violence, substance abuse, and mental health.
• Knowledge of the Florida State Courts System.
• Knowledge of Florida Statutes related to child welfare and protection.

• Must possess a valid Florida Driver’s License.
• Preferred:
  Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in sociology, social work, psychology, child development, education, juvenile justice, communications, or a related social science. Prior experience may be considered in lieu of the degree.
• Desired:
  Two years of experience in a program focusing on child welfare, social service, counseling, teaching, managing people, or supervising volunteers.
• Experience with critical decision making, planning, organizing, coaching, leading, or supervising will be helpful.
• All individuals hired after February 1, 2020, must obtain a Child Advocate Manager Certification from the Florida Certification Board within 12 months of hire date and maintain certification during employment. Agency pays certification costs.

• State of Florida Retirement package – Pension or Investment plan (3% employee contribution required)
• State group insurance coverage options, including health, life, dental, vision, and other supplemental insurance options
• Flexible spending account
• Nine paid state holidays each calendar year
• One paid personal holiday each fiscal year
• 13 paid sick leave days accrued within the calendar year
• 13 paid annual leave days accrued within the calendar year, with an increase after five years
• Life insurance of $25,000 provided by the state at no cost for all FTE positions. Employees may purchase additional coverage.
• Public Loan Forgiveness Program
• State tuition waivers
• Child Advocate Manager training and professional certification with the Florida Certification Board
• No State of Florida income tax for residents of Florida
• No mandatory night, weekend, or holiday scheduled shifts

Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center  in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.