FTE Guardian ad Litem Supervisor- 4th Judicial District

Position: Full-Time (1.0 FTE) Guardian ad Litem Supervisor- 4th Judicial District

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.

GAL Supervisor – Providing employees opportunities to continuously improve their skills

We are seeking one full-time (1.0

FTE), represented exempt Guardian ad Litem Supervisor to provide direct supervision to Guardian ad Litem staff in our 4th Judicial District Juvenile Court Division. This position is hybrid, based in Minneapolis, MN and work is performed under the supervision the direction of the 4th District GAL Program Manager.

Introduction

This is responsible supervisory and administrative work coordinating the efforts of Guardians ad Litem who advocate for and represent 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

• Direct supervision and support for Guardian ad Litem employees which includes case assignment, coaching and case consultation, performance evaluation, complaint investigation and resolution, etc.
• Review of 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.
• Coordination of court hearings and other proceedings and administrative functions to ensure Guardians ad Litem are providing timely recommendations to the court and that staff are prepared to represent the Guardian ad Litem Program in hearings, meetings, and committees.
• Ensuring effective delivery of service by staff for a large number of diverse cases including child abuse and neglect, domestic abuse, delinquency, and others.

Primary Responsibilities:

(additional detail on responsibilities provided upon hire)

Administrative and Case Management Functions

• Coordinate with Court Administration to ensure that all court orders and referrals appointing a Guardian ad Litem are received in a timely manner, are clear and are appropriate. Works with Court Administration and the Court to modify appointment language to ensure GAL has clear and specific direction.
• Case assignment and management of staff workload by utilizing case management tool, court information systems, and other resources to monitor cases and work of Guardians ad Litem. Ensures GAL attendance at court hearings and submission of reports provided based on policies, procedures, statutes, laws, and standards.
• Coordinates and monitors guardian caseloads to ensure adequacy and balance reflects efficiency and quality of service, timely and proper management of cases, and appropriate disposition and closing based on the development of the case. Carries caseload as needed.
• Monitors and reviews staff activities such as expense reports, timesheets, and activity logs of Guardians ad Litem to determine accuracy and appropriateness, efficiency of work, adequate child contacts,…