FTE Family Court Guardian ad Litem- Northern 6th​/9th 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.

Position Description

Family Court Guardian ad Litem Northern region (6th/9th Judicial Districts) - Committed to giving children a strong voice.

We are seeking one full-time (1.0

FTE), represented non-exempt Guardian ad Litem to advocate for children in family court proceedings. Work is performed under the supervision of a Division Supervisor and administrated under the direction of the Family Court Division Manager.

Introduction:

This is responsible work advocating for on complex matters in Family Court, where children may have been abused and/or neglected; and/or children are involved in high conflict disputes regarding custody and parenting time. The candidates selected for these positions will need to reside in the Sixth and/or Ninth Judicial District. These positions are home officed positions that could be serving counties and districts in and around the Sixth and Ninth Judicial District, specifically the counties of St.

Louis, Itasca, Aitkin and Crow Wing. Travel throughout the area is required. 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:

• 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: (additional detail on responsibilities provided upon hire)

• 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 the home and other settings to witness the child's interaction with caretakers, peers, and others. Prepares interview questions appropriate to the case. 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 the family/child.
• Organizes and catalogues case notes and records in case management system ensuring accuracy and precision in accordance with GAL program requirements and access rules. Adheres…