FTE FC Guardians ad Litem- South st Judicial District

Overview

The Guardian ad Litem (GAL) Program represents the best interests of abused and neglected children in court. GALs are independent from the court and child welfare system and are appointed by a judge to advocate for a child’s best interests in court proceedings. The Minnesota GAL Program is a state agency providing services throughout Minnesota.

Position Description
The Family Court Guardian ad Litem – South Metro, 1st Judicial District, is a full-time, represented non-exempt position. The GAL advocates for children in family court proceedings and works under the supervision of a Division Coordinator and the Family Court Division Manager.

Introduction
This is responsible work advocating on complex Family Court matters where children may have been abused or neglected and in high-conflict custody disputes. The position is home-office based and may serve counties in and around the 1st Judicial District. Travel throughout the area is required. Program procedures align with Minnesota Rules of Practice, Guardian ad Litem Procedures, Juvenile Protection Rules, Minnesota Rules of Court, Statutes, Administrative Orders, GAL Board Policies, Program Standards, and district/local program requirements.

Position Details
This is a remote position; the candidate must reside near the 1st Judicial District. The role involves travel and in-office documentation of findings and recommendations for court consideration.

Work Involves

• Observation of children in home and other settings to document interactions with caretakers, peers, and others.
• Compilation of accurate findings, conclusions, and recommendations regarding the child’s best interests for written and/or oral reports in a timely manner in line with court rules, statutes, and program policies.
• Attendance at court hearings and other proceedings to present or testify to recommendations as required.

Primary Responsibilities (additional detail provided upon hire)

• Examine files and discovery for relevant information to inform proceedings.
• Observe the child in home and other settings, prepare interview questions, interview involved parties, obtain releases of information, and question witnesses as appropriate.
• Demonstrate sensitivity to the child’s cultural background and identify culturally appropriate resources for placement, treatment, and other services.
• Organize and manage case notes and records in the case management system, maintaining confidentiality and access controls.
• Maintain an accurate calendar of hearings and prepare written reports and other documentation to support recommendations or testimony; file materials timely and manage case storage per policy.
• Determine when to request legal representation for self and/or child and coordinate with an attorney as needed.
• Attend supervision meetings, case plan meetings, and other proceedings; participate in staff meetings and ongoing education; participate in local, district, and state task forces or committees.
• May mentor new Guardians ad Litem.

Exposure
Exposure to extensive secondary trauma and ongoing conflict is anticipated as work involves victims and/or perpetrators of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, and child neglect.

Knowledge
Knowledge of family judicial processes, rules, and law (including Minnesota statutes); knowledge of GAL program objectives, policies, and procedures; knowledge of child development; knowledge of family case dynamics (parental conflict, custody disputes, abuse, domestic violence, chemical dependency, mental health).

Abilities
Ability to interact professionally with judges, court staff, attorneys, children, and the public; work independently; think critically; and provide objective recommendations in the child’s best interests. Ability to maintain professional relationships, remain composed in crisis situations, and defuse high-conflict situations. Ability to use feedback for continuous improvement and work with interpreters as needed.

Skills
Effective listening, oral and written communication, and observation; able to present findings in interviews, reports, and court proceedings; strong time and resource management; basic technology proficiency and data entry…