Guardian Ad Litem Office, 1St Circuit- Ops Child Advocate Manager

Requisition No: 870169

Agency:
Justice Administrative Commission

Working Title:

GUARDIAN AD LITEM OFFICE, 1ST CIRCUIT- OPS CHILD ADVOCATE MANAGER-

Pay Plan:
Temp

Position Number:

Salary: $19.89

Posting Closing Date: 07/10/2026

The Statewide Guardian ad Litem Office is Florida’s award‑winning, state‑funded child advocacy organization that provides independent legal representation to abused, abandoned and neglected children in Florida’s dependency court proceedings. The Office upholds the highest standards of integrity, excellence and child‑centered representation. It assigns a multi‑disciplinary team—guardian ad litem attorney, child welfare professional, and community volunteers or pro‑bono attorneys—to represent each child the Office is court‑appointed to.

The Child Advocate Manager serves as the child welfare professional on the team and is responsible for overseeing a team of guardian ad litem volunteers.

As a full‑time OPS employee, your insurance rate will be significantly low due to the State of Florida’s contribution. Single coverage is as low as $50 per month, with family coverage costing only $180 per month.

• Participate in FICA Social Security and Medicare (mandatory)
• Workers Compensation (mandatory)
• Unemployment Compensation (mandatory)
• Participate in Deferred Compensation (voluntary)
• Participation in group insurance (available for employees working an average of 30 hours or more per week. Employees may enroll in the $25,000 basic life insurance and pay the entire monthly premium. OPS employees are not eligible for optional term life insurance).
• Health Insurance (eligible for employees reasonably expected to work 30 hours or more per week).

• 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, and other partners.
• 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, the court, and child welfare partners.
• Prepare written reports to the court.
• Provide testimony to the court.
• Attend internal and external case‑related court hearings, depositions, case plan conferences, dependency mediations, staff meetings, and other 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 of diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to exercise discretion, respect privacy and maintain confidentiality.
• Strong organizational/time management skills and ability to meet deadlines.
• Excellent oral, written and computer literacy skills.
• Able 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 relating to child welfare and protection.

• Must possess a valid Florida Driver’s License.
• 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 is preferred but prior experience may satisfy the degree requirement. Experience could include time as Child Protective Investigator, Dependency Case Manager, Juvenile Probation Officer, law enforcement, military, educators, or other professional experiences working with children and families.
• Two years…