Guardian Ad Litem Office, 20Th Circuit- Ops Child Advocate Manager

GUARDIAN AD LITEM OFFICE, 20TH CIRCUIT – OPS CHILD ADVOCATE MANAGER

Requisition No: 866141
Agency:
Justice Administrative Commission
Position Number:
Pay Plan:
Temp
Salary: $19.89/HOURLY
Posting Closing Date: 12/31/2025

THIS IS A PART‑TIME (20 HOURS PER WEEK) OPS POSITION.

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. Each child is served by a multi‑disciplinary team that includes a guardian ad litem attorney, a child welfare professional, and community volunteers or pro‑bono attorneys.

The Child Advocate Manager serves as the child welfare professional on the team and oversees a volunteer guardian ad litem workforce.

The Child Advocate Manager performs consultative, administrative and advocacy activities and may supervise volunteer guardian ad litem workers. Typical duties include:

• Collaborating with the multidisciplinary team, management, Department of Children and Families, contracted service providers, Department of Juvenile Justice, Department of Education, Law Enforcement and others.
• Overseeing the work of guardian ad litem volunteers.
• Gathering and documenting independent pertinent case information.
• Providing best‑interests advocacy recommendations to the team, the court and child‑welfare partners.
• Preparing written reports and testimony for the court.
• Attending internal and external case‑related hearings, depositions, case‑plan conferences, dependency mediations and staff meetings.
• Visiting and contacting assigned children, parents, caregivers, schools and service providers.
• Utilizing the organization’s database and reporting systems.
• Participating in 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 interact with and influence people of diverse backgrounds.
• Capacity 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.
• 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.
• Understanding of child abuse dynamics, domestic violence, substance abuse and mental health.
• Knowledge of the Florida State Courts System and Florida statutes relating to child welfare and protection.

• Valid Florida Driver’s License.
• Bachelor’s degree in sociology, social work, psychology, child development, education, juvenile justice, communications or a related social science is preferred but prior experience will be considered. Experience that demonstrates a background with children and families is valued.
• Two years of experience in a child welfare, social service, counseling, teaching, managing people or supervising volunteers is desired but not required.
• Experience with critical decision making, planning, organizing, coaching, leading or supervising is helpful.
• All hires after February 1, 2020, must obtain a Child Advocate Manager Certification from the Florida Certification Board within 12 months; certification costs are covered by the agency.

The Executive Director or designee may grant an exception for the required education and experience.

The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.

Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1‑866‑663‑4735) in advance.

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