Guardian Ad Litem Office, 15Th Circuit- Child Advocate Manager

Requisition No: 875501
Agency:
Justice Administrative Commission

Working Title:

GUARDIAN AD LITEM OFFICE, 15TH CIRCUIT- CHILD ADVOCATE MANAGER
- Pay Plan:
Justice Admin Comm.
Position Number:
Salary: $46,868.54
Posting Closing Date: 06/30/2026

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. The Office assigns a multi‑disciplinary team that includes a guardian ad litem attorney, a child welfare professional, and a community volunteer or pro‑bono attorney.

The Child Advocate Manager serves as the child welfare professional on the team and oversees a volunteer team assigned to individual cases.

• State of Florida retirement package – pension or investment plan (3% employee contribution required)
• State group insurance coverage options, including health, life, dental, vision, and other supplemental insurance options
• Flexible spending account
• Nine paid state holidays each calendar year
• One paid personal holiday each fiscal year
• 13 paid sick leave days accrued within the calendar year
• 13 paid annual leave days accrued within the calendar year with an increase after five years
• State‑provided life insurance of $25,000; additional coverage may be purchased
• Public loan forgiveness program
• State tuition waivers
• Child Advocate Manager training and professional certification with the Florida Certification Board
• No state of Florida income tax for residents of Florida
• No mandatory night, weekend, or holiday scheduled work

The Child Advocate Manager performs consultative, administrative and advocacy activities and may supervise a group of Guardian Ad Litem Office Child Advocate volunteers. Typical responsibilities include:

• Collaborating with the multidisciplinary team, Department of Children and Families, contracted service providers, Department of Juvenile Justice, Department of Education, law enforcement, and other stakeholders
• Overseeing the work of Guardian Ad Litem Office volunteers
• Gathering and documenting independent pertinent case information
• Providing best‑interest advocacy recommendations to the team, the court, and child welfare partners
• Preparing written reports for the court and providing testimony
• Attending internal and external case‑related hearings, depositions, case‑plan conferences, dependency mediations, and 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 for personal development
• Ability to follow direction and work as part of a team
• Effective interaction with and influence over diverse populations
• Discretion, respect for privacy and confidentiality
• Strong organizational/time‑management skills and ability to meet deadlines
• Excellent oral, written and computer literacy skills
• Professional demeanor in emotional or traumatic situations
• Ability to coach, instruct and motivate volunteers
• Knowledge of case management, social support services and child development concepts
• Knowledge of 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

• Valid Florida driver’s license
• Bachelor’s degree in sociology, social work, psychology, child development, education, juvenile justice, communications, or related social science preferred; prior experience may fulfill the degree requirement (e.g., child protective investigator, dependency case manager, juvenile probation officer, law enforcement, military, educator)
• Two years of experience in child welfare, social service, counseling, teaching, managing people or supervising volunteers desirable (but not required)
• Experience with…