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

Child Advocate Manager

Location:

West Palm Beach, FL, 33401

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. A multidisciplinary team—comprised of a guardian ad litem attorney, a child welfare professional and a community volunteer or pro bono attorney—represents each child the Office is court‑appointed to.

The Child Advocate Manager serves as the child welfare professional on the team and oversees a group of guardian ad litem volunteers for individual cases. More information about the Office can be found rdianadlitem.org.

• State of Florida Retirement package – pension or investment plan (3% employee contribution required)
• State group insurance coverage options, including health, life, dental, vision, and 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
• Life insurance of $25,000 provided at no cost for all FTE positions; employees may purchase additional coverage
• Public loan forgiveness program
• State tuition waivers
• Child Advocate Manager training and professional certification with the Florida Certification Board
• No Florida state income tax for residents of Florida

• 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 stakeholders.
• 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 and staff meetings.
• Visit and contact assigned children, parents, caregivers, schools and service providers.
• Use 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.
• 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 child development concepts.
• 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.

• 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, though prior experience may satisfy the degree requirement.
• Experience as a child protective investigator, dependency case manager, juvenile probation officer, law enforcement, military, educator or other professional working with children and families.
• Two years of experience in a program focusing on child welfare, social service, counseling, teaching, managing people…