The Third Judicial District Guardian ad Litem Program is currently seeking a (1.0 FTE) full-time non-exempt Guardian ad Litem employee to advocate for the best interests of children in Juvenile Court proceedings. The Guardian ad Litem Program is an independent program within the Minnesota Judicial Branch and is governed by the State Guardian ad Litem Board. This position will be a remote work position. The candidate selected for this position will need to be localized in close proximity to the Rice County area and will work remotely from their home office.

A Guardian ad Litem is an individual appointed by the court to advocate for the best interests of children in Juvenile court proceedings. Work involves following procedures and guidelines to ensure the responsibilities of the Guardian ad Litem (GAL) Program are carried out in accordance with the Minnesota Rules of Court, Statutes, and Administrative Orders and Policies, GAL Program Standards, and district and local program requirements. Guardians interact with judges, social workers, and a variety of other professionals. The position involves home visits to clients and extensive work in the community. Travel within and outside the County will be required.

Work is performed under supervision of the Guardian ad Litem Board and the Third District GAL program.

Reviews and researches files, relevant documents and data pertaining to the child and basic facts of the case and any extenuating circumstances.

Meets with and observes the child in the home and other settings and documents the child's interaction with caretakers, peers and others. Prepares interview questions appropriate to the case.

Interviews child and others using required interview techniques, keeps accurate and precise notes in accordance with GAL requirements and access rules. Organizes and catalogs interview/file review notes and records.

Prepares written reports to the court in in a timely manner according to court rules per the prescribed format regarding the best interest of the child, including information gathered, conclusions and recommendations.

Attends court hearings and prepares all necessary reports and documentation for the Court. Makes written and oral recommendations to the Court and testifies as required. Attends staffings, administrative reviews, case plan meetings and other proceedings involving the child as an advocate for the child. Maintains an accurate and up-to-date calendar of hearings. Works with attorney in case preparation and review.

Compiles, organizes and maintains accurate and up-to-date case files. Adheres to record and case confidentiality/access rules. Closes files. Stores files in accordance with district/county policies.

Responds to questions about a case.

Attends program staff meetings and continuing education sessions as scheduled. Participates on local, district and/or state task forces and committees.

Identifies and is knowledgeable regarding resources for placement, treatment and other necessary services.

May be accompanied by and/or act as mentor to new Guardians ad Litem.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, education, nursing, criminal justice, law or child-related discipline and some experience working with families and children OR an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.

Must pass background check upon hire and repeat background checks every three years thereafter.

Knowledge:
Knowledge of juvenile and family judicial process, rules and law, including Minnesota Statutes.

Knowledge of the objectives, philosophy, policies and procedures of the GAL program.

Knowledge of child development, and of the issues and dynamics that surround juvenile and family cases, such as child abuse, domestic abuse, chemical dependency and developmental disabilities.

Knowledge of community resources for placement, treatment and other necessary services, including ability to identify community resources available for providing culturally appropriate services.

Knowledge of the culture/demographics being served in the community and the ability to work with diverse cultures.

Skills:
Ability to interview using appropriate techniques and critical observation skills.

Ability to work independently, think critically and analyze complex family situations, and make objective and sound recommendations in the best interest of the child.

Ability to create and maintain accurate, complete and up-to-date files.

Ability to listen, speak and write effectively in order to conduct interviews, make oral presentations and prepare clear, concise written reports.

Ability to become proficient using a computer, laptop, iPad, smart phone and relevant computer software programs and databases.

Ability to type a minimum of 40 words per minute.

Ability to use basic office equipment such as fax, scanner and copy machine.

Ability to find and work with an interpreter as necessary.

Behavior:
Ability to relate professionally with judges, court administrators, staff, representatives of other agencies, attorneys, children and the public while representing the Guardian ad Litem Program in a professional manner.

Ability to partner and work collaboratively with justice partners, peers and families and the ability to work as part of a team as well as individually.

Ability to develop and maintain respectful and cooperative working relationships with co-workers.

Ability to remain professional/composed in crisis situations and the ability to defuse high conflict, complex situations.

Ability to efficiently manage time and resources.

Ability to be receptive to feedback, have a willingness to learn and embrace the need for continuous improvement.

Must be able to pass a Criminal Background Check.

Must possess a current driver's license, vehicle registration and valid automobile insurance in compliance with Minnesota statute.

Must reside in close proximity to the assigned service area.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Experience as a Guardian ad Litem, completion of the Guardian ad Litem pre-service orientation requirements, and a demonstrated comprehension of the responsibilities of Guardians ad Litem are desirable.

COMPENSATION: Starting pay is $23.12/hr. This position is a full-time 1.0 FTE position that is eligible for full-time insurance benefits.

The Guardian ad Litem Program is an independent program within the Minnesota Judicial Branch and is governed by the Guardian ad Litem Board. This position is represented by the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Council 5.

Posted for bidding, internal and external application simultaneously. Only current Minnesota Judicial Branch permanent Guardian ad Litem program employees covered under AFSCME Council 5 bargaining agreement are eligible to bid.

TO APPLY: Complete the online application at the employment website at: www.mncourts.gov and attach your cover letter and resume. Application deadline for bidding, internal, and external submission is Thursday December 22, 2022 at 4:30 pm cst. Please allow approximately 45 minutes to complete the on-line application process.

The Guardian ad Litem Program is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to the principles of diversity. We actively seek and encourage applications from persons of diverse backgrounds.

It is the policy of the Guardian ad Litem Program that all decisions regarding recruitment, hiring, promotions, and other terms and conditions of employment be made without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, familial status, membership or activity in a local commission, disability, sexual orientation, or age. If you need a reasonable accommodation for a disability in order to participate in the employee selection process or if you have any additional HR related questions, please contact, GALHR@courts.state.mn.us.