Child Advocate Manager (Caseworker II)

Sarasota County Government•Criminal Justice Center, TX

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

Serve as part of a multidisciplinary team alongside Guardian ad Litem attorneys, volunteers, and other advocates to represent the best interests of children involved in the dependency court system. Build meaningful relationships with assigned children through regular monthly visits and ongoing communication, while gathering information from families, schools, service providers, law enforcement, and other partners to understand each child's unique needs. Gather information, make recommendations, and maintain accurate case records that support each child's safety, permanency, well-being, education, health, and overall success. Participate in court hearings, case conferences, mediations, and meetings, helping prepare reports, supporting attorneys, and ensuring each child's voice and preferences are considered whenever appropriate. Provide strong, child-focused advocacy by collaborating with your team to ensure services, visitation, and other supports are in place while following all Guardian ad Litem policies and best practices. Support Guardian ad Litem Volunteers: Recruit, train, coach, and support Guardian ad Litem volunteers, helping them become effective advocates for children. Foster positive working relationships with volunteers by providing guidance, feedback, and individualized support based on their strengths and communication styles. Monitor volunteer performance to ensure compliance with Guardian ad Litem standards, policies, and best practices. Coordinate volunteer certification, continuing education, and annual recertification requirements. Promote a collaborative team environment where volunteers play an active role in achieving positive outcomes for children. Build Community Partnerships: Develop and maintain strong working relationships with the Department of Children and Families, contracted providers, schools, courts, and other community organizations involved in child welfare. Collaborate with the Department of Juvenile Justice and other agencies serving youth with multiple system involvement to help coordinate services and advocacy. Partner with service providers and stakeholders to identify resources that support children's safety, permanency, and well-being. Represent the Guardian ad Litem Office professionally while building partnerships that strengthen outcomes for children and families. Stay current on policies, procedures, and initiatives to ensure consistent, high-quality advocacy and collaboration across agencies.

Requirements

A Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in sociology, social work, psychology, child development, education, communications, behavioral science, criminal justice, counseling, or a related social science field. OR: Progressively responsible related experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for the required college degree.
Valid Florida driver's license within 30 days of hire.
Subject to Passing Substance Screening
Fingerprint Screening Requirement

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of child development, trauma-informed care, resilience, and the impacts of abuse, neglect, and abandonment on children and families.
Familiarity with Florida's dependency court system, Guardian ad Litem program, child welfare practices, and community resources that support children and families.
Strong communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to work compassionately and professionally with children, families, volunteers, and community partners in sensitive situations.
Experience coordinating, coaching, or mentoring volunteers or team members, while maintaining accurate documentation, case records, and detailed reports.
Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, uphold ethical and professional standards, and remain committed to ongoing learning and professional development.