GUARDIAN AD LITEM OFFICE, 15TH CIRCUIT - CHILD ADVOCATE MANAGER - 21020023

State of Florida•West Palm Beach, FL

11d

About The Position

The Statewide Guardian ad Litem Office is a state-funded Florida organization that provides independent legal representation to abused, abandoned, and neglected children in dependency court proceedings. Its multidisciplinary teams include a guardian ad litem attorney, a child welfare professional, and, when available, a community volunteer or pro bono attorney. The Child Advocate Manager serves as the child welfare professional on the team and oversees Guardian ad Litem volunteers assigned to individual cases. The role includes consultative, administrative, and advocacy work, including collaboration with child welfare partners, gathering case information, recommending advocacy in children's best interests, preparing court reports, testifying, attending case-related proceedings, and visiting or contacting children and others involved in their cases. Employees hired after February 1, 2020, must obtain Child Advocate Manager certification from the Florida Certification Board within 12 months of hire and maintain it during employment; the agency pays certification costs.

Requirements

Valid Florida Driver’s License.
A 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; prior experience may be considered to meet the degree requirement. The Executive Director or designee may grant an exception for required education and experience.
Two years of experience in child welfare, social services, counseling, teaching, managing people, or supervising volunteers is desired but not required.
Must be able to obtain Child Advocate Manager certification from the Florida Certification Board within 12 months of hire if hired after February 1, 2020, and maintain certification during employment.
Self-motivation and achievement orientation; desire to learn and pursue personal development; ability to take direction and work as part of a team; ability to interact effectively with and influence people of diverse backgrounds; discretion and confidentiality; strong organization and time-management skills and ability to meet deadlines; excellent oral, written, and computer literacy skills; professional demeanor in emotional or traumatic situations; and ability to coach, instruct, and motivate volunteers.
Knowledge of case management, social support services, child development, the dynamics of child abuse, domestic violence, substance abuse and mental health, the Florida State Courts System, and Florida statutes relating to child welfare and protection.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in sociology, social work, psychology, child development, education, juvenile justice, communications, or a related social science.
Two years of experience in a program focused on child welfare, social service, counseling, teaching, managing people, or supervising volunteers.
Experience with critical decision-making, planning, organizing, coaching, leading, or supervising.
Relevant experience such as work as a Child Protective Investigator, Dependency Case Manager, Juvenile Probation Officer, law enforcement professional, military member, educator, or other professional experience working with children and families.

Responsibilities

Collaborate with the Guardian ad Litem Office multidisciplinary team, management, the Department of Children and Families, contracted service providers, the Department of Juvenile Justice, the Department of Education, law enforcement, and other partners.
Oversee the work of Guardian ad Litem Office volunteers.
Gather and document pertinent independent 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, staffings, and 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.
Obtain Child Advocate Manager certification from the Florida Certification Board within 12 months of hire if hired after February 1, 2020, and maintain certification during employment.

Benefits

State of Florida retirement package with pension or investment plan; 3% employee contribution required.
State group insurance options, including health, life, dental, vision, and supplemental insurance.
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.
$25,000 life insurance 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 certification costs paid by the agency.
Florida residents do not pay state income tax.
No mandatory night, weekend, or holiday scheduled shifts.