GUARDIAN AD LITEM OFFICE, 11TH CIRCUIT- CHILD ADVOCATE MANAGER - 21013590

State of Florida•Miami, FL

About The Position

The Statewide Guardian ad Litem Office is a state-funded child advocacy organization that provides independent legal representation to abused, abandoned, and neglected children in Florida dependency court proceedings. It assigns multidisciplinary teams—including a guardian ad litem attorney, a child welfare professional, and, when available, a community volunteer or pro bono attorney—to represent children appointed to the Office. The Child Advocate Manager serves as the child welfare professional on the team and oversees Guardian ad Litem volunteers assigned to individual cases. The position involves consultative, administrative, and advocacy activities, including gathering case information, recommending advocacy actions, preparing court reports, and providing testimony. The position is based in Miami-Dade County. Applicants are directed to apply through the Guardian ad Litem Office website or by emailing an application and resume.

Requirements

Must possess a 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. Examples include experience as a Child Protective Investigator, Dependency Case Manager, Juvenile Probation Officer, law enforcement officer, military personnel, educator, or other professional work with children and families.
Ability to obtain Child Advocate Manager Certification from the Florida Certification Board within 12 months of hire for individuals hired after February 1, 2020.
Maintain Child Advocate Manager certification during employment.
The Executive Director or designee may grant an exception to the education and experience requirements.

Nice To Haves

Two years of experience in child welfare, social services, counseling, teaching, managing people, or supervising volunteers is desired but not required.
Experience with critical decision-making, planning, organizing, coaching, leading, or supervising.
Self-motivated and achievement-oriented, with a strong 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 from diverse backgrounds.
Ability to exercise discretion, respect privacy, and maintain confidentiality.
Strong organizational and 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.
Knowledge of the dynamics of child abuse, domestic violence, substance abuse, and mental health.
Knowledge of the Florida State Courts System and Florida statutes relating to child welfare and protection.

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 independent, pertinent case information.
Provide best-interest advocacy recommendations to the multidisciplinary team, the court, and child welfare partners.
Prepare written reports to the court and provide testimony.
Attend 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.
Maintain Child Advocate Manager certification throughout employment.

Benefits

State of Florida Retirement System 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 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.
No Florida state income tax for Florida residents.
No mandatory night, weekend, or holiday scheduled shifts.