Full time (1.0FTE) Family Court Guardian Ad Litem - Northwestern region

Minnesota Guardian ad Litem Program•Northern Region, MN

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The mission of the State Guardian ad Litem Board is to provide well trained, effective guardians ad litem to advocate for safe and permanent homes for the children we represent in Juvenile and Family courts. The Program desires advocates who represent the best interests of abused and neglected children in court. Our Guardians ad Litem are independent from the court and the child welfare system and are appointed by a judge to represent a child's best interests in court proceedings. Since its inception, the Minnesota Guardian ad Litem (GAL) Program has committed itself to giving abused and neglected children a strong voice in our court system. The Minnesota Guardian ad Litem Program is a state agency providing services throughout the state of Minnesota. We are seeking a full-time (1.0FTE), represented non-exempt Guardian ad Litem to advocate for children in family court proceedings. Work is performed under the supervision of a Family Court division supervisor and administrated under the direction of the Family Court Division Manager. This is responsible work advocating for on complex matters in Family Court, where children may have been abused and/or neglected; and/or children are involved in high conflict disputes regarding custody and parenting time. The candidates selected for these positions will need to reside in the Ninth Judicial District. This position is a hybrid position that could be serving counties and districts in and around the Seventh and/or Ninth Judicial Districts. Travel throughout the area is required. Program procedures and guidelines are in place to ensure the responsibilities are carried out in accordance with the Minnesota Rules of Practice and Rules of Guardian ad Litem Procedure as well as Juvenile Protection Rules, the Minnesota Rules of Court, Statutes and Administrative Orders and Policies; GAL Board Policies; GAL Program Standards; and district and local program requirements.

Requirements

Knowledge of 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.
Knowledge of the issues and dynamics that surround family cases, such as parental conflict, custody disputes, child abuse, domestic abuse, chemical dependency, and mental health.
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.
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.

Responsibilities

Observation of child(ren) in home and other settings to document interactions with caretakers, peers, and others.
Compilation of accurate, precise, and factual findings, conclusions, and recommendations regarding the child’s best interests within the context of their family and community that prepare the Guardian ad Litem to present written and/or oral reports to the court in a timely manner in accordance with court rules, state and local statutes, and Program policies, practices, and standards.
Attendance of court hearings and other proceedings to present oral and written recommendations to the court and/or to testify as required.
Examines files and discovery for relevant documents and data pertaining to the child including basic facts of the case and any extenuating circumstances to collect information for proceedings.
Observation of the child in the home and other settings to witness the child's interaction with caretakers, peers, and others.
Prepares interview questions appropriate to the case.
Interviews child and others involved with the child using recommended interview techniques.
Obtains releases of information.
Calls and questions witnesses, when appropriate.
Responds to questions about a case.
Demonstrates knowledge of and sensitivity to the child’s cultural background when working with family and community members and considers the importance of cultural issues in making appropriate recommendations to the court on behalf of the child.
Identifies culturally appropriate resources for placement, treatment, and other necessary services for the family/child.
Organizes and catalogues case notes and records in case management system ensuring accuracy and precision in accordance with GAL program requirements and access rules.
Adheres to record and case confidentiality/access rules.
Maintains an accurate and up-to-date calendar of hearings.
Prepares written reports and provides other necessary documentation needed to make written and oral recommendations to the Court or testify as required.
Files reports and materials in a timely manner.
Stores and closes files in accordance with district/county policies.
Determines when to request legal representation for self-and/or child and works with attorney in case preparation and review as needed.
Attends individual supervision meetings, administrative reviews, case plan meetings and other proceedings as an advocate for the child.
Attends program staff meetings and continuing education sessions as scheduled.
Participates on local, district and/or state task forces and committees.
May be accompanied by and/or act as mentor to new Guardian ad Litem.
Exposure to extensive secondary trauma and on-going conflict is anticipated as work is conducted with individuals who are victims and/or perpetrators of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse and child neglect.