Full Time (1.0FTE) Juvenile Guardian ad Litem - 7th District

Minnesota Guardian ad Litem Program•7th Judicial District, MN

20h•Hybrid

About The Position

We support trained, effective Guardians ad Litem to advocate for safe and permanent homes for the children we represent. Together, we will build and sustain an effective, racially equitable program that advocates for children and their families with compassion, high engagement, and a community lens. 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. 7th District Juvenile Court Guardian ad Litem (Hennepin County)– Committed to giving children a strong voice. We are seeking one full-time (1.0FTE), represented non-exempt Guardian ad Litem to advocate for children in juvenile court proceedings. Work is performed under the supervision of a Program Coordinator and administrated under the direction of the 7th District GAL Program Manager.

Requirements

Knowledge of 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 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.
Ability to interact 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 work independently, think critically and analyse complex family situations, and make objective and sound recommendations in the best interest of the child.
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 be receptive to feedback, have a willingness to learn and embrace the need for continuous improvement.
Ability to find and work with an interpreter as necessary.
Appropriate listening, oral, and written communication and critical observation skills that present effectively through interviewing, oral presentation, and formal court reports.
Skilled in time and resource management and the ability to create and maintain accurate, complete, and up-to-date files.
Novice proficiency with technology and relevant computer software programs and databases.
Novice skill in typing and use of basic office equipment.

Responsibilities

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.