Guardian Ad Litem Office, 17Th Circuit- Child Advocate Manager

Job Title

GUARDIAN AD LITEM OFFICE, 17TH CIRCUIT – CHILD ADVOCATE MANAGER (Requisition No. 863799, Position Number )

Broward County, FL (Job location to be selected when applying)

Salary: $46,148.39
Posting Closing Date: 02/02/2026

• Click the “Career Opportunities” icon on (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..
• Scroll to “Submit Your Guardian ad Litem Employment Application Here” and complete the mini application.
• Attach your current resume.
• Choose Broward as the job location.

Alternatively, email the mini application and attached résumé directly to C17.Apps.gov.

The Statewide Guardian ad Litem Office is Florida’s award‑winning, state‑funded child advocacy organization that provides independent legal representation to abused, abandoned and neglected children in Florida’s dependency court proceedings. The Office upholds the highest standards of integrity, excellence and child‑centered representation. A multidisciplinary team—including a guardian ad litem attorney, a child welfare professional, and community volunteers or pro‑bono attorneys—represents each court‑appointed child.

The Child Advocate Manager serves as the child welfare professional on the team and is responsible for overseeing a volunteer team assigned to individual cases.

• State of Florida retirement package – Pension or investment plan (3% employee contribution required)
• State group insurance coverage options (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 and 13 paid annual leave days accrued within the calendar year (increase after five years)
• Life insurance of $25,000 provided at no cost; additional coverage may be purchased
• Public loan forgiveness program
• State tuition waivers
• Child Advocate Manager training and professional certification with the Florida Certification Board
• No state income tax for Florida residents
• No mandatory night, weekend or holiday scheduled work

• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams (Guardian ad Litem Office, Department of Children and Families, contracted service providers, Department of Juvenile Justice, Department of Education, law enforcement, etc.)
• Oversee the work of Guardian ad Litem Office volunteers
• Gather and document independent pertinent case information
• Provide best‑interests advocacy recommendations to the multi‑disciplinary 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, staff meetings, and conferences
• Visit and contact assigned children, parents, caregivers, schools and service providers
• Utilize the organization’s database and reporting systems
• Participate in internal and external training, meetings and conferences

• Self‑motivated and achievement‑oriented
• Strong desire to learn and pursue personal development
• Ability to take direction and work as part of a team
• Ability to effectively interact with and influence people of 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
• Able 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 concepts of child development
• Knowledge of the dynamics of child abuse, domestic violence, substance abuse and mental health
• Knowledge of the Florida State Courts System
• Knowledge of Florida statutes relating to child welfare and protection

• Must possess a valid Florida Driver’s License
• Preferred:
  Bachelor’s degree in sociology, social work, psychology, child development, education, juvenile justice, communications, or a related social science; prior experience may satisfy the degree requirement
• Desirable:
  Two years…