FTE Family Court Guardian ad Litem- Twin Metro

About Us

The Minnesota Guardian ad Litem (GAL) Program is a state agency providing services throughout Minnesota. We seek 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.

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.

Family Court Guardian ad Litem Twin Cities Metro – Committed to giving children a strong voice.

We are seeking one full-time (1.0 FTE), represented non-exempt Guardian ad Litem to advocate for children in family court proceedings. Work is performed under the supervision of a Division Coordinator and directed by the Family Court Division Manager.

This is responsible work advocating on complex matters in Family Court where children may have been abused or neglected, and/or involved in high-conflict disputes regarding custody and parenting time. Candidates selected for these positions will need to reside in the Twin Cities area. These positions are home-officed and may serve counties in and around the Twin Cities. Travel throughout the area is required.

Program procedures and guidelines align with Minnesota Rules of Practice and Guardian ad Litem Procedure, Juvenile Protection Rules, Minnesota Rules of Court, Statutes and Administrative Orders, GAL Board Policies, GAL Program Standards, and district/local program requirements.

• Observe children in home and other settings to document interactions with caretakers, peers, and others.
• Compile accurate findings, conclusions, and recommendations regarding the child’s best interests for written and/or oral reports to the court, timely and in accordance with court rules, state/local statutes, and program policies.
• Attend court hearings and other proceedings to present oral and written recommendations and/or testify as required.

Additional detail on responsibilities provided upon hire

• Examine files and discovery for relevant documents and data to collect information for proceedings.
• Observe the child in home settings and witness interactions; prepare interview questions; interview the child and others; obtain releases of information; question witnesses as appropriate; respond to case questions.
• Demonstrate knowledge of and sensitivity to the child’s cultural background; identify culturally appropriate resources for placement, treatment, and other services.
• Organize and maintain case notes and records in the case management system; ensure confidentiality and access control.
• Maintain an accurate calendar of hearings; prepare written reports and other documentation; file and close materials per policy.
• Determine when to request legal representation and collaborate with attorneys as needed.
• Attend supervision meetings, case plan meetings, and related proceedings; participate in staff meetings and continuing education; participate in local/district/state task forces and committees.
• Mentor to newer Guardians ad Litem as applicable.

Exposure to extensive secondary trauma and ongoing conflict is anticipated due to work with victims and/or perpetrators of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, and child neglect.

Knowledge: Knowledge of family judicial process, rules, and law (including Minnesota Statutes); GAL program objectives, philosophy, policies, and procedures; child development; and dynamics in family cases (parental conflict, custody disputes, abuse, domestic violence, chemical dependency, mental health).

Abilities: Ability to interact professionally with judges, court staff, agencies, attorneys, children, and the public; work independently; analyze complex family situations; provide objective recommendations; develop cooperative relationships; remain professional in crisis situations; be receptive to feedback and…