FTE FC Guardian ad Litem- Northern 6th Judicial District

Position Description

The Guardian ad Litem (GAL) Program seeks advocates who represent the best interests of abused and neglected children in court. Guardians ad Litem are independent from the court and child welfare system and are appointed by a judge to represent a child’s best interests in court proceedings. The Minnesota GAL Program is a state agency providing services throughout Minnesota.

Family Court Guardian ad Litem, Northern region, 6th Judicial District — 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 Administrative direction of the Family Court Division Manager.

Introduction:

This is responsible work advocating for 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 Sixth Judicial District. These positions are home-based/officed positions serving counties in and around the Sixth Judicial District (Carlton, Cook, Lake, and St.

Louis counties: Duluth, Hibbing, and Virginia). Travel throughout the area is required. Program procedures and guidelines ensure responsibilities are carried out in accordance with Minnesota Rules of Practice and Guardian ad Litem Procedure, Juvenile Protection Rules, Minnesota Rules of Court, Statutes and Administrative Orders and Policies; GAL Board Policies; GAL Program Standards; and district/local program requirements.

• 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; preparation of 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/standards.
• Attendance of court hearings and other proceedings to present oral and written recommendations to the court and/or testify as required.

Primary Responsibilities: additional detail on responsibilities provided upon hire

• Examines files and discovery for relevant documents and data pertaining to the child, including basic facts and extenuating circumstances, to collect information for proceedings.
• Observes the child in the home and other settings to witness interactions; prepares interview questions; interviews the child and others using recommended techniques; obtains releases of information; questions witnesses when appropriate; responds to questions about a case.
• Demonstrates knowledge of and sensitivity to the child’s cultural background; identifies culturally appropriate resources for placement, treatment, and other necessary services.
• Organizes and catalogs case notes and records in the case management system; adheres to confidentiality/access rules.
• Maintains an accurate calendar of hearings; prepares written reports and other documents needed to make recommendations to the Court or testify; files reports timely; stores and closes files per district/county policies.
• Determines when to request legal representation for self and/or child and works with attorneys in case preparation as needed.
• Attends supervision meetings, administrative reviews, case plan meetings and other proceedings; participates in program staff meetings and continuing education; participates on local/district/state task forces or committees.
• May mentor new Guardian ad Litem.

Exposure to extensive secondary trauma and ongoing conflict is anticipated as work involves individuals who are 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.
• Knowledge of GAL program objectives, philosophy, policies, and procedures.
• Knowledge of child development.
• Know…