The Tenth Judicial District is currently seeking three full-time (1.0 FTE) non-exempt Guardian ad Litem employees to service caseloads for child abuse and neglect matters in Juvenile Court within the Tenth Judicial District. These positions will maintain cases and travel throughout the 10th district service areas. Candidates selected will need to be localized in close proximity to the area and will work remotely from their home office.

Guardians ad Litem are responsible for advocating for and representing the best interests of a child in a court proceeding.

Work involves following procedures and guidelines to ensure the responsibilities of the Guardian ad Litem program 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.

A Guardian ad Litem interacts with judges, social workers, tribal members and a variety of other professionals. This position involves visiting clients in their home, visiting children in school, and appearing in district and, sometimes, tribal court. Travel within the Tenth Judicial District (Anoka, Washington, Wright, Sherburne, Pine, Isanti, Chisago and Kanabec Counties), as well as neighboring counties, may be required.

Work is performed under supervision of the Guardian ad Litem Board and the Tenth District GAL program.

Reviews and researches files and discovery for information in proceedings, relevant documents and data pertaining to the child and basic facts of the case and any extenuating circumstances.

Meets with and observes the child in the home and other settings and documents the child's interaction with caretakers, peers and others. Prepares interview questions appropriate to the case. Interviews child using required interview techniques and others involved with the child. Obtains release of information signatures.

Keeps accurate and precise notes in accordance with GAL requirements and access rules. Organizes and catalogs interview/file review notes and records.

Prepares written reports to the court in in a timely manner according to court rules per the prescribed format regarding the best interest of the child, including findings, conclusions and recommendations.

Attends court hearings and prepares all necessary reports and documentation for the Court. Makes written and oral recommendations to the Court and testifies as required. Attends staff meetings, administrative reviews, case plan meetings and other proceedings involving the child as an advocate for the child. Maintains an accurate and up-to-date calendar of hearings. Files reports and materials in a timely manner. Calls and questions witnesses, when appropriate. Prepares and educates witnesses before appearance in court. Determines when to request legal representation for self and/or child. Works with attorney in case preparation and review.

Compiles, organizes and maintains accurate and up-to-date case files. Adheres to record and case confidentiality/access rules. Closes files. Stores files in accordance with district/county policies.

Responds to questions about a case.

Attends program staff meetings and continuing education sessions as scheduled. Participates on local, district and/or state task forces and committees.

Identifies and is knowledgeable regarding resources for placement, treatment and other necessary services.

May be accompanied by and/or act as mentor to new Guardians ad Litem.

Work is conducted with individuals who are victims and/or perpetrators of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse and child neglect. Exposure to extensive secondary trauma and on-going conflict.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, education, nursing, criminal justice, law or child-related discipline and some experience working with families and children OR an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience. Must pass background check upon hire and repeat background checks every three years thereafter.

Knowledge:

Knowledge of juvenile and 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, and of the issues and dynamics that surround juvenile and family 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.

Skills:
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 use basic office equipment such as fax, scanner and copy machine.
Ability to find and work with an interpreter as necessary.

Behavior:
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.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Experience as a Guardian ad Litem with completion of the Guardian ad Litem pre-service orientation requirements, and a demonstrated comprehension of the responsibilities of Guardians ad Litem are desirable.

COMPENSATION: Starting pay: $23.12/hr. These positions are 1.0 FTE represented full-time positions that are eligible for insurance benefits.

The Guardian ad Litem Program is an independent program within the Minnesota Judicial Branch and is governed by the Guardian ad Litem Board. These positions are represented by the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Council 5.

Posted for bidding, internal and external application simultaneously. Only current Minnesota Judicial Branch permanent Guardian ad Litem program employees covered under AFSCME Council 5 bargaining agreement are eligible to bid.

TO APPLY: Complete the online application at the employment website at: www.mncourts.gov and attach your cover letter and resume. Application deadline for bidding, internal and external application Friday December 16, 2022 at 4:30 p.m. Please allow approximately 45 minutes to complete the on-line application process.

The Guardian ad Litem Program is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to the principles of diversity. We actively seek and encourage applications from persons of diverse backgrounds.

It is the policy of the Guardian ad Litem Program that all decisions regarding recruitment, hiring, promotions, and other terms and conditions of employment be made without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, familial status, membership or activity in a local commission, disability, sexual orientation, or age. If you need a reasonable accommodation for a disability in order to participate in the employee selection process or if you have any additional HR related questions, please contact, GALHR@courts.state.mn.us