Volunteer Guardian ad Litem

Position Description

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.

About Us

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.

Position Description

Volunteer Juvenile Court Guardian ad Litem- Committed to giving children a strong voice.

We are seeking volunteer Guardians ad Litem to advocate for children in juvenile court proceedings. Work is performed under the supervision of a Program Supervisor and administrated under the direction of the GAL Program Managers : 2nd Judicial District (Ramsey County), 4th Judicial District (Hennepin County), and 10th Judicial District (Washington, Anoka, Wright, Sherburne, Pine, Isanti, Chisago, and Kanabec counties) .

Introduction :

Volunteer Guardians ad Litem are responsible for advocating and representing the best interests of children involved in child abuse and neglect matters in Juvenile court proceedings. Program procedures and guidelines are in place to ensure the responsibilities 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.

Primary Responsibilities

Work involves :

• Monthly 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 that prepare the Guardian ad Litem to present 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, and standards.

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

Primary 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.

Qualifications

Knowledge :

Knowingly demonstrates the ability to learn and develop the following knowledge, skills, and behaviors. Juvenile and family judicial process, rules, and law, including Minnesota Statutes.

Objectives, philosophy, policies, and procedures of the GAL program.

Child development, and the issues and dynamics that surround juvenile and family cases, such as child abuse, domestic abuse, chemical dependency, and developmental disabilities.

Community resources for placement, treatment, and other necessary services, including the ability to identify community resources available for providing culturally appropriate services.

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 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 to conduct interviews, make oral presentations, and prepare clear, concise written reports.

Ability to become proficient using a computer, laptop, iPad, smartphone, and relevant computer software programs and databases.

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.

Supplemental Information

Working Conditions :

Work is performed primarily in indoor settings such as offices, courtrooms, and homes, and includes extensive local travel; may include out-of-county and out-of-state travel. Work requires visits to parents' and children's residences including placement / shelter facilities and / or foster homes. Visits are also made to schools, medical facilities, and to community leaders and service providers. Contact by phone and in person when parties are available in the evenings and on weekends is often required.

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 ongoing conflict.

Physical Demands :

Work is mostly sedentary with occasional walking, standing, bending, and lifting of items weighing less than 25 pounds such as papers and files. Frequent extended periods of sitting and travel and occasional lifting of items up to 50 pounds may be necessary. Ability to travel for home visits and to meet with relevant parties as needed.

Qualifications : (Any combination of training and work experience that indicates an ability to learn and develop the knowledge, abilities, and skills listed above. An example of an acceptable qualification for this position is : )

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 a background check upon hire and repeat background checks every three years thereafter.

Licensure and Certification Requirements :

Completion of Pre-Service Guardian Ad Litem training (as set forth in the Guardian ad Litem Program Standards) is required upon acceptance.

Completion of 15 hours of continuing education credits each year as required in accordance with rules, policies, program standards, and procedures.

Qualified candidates must possess a current driver's license, vehicle registration and valid automobile insurance in compliance with Minnesota statute.

Must be able to pass a Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) and federal background check.

The Location :

This volunteer opportunity is remote position where the selected volunteers will work primarily out of their home, however, travel throughout the area is required.

The Guardian ad Litem Program is an independent program within the Minnesota Judicial Branch and is governed by the Guardian ad Litem Board.

TO APPLY : Complete the online application at : Guardian ad Litem Homepage / Guardian Ad Litem (mn.gov) . This volunteer application is open on a continuous basis. 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 to participate in the employee selection process or if you have any additional HR related questions, please contact, GALHR@courts.state.mn.us .