Guardian ad Litem and District

Company: Minnesota Judicial Branch
Location: Duluth
Posted on: December 5, 2019

Job Description:

Description The Guardian ad Litem Program is currently seeking a full-time, exempt Guardian ad Litem Manager for the following districts: 6th District (Carlton, Cook, Lake, St. Louis Counties) and 9th District (Aitkin, Beltrami, Cass, Clearwater, Crow Wing, Hubbard, Itasca, Kittson, Koochiching, Lake of the Woods, Mahnomen, Marshall, Norman, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake, and Roseau Counties). Duties include direct supervision of employees. This position will be office based in either Duluth or Grand Rapids, MN and travel between both the districts is required. This is highly responsible managerial, supervisory and administrative work coordinating district-wide Guardian ad Litem program activities. Work involves overseeing district-wide program operations, administration, budgeting, contract management and developing procedures and guidelines to ensure the Guardian ad Litem (GAL) program is carried out in accordance with the standards, policies and program requirements established by the State Guardian ad Litem Board, Minnesota Rules of Practice, Rules of Guardian Ad Litem Procedure, Juvenile Protection Rules, the Minnesota Rules of Court, Statutes and Administrative Orders and Policies; GAL Pre-Service Training Manual, and district and local program requirements. Employee exercises considerable independent judgment, initiative and discretion in carrying out responsibilities in order to implement established practices and policies. Work involves managing, supervising coordinating and monitoring the work of a large number of program staff including supervision of first-line supervisory staff. Example of Duties Participates in and oversees the recruitment, screening, interviewing, selection, reference and background checks on and appointment of all GAL staff. Develops, arranges and provides training including pre-service, internship/mentorship, local program orientation and continuing education. Participates in and oversees the servicing, assignment, processing and monitoring of progress, compliance and results of all on-going cases. Reviews GAL reports to the court. Secures and uses legal services on behalf of a GAL when required. Ensures timely written or oral recommendation in the best interest of the child is made to the court, probation/social worker, placement staff, and other providers. Supervises directly and indirectly through subordinate staff, Guardians ad Litem. Schedules staff. Assigns cases, observes performance, and reviews case file, work and reports. Provides case consultation and conducts regular meetings with the Guardians ad Litem. Provides coaching, assistance and resources. Receives, screens, investigates, documents and resolves complaints. Conducts staff meetings. Conducts annual performance reviews. Initiates corrective action. Maintains personnel files. Conducts investigations and seeks resolution on complaints against Guardians ad Litem. Responds to inquiries about the GAL program, roles and responsibilities; makes presentations to community groups. Partner with and act as liaison to community groups. Reviews, analyzes and interprets applicable rules and laws. Develops program forms and procedures. Develops and recommends program goals, improvements, policies and standards. Monitors and reviews program activities. Prepares, reviews and maintains statistical and other program information. Prepares program trend information. Updates and accesses state-wide GAL data base. Generates reports. Develops and administers program budget. Prepares budget projections. Reviews and authorizes other program expenditures. Initiates and approves contracts for services. Participates in state, district and local committees and task forces to promote and coordinate the GAL program; monitors legislation and testifies as needed; participates in court improvement efforts and pilot and other special projects. Typical Qualifications MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor's Degree in Human Services, Business Administration, Human Resources or a related field. Experience in a non-profit, public sector, social services, or legal field. Master's degree and considerable related experience preferred. Considerable knowledge of juvenile and family judicial process, rules and law, and the standards and policies established by the State Guardian ad Litem Board. Considerable knowledge of juvenile and family judicial process, rules and law as it pertains to the Indian Child Welfare Act. Considerable knowledge of the objectives, philosophy, policies and procedures of a GAL program. Considerable knowledge of the issues and dynamics that surround juvenile and family cases in which a GAL should be appointed. Knowledge of modern management and supervisory procedures and techniques. Knowledge of the basic principles of adult education and curriculum development. Skill in working with diverse client populations. Skill in demonstrating sensitivity, awareness, and value of diversity in economic and cultural backgrounds. Ability to build effective community relations and lead outreach programs. Ability to develop, organize, and manage a GAL program and related projects. Ability to plan, assign, direct, and evaluate the work of Guardians ad Litem. Ability to communicate at all levels both orally and in writing. Ability to relate professionally with judges, court administrators, staff, representatives of other agencies, attorneys, children and the public. Ability to negotiate. Ability to evaluate and write clear, concise reports. Ability to become proficient using related computerized software programs and a keyboard. Completion of Pre-Service Guardian ad Litem training. 15 hours continuing education annually. Possession of a valid Minnesota driver's license. Successful candidate will be required to pass a criminal background check upon hire and every three years thereafter throughout employment. Master's degree and considerable related experience preferred. Supplemental Information COMPENSATION: Full salary range: $29.87/hour - $46.33/hour. Full-time positions are eligible for full-time State of Minnesota employee benefits package. For benefit information visit: ********************************* TO APPLY: Complete the online application at the employment website at **************** and attach your cover letter and resume. Allow enough time to complete the online application process; approximately 45 minutes. APPLICATION DEADLINE: Tuesday November 26, 2019 at 4:30 p.m. 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, ************************. The Minnesota Judicial Branch offers a comprehensive benefit package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, life and disability insurance.

Keywords: Minnesota Judicial Branch, Duluth , Guardian ad Litem and District, Other , Duluth, Minnesota