JOB
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 UsThe 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 DescriptionGAL Supervisor – Providing employees opportunities to continuously improve their skillsWe are seeking a full-time (1.0FTE), represented exempt Guardian ad Litem Coordinator to provide direct supervision to Guardian ad Litem staff in our 4th Judicial District Juvenile Court Division. This position is office based in Minneapolis, MN and work is performed under the supervision the direction of the 4th District GAL Program Manager. Introduction: This is responsible supervisory and administrative work coordinating the efforts of Guardians ad Litem who advocate for and represent 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.
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
Work involves: Direct supervision and support for Guardian ad Litem employees which includes case assignment, coaching and case consultation, performance evaluation, complaint investigation and resolution, etc. Review of 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.Coordination of court hearings and other proceedings and administrative functions to ensure Guardians ad Litem are providing timely recommendations to the court and that staff are prepared to represent the Guardian ad Litem Program in hearings, meetings, and committees. Ensuring effective delivery of service by staff for a large number of diverse cases including child abuse and neglect, domestic abuse, delinquency, and others. Primary Responsibilities: (additional detail on responsibilities provided upon hire) Administrative and Case Management FunctionsCoordinate with Court Administration to ensure that all court orders and referrals appointing a Guardian ad Litem are received in a timely manner, are clear and are appropriate. Works with Court Administration and the Court to modify appointment language to ensure GAL has clear and specific direction.Case assignment and management of staff workload by utilizing case management tool, court information systems, and other resources to monitor cases and work of Guardians ad Litem. Ensures GAL attendance at court hearings and submission of reports provided based on policies, procedures, statutes, laws, and standards. Coordinates and monitors guardian caseloads to ensure adequacy and balance reflects efficiency and quality of service, timely and proper management of cases, and appropriate disposition and closing based on the development of the case. Carries caseload as needed.Monitors and reviews staff activities such as expense reports, timesheets, and activity logs of Guardians ad Litem to determine accuracy and appropriateness, efficiency of work, adequate child contacts, etc. Periodically reviews GAL reports to the court to ensure they are filed in a timely fashion, are compliant with court rules and are a quality work product.Assists in preparing statistical and other information, including program trend information. Generates performance reports.Conducts performance reviews and maintains supervisory files for all staff per policy. May participate in decision-making meetings affecting the child, including administrative reviews, school staffing, placement staffing, and pre-placement. May prepare for, attend, and testify in court proceedings. Technical Assistance and SupportProvides individual and team case consultations to troubleshoot case-related or system-related issues (including on an emergency basis).Conducts work-related case management system checks on behalf of the GAL to obtain information on parties’ court involvement, prior to or concurrently, relative to the case. Assists with obtaining legal representation for GsAL as necessary.Provides updated information regarding rules, statutes and program policies, procedures, and standards. Compiles and provides current community resource information, technical support, and resources through supervision of staff.Monitors staff safety to ensure sound risk management practices and ongoing safety of GsAL. Reports and records any incidents to District Manager and Human Resources.Recruitment, Training and Evaluation FunctionsAssists with recruitment of new GsAL, including targeted efforts in minority populations, community outreach, or public speaking.Participates in interviews and screenings of candidates, including conducting reference checks.Assists with and provides initial pre-service and ongoing GAL training. Conducts orientation for new Guardians ad Litem to local court culture and practices. Coordinates, provides and/or consults on the mentoring of new Guardians ad Litem.Convenes and facilitates periodic meetings of Guardians ad Litem for ongoing administrative or training purposes. Attends court hearings to monitor the quality of the GAL work or to cover a hearing in the absence of a GAL.Observes and evaluates staff performance including observation of GAL in court or meetings, interviews with judges and other stakeholders to provide coaching, performance improvement, and to conduct performance reviews. Carries out or assists in carrying out corrective or disciplinary action as determined.Program RelationsFields phone calls from persons with concerns or questions about the GAL program or a specific GAL and attempts to resolve at the local level. Assists with GAL complaint process at the direction of the GAL Manager or Program Administrator. Is a resource for complaints and program relations on behalf of staff.Establishes good working relationships with the Court, Court Administration, Social Services, County Attorneys, Public Defenders, Tribal groups, and other stakeholders. Responds to inquiries about the GAL program, roles, and responsibilities. Meets with service providers and other community members to discuss and resolve issues and/or problems as they arise.Consults with program manager on operational or business questions to promote the smooth and efficient running of the program. Attends and participates in district and state meetings, trainings, and state level committees and workgroups as needed.Tracks GAL continuing education credits as required by program standards. ** Exposure to extensive secondary trauma and on-going conflict is anticipated as supervision of work involves clients that may be victims and/or perpetrators of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse and child neglect.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
The Location: The work is performed primarily in an office setting. Considerations for a hybrid position may be made where the selected candidate can work both remotely and in an office setting located at the Hennepin County Juvenile Justice Center in Minneapolis, MN. Travel through-out the State of Minnesota may be required. The Benefits: 11 paid holidays plus 2 floating holidaysState of MN insurance benefits and retirement packageFlexibilityPublic service Interested?This is a 1.0 FTE represented full-time position with a starting rate of $28.50/hr. The Guardian ad Litem Program is an independent program within the Minnesota Judicial Branch and is governed by the Guardian ad Litem Board. This position is represented by The Minnesota Teamsters Public and Law Enforcement Employee’s Union, Local #320 and is posted for bidding, internal and external application simultaneously. Only current permanent Guardian ad Litem Coordinators program employees covered under The Minnesota Teamsters Public and Law Enforcement Employee’s Union, Local #320 bargaining agreement are eligible to bid. TO APPLY: Complete the online application at: www.mncourts.gov. Application deadline is Wednesday, March 27th, 2024 at 4:30 p.m. Please allow approximately 45 minutes to complete the on-line application process. Posted for internal and external application submission simultaneously. 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.