Full-Time (1.0 FTE) GAL Manager- 3rd and 5th Judicial Districts (Southern Minnes

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

GAL Manager - Supporting advocacy through Leadership

We are seeking a full-time (1.0FTE), exempt Guardian ad Litem Manager toprovide direct and indirect supervision to Guardian ad Litem staff in our 3^rd and 5^th Judicial Districts (Southern Minnesota) Juvenile Court Division. The ideal candidate will possess knowledge, familiarity and understanding of the dynamics that impact families within the community such as: socioeconomic disparities, historical trauma, child abuse, domestic abuse, chemical dependency, and developmental disabilities. This position is hybrid office work is performed under the supervision and direction of the GAL Program Administrator.

Introduction:

This is highly responsible managerial work which involves monitoring the operations of many program staff, including management of supervisory staff. The position will oversee district-wide program operations, administration, budgeting, contract management and develop procedures and guidelines to ensure district operations are carried out in accordance with Program standards, policies and 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, and district and local program requirements. This position exercises considerable independent judgment, initiative, and discretion in carrying out responsibilities of established practices and policies and has organization-wide and external contact representing district Guardian ad Litem activities at meetings, on task force assignments, and through participation in cross-organizational and/or cross- disciplinary work groups.

Primary Responsibilities: (additional detail on responsibilities provided upon hire)

• Provides direct and indirect leadership to GAL Supervisorsand their staff through coaching, assistance, and guidance by managing scheduling, appointment, and assignment of cases; performance observation and review; and case file, child contact and court report review. Oversight and participation in servicing, assignment, processing and monitoring of progress, compliance, and results of all on-going cases to which a GAL is assigned. Organizes and leads district and direct staff meetings.
• Ensures timely written or oral recommendations are made in the best interest of children to the court, probation/social worker, placement staff, and other providers. Secures and uses legal services on behalf of a GAL or Program when required.
• Reviews, analyses, and interprets applicable rules and laws. Develops and recommends district goals, improvements, and standards. Prepares, reviews, and maintains statistical and other district information. Tracks and prepares district trend information. Updates and monitors GAL productivity in case management system for the district. May conduct investigations and seek resolution on complaints against Guardians ad Litem.
• Manages and oversees recruitment, screening, interviewing, and selection process for district staff.
• Supports, coordinates, and assists Program in training of district staff to include pre-service, mentorship, local court orientation and continuing education.
• Representing the GAL Program's 3^rd and 5^th Judicial District to judicial, social services and other external as well as internal partners.
• Responding to inquiries about the GAL program, roles, and responsibilities, providing presentations to community groups, and serving as a liaison to the community.
• Administration and oversight of district program budget. 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.

** 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.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Skill in demonstrating sensitivity, awareness, and value of diversity in economic and cultural backgrounds.
• Skill in working with diverse and/or underrepresented and underserved client populations.
• Considerable knowledge of juvenile judicial process, rules and law, and the standards and policies established by the State Guardian ad Litem Program.
• Considerable knowledge of 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 cases in which a GAL should be appointed.
• Knowledge of modern management and supervisory procedures and techniques.
• 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 evaluate clear and concise reports.
• Ability to become proficient using related computerized software programs and a keyboard.

Minimum Qualifications: (Any combination of training and work experience which indicates possession of the knowledge, abilities and skills listed above. An example of an acceptable qualification for this position is:)

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.

Must reside near the assigned service area.

Possession of a valid Minnesota driver's license.

**Successful candidate must pass background check upon hire and repeat background checks every three years thereafter.

Preferred Qualifications: Master's degree and considerable related experience preferred.

The Location:

The work is performed primarily in a hybrid setting. Travel through-out the State of Minnesota is required.

The Benefits:

• 11 paid holidays plus 2 floating holidays
• State of MN insurance benefits and retirement package
• Flexibility
• Public service

Interested?

This is a 1.0 FTE full-time, exempt position with a starting rate of $32.52

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). Application deadline is Friday, April 18^th, 2025, 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 commit ted 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, disability, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, and genetic information.

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.