Volunteer Guardian ad Litem
Minnesota Guardian ad Litem Program (MN), Eagan, Minnesota, United States
Overview
We support trained, effective Guardians ad Litem to advocate for safe and permanent homes for the children we represent. We aim to 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 Guardian ad Litem (GAL) 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. 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 administered under the direction of the GAL Program Managers for the 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 ensure the responsibilities are carried out in accordance with Minnesota Rules of Practice and Guardian ad Litem Procedure, 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. Work involves: Monthly observation of children 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, to prepare written and/or oral reports to the court in a timely manner per court rules and program policies. Attendance at 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. 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, documents the child's interaction with caretakers, peers, and others; prepares interview questions appropriate to the case; interviews the child and others involved using recommended interview techniques; obtains releases of information. Keeps accurate and precise notes in accordance with GAL program requirements and access rules; organizes and catalogs interview/file review notes and records. Demonstrates knowledge of and sensitivity to the child’s cultural background in working with family and community members and considers cultural issues in making appropriate recommendations to the court on behalf of the child. Prepares written reports to the court in a timely manner according to court rules, including findings, conclusions, and recommendations. Attends court hearings and prepares all necessary reports and documentation for the Court; makes written and oral recommendations; testifies as required; attends staffings, administrative reviews, case plan meetings, and other proceedings; maintains an accurate calendar of hearings; files reports and materials timely; questions witnesses when appropriate; determines when to request legal representation; works with an 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 and stores them per Guardian ad Litem Board policies. Responds to questions about a case. Attends program staff meetings and continuing education sessions; participates in local, district, and/or state task forces and committees. Identifies resources for placement, treatment, and other necessary services for the family/child. May be accompanied by and/or act as a mentor to new Guardians ad Litem. Knowledge, Skills, and Behavior
Knowledge:
Juvenile and family judicial process, rules and law (including Minnesota Statutes); GAL program objectives, philosophy, policies, and procedures; child development and related issues (e.g., child abuse, domestic abuse, chemical dependency, developmental disabilities); community resources for placement and services; ability to work with diverse cultures. Skills:
Interviewing using appropriate techniques and critical observation; independent work, critical thinking, and recommending in the child’s best interests; maintaining accurate files; listening, speaking, and writing effectively; proficiency with computers and relevant software; ability to work with interpreters as needed. Behavior:
Ability to relate professionally with judges, court staff, other agencies, attorneys, children, and the public; work collaboratively with justice partners, peers, and families; maintain respectful working relationships; stay professional in crisis situations and when defusing high-conflict scenarios; manage time and resources; be receptive to feedback and commit to continuous improvement. Working Conditions
Work is primarily indoors (offices, courtrooms, homes) with extensive local travel; may include out-of-county and out-of-state travel. Visits to parents’ and children’s residences, schools, medical facilities, and with community leaders/service providers; some evenings and weekends may be required. Exposure to domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, and child neglect; potential secondary trauma and ongoing conflict. Physical Demands
Mostly sedentary with occasional walking, bending, and lifting of items weighing up to 25 pounds; occasional lifting up to 50 pounds; travel for home visits as needed. Qualifications
Any combination of training and work experience that indicates the ability to learn and develop the listed knowledge, abilities, and skills. Example: Bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, education, nursing, criminal justice, law, or child-related discipline with some experience working with families and children; or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience. Background check required upon hire and every three years thereafter. Licensure and Certification
Completion of Pre-Service Guardian Ad Litem training is required upon acceptance. Completion of 15 hours of continuing education annually as required by rules and program standards. Must possess a current driver's license, vehicle registration, and valid auto insurance in compliance with Minnesota statute. Must pass BCA and federal background checks. The Location and How to Apply
This volunteer opportunity is remote, with selected volunteers working primarily from home; travel throughout the area is required. The GAL Program is independent within the Minnesota Judicial Branch. To apply, complete the online application at the Guardian ad Litem Homepage. The volunteer application is open on a continuous basis; please allow approximately 45 minutes to complete the online process. The Guardian ad Litem Program is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity. Applications from persons of diverse backgrounds are encouraged. If you need a reasonable accommodation for a disability during the selection process, or for HR questions, please contact GALHR@courts.state.mn.us.
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We support trained, effective Guardians ad Litem to advocate for safe and permanent homes for the children we represent. We aim to 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 Guardian ad Litem (GAL) 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. 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 administered under the direction of the GAL Program Managers for the 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 ensure the responsibilities are carried out in accordance with Minnesota Rules of Practice and Guardian ad Litem Procedure, 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. Work involves: Monthly observation of children 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, to prepare written and/or oral reports to the court in a timely manner per court rules and program policies. Attendance at 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. 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, documents the child's interaction with caretakers, peers, and others; prepares interview questions appropriate to the case; interviews the child and others involved using recommended interview techniques; obtains releases of information. Keeps accurate and precise notes in accordance with GAL program requirements and access rules; organizes and catalogs interview/file review notes and records. Demonstrates knowledge of and sensitivity to the child’s cultural background in working with family and community members and considers cultural issues in making appropriate recommendations to the court on behalf of the child. Prepares written reports to the court in a timely manner according to court rules, including findings, conclusions, and recommendations. Attends court hearings and prepares all necessary reports and documentation for the Court; makes written and oral recommendations; testifies as required; attends staffings, administrative reviews, case plan meetings, and other proceedings; maintains an accurate calendar of hearings; files reports and materials timely; questions witnesses when appropriate; determines when to request legal representation; works with an 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 and stores them per Guardian ad Litem Board policies. Responds to questions about a case. Attends program staff meetings and continuing education sessions; participates in local, district, and/or state task forces and committees. Identifies resources for placement, treatment, and other necessary services for the family/child. May be accompanied by and/or act as a mentor to new Guardians ad Litem. Knowledge, Skills, and Behavior
Knowledge:
Juvenile and family judicial process, rules and law (including Minnesota Statutes); GAL program objectives, philosophy, policies, and procedures; child development and related issues (e.g., child abuse, domestic abuse, chemical dependency, developmental disabilities); community resources for placement and services; ability to work with diverse cultures. Skills:
Interviewing using appropriate techniques and critical observation; independent work, critical thinking, and recommending in the child’s best interests; maintaining accurate files; listening, speaking, and writing effectively; proficiency with computers and relevant software; ability to work with interpreters as needed. Behavior:
Ability to relate professionally with judges, court staff, other agencies, attorneys, children, and the public; work collaboratively with justice partners, peers, and families; maintain respectful working relationships; stay professional in crisis situations and when defusing high-conflict scenarios; manage time and resources; be receptive to feedback and commit to continuous improvement. Working Conditions
Work is primarily indoors (offices, courtrooms, homes) with extensive local travel; may include out-of-county and out-of-state travel. Visits to parents’ and children’s residences, schools, medical facilities, and with community leaders/service providers; some evenings and weekends may be required. Exposure to domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, and child neglect; potential secondary trauma and ongoing conflict. Physical Demands
Mostly sedentary with occasional walking, bending, and lifting of items weighing up to 25 pounds; occasional lifting up to 50 pounds; travel for home visits as needed. Qualifications
Any combination of training and work experience that indicates the ability to learn and develop the listed knowledge, abilities, and skills. Example: Bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, education, nursing, criminal justice, law, or child-related discipline with some experience working with families and children; or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience. Background check required upon hire and every three years thereafter. Licensure and Certification
Completion of Pre-Service Guardian Ad Litem training is required upon acceptance. Completion of 15 hours of continuing education annually as required by rules and program standards. Must possess a current driver's license, vehicle registration, and valid auto insurance in compliance with Minnesota statute. Must pass BCA and federal background checks. The Location and How to Apply
This volunteer opportunity is remote, with selected volunteers working primarily from home; travel throughout the area is required. The GAL Program is independent within the Minnesota Judicial Branch. To apply, complete the online application at the Guardian ad Litem Homepage. The volunteer application is open on a continuous basis; please allow approximately 45 minutes to complete the online process. The Guardian ad Litem Program is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity. Applications from persons of diverse backgrounds are encouraged. If you need a reasonable accommodation for a disability during the selection process, or for HR questions, please contact GALHR@courts.state.mn.us.
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