Guardian Ad Litem I (Domestic Relations Office)

About the Role

Conduct child custody evaluations and limited duty investigations for Family Law Court, making recommendations that are in the best interest of the child and affecting the parent/child relationship. This classification investigates and protects the best interest of children for whom the District Court appoints a Guardian Ad Litem. Duties are initially of a minimally complex nature and advance to a more complex level within the scope of Guardian Ad Litem responsibilities. A flexible work schedule may be required to meet departmental needs.

Responsibilities

• Conduct forensic interviews and assessments of parents, children, and collaterals.
• Review legal documents, psychological records, child protective services records, and law enforcement records.
• Assess and advocate for the best interest of the child in all legal proceedings.
• Attend and participate in court hearings, depositions, mediations, and other Family Law activities.
• Interview individuals with significant knowledge of the children’s history and condition.
• Observe children interacting in home, school, and other environments to form opinions for the Court.
• Request and review school, medical, and psychological records on parents and children.
• Recommend therapeutic interventions and monitor participation in court-ordered programs.
• Write social studies for non-agency adoptions and other court-ordered reports.
• Set hearings, file motions, and ensure required documentation is submitted for adoption or termination cases.
• Provide written reports to the Court in cases affecting the parent-child relationship.
• Monitor compliance with Court orders prior to final hearings.
• Maintain contact with attorneys to facilitate case investigation and settlement.
• Participate in mediation to promote out-of-court resolution of issues.
• Attend all legal proceedings and provide expert testimony to the Court.
• Provide public information on divorce, mental health, child development, and co-parenting topics.
• Serve as Duty Guardian on an on-call basis to address immediate court needs.
• Assist parents and attorneys with Guardian appointments or divorce-related issues.
• Refer litigants to community resources, including drug testing facilitation.
• Maintain case files and computer records for each case.
• Assist in training staff and presenting public training activities.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Social or Behavioral Sciences, Social Work, Sociology, Psychology, or Counseling.
• Two (2) years of increasingly responsible experience in casework with children, family counseling, or mediation.
• Valid Texas Driver’s License.

Preferred Qualifications

• Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC); OR
• Licensed Social Worker (LSW); OR
• Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.

Skills

Knowledge of:

• Family law and the District Court system.
• Conciliation and mediation concepts.
• Policies, practices, procedures, and legal terminology related to the court system.
• Federal, State, Local, and County applicable laws, rules, regulations, and guidelines.
• Psychological concepts of behavior, social adjustment, and emotional stability.
• Local social services, organizations, and programs.
• Computer equipment, including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and software packages.
• Business letter writing, grammar, punctuation, and report preparation.
• Confidential handling of health information (as required by federal and state laws).

Skill in:

• Assessing medical, psychosocial, and environmental status of clients.
• Negotiating, interviewing, and investigating practices and techniques.
• Application of casework principles.
• Problem-solving and decision-making.
• Verbal and written communication.

Ability to:

• Accurately assess the present and future needs of a child and advocate for their best interests in and out of court.
• Evaluate psychological and professional reports.
• Research, compile, analyze, interpret, and prepare reports while maintaining legal concepts.
• Perform in a stressful environment while maintaining professionalism.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, agencies, County employees, officials, attorneys, children, judges, and the public.

Work Environment & Other Information

• Physical requirements include lifting/carrying up to 10-50 pounds, visual acuity, speech and hearing, and manual dexterity for operating computers and office equipment.
• Subject to standing, sitting, walking, climbing stairs, bending, stooping, crouching, kneeling, pushing, pulling, reaching, twisting, balancing, repetitive motion, and squatting.
• Subject to client and customer contact.
• May be assigned to business continuity efforts outside of normal job functions.

Location: 1700 Guadalupe St. 5th Floor, Austin, TX 78701.

Criminal, driving, education, and employment background checks required.