Volunteer Guardian ad Litem

About the role

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.

Primary Responsibilities

• Monthly observation of child(ren) 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 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.
• Attendance of court hearings and other proceedings to present oral and written recommendations to the court and/or to testify as required.
• 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 and documents the child's interaction with caretakers, peers, and others.
• Prepares interview questions appropriate to the case.
• Interviews the child and others involved with the child 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 the importance of 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 per the prescribed format regarding the best interest of the child, including findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
• Attends court hearings and prepares all necessary reports and documentation for the Court.
• Makes written and oral recommendations to the Court and testifies as required.
• Attends staffings, administrative reviews, case plan meetings, and other proceedings involving the child as an advocate for the child.
• Maintains an accurate and up-to-date calendar of hearings.
• Fills reports and materials in a timely manner.
• Calls and questions witnesses, when appropriate.
• Determines when to request legal representation for self and/or child.
• 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. Stores files in accordance with Guardian ad Litem Board policies.
• Responds to questions about a case.
• Attends program staff meetings and continuing education sessions as scheduled.
• Participates in local, district, and/or state task forces and committees.
• Identifies and is knowledgeable regarding 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.

  Qualifications

  • Knowledge: Knowingly demonstrates the ability to learn and develop the following knowledge, skills, and behaviors.
    • Juvenile and family judicial process, rules, and law, including Minnesota Statutes.
    • Objectives, philosophy, policies, and procedures of the GAL program.
    • Child development, and the issues and dynamics that surround juvenile and family cases, such as child abuse, domestic abuse, chemical dependency, and developmental disabilities.
    • Community resources for placement, treatment, and other necessary services, including the ability to identify community resources available for providing culturally appropriate services.
    • Culture/demographics being served in the community and the ability to work with diverse cultures.
  • Skills: Ability to interview using appropriate techniques and critical observation skills.
  • Ability to work independently, think critically analyze complex family situations, and make objective and sound recommendations in the best interest of the child.
  • Ability to create and maintain accurate, complete, and up-to-date files.
  • Ability to listen, speak, and write effectively to conduct interviews, make oral presentations, and prepare clear, concise written reports.
  • Ability to become proficient using a computer, laptop, iPad, smartphone, and relevant computer software programs and databases.
  • Ability to find and work with an interpreter as necessary.

  Supplemental Information

  • Working Conditions: Work is performed primarily in indoor settings such as offices, courtrooms, and homes, and includes extensive local travel; may include out-of-county and out-of-state travel. Work requires visits to parents’ and children’s residences including placement/shelter facilities and/or foster homes. Visits are also made to schools, medical facilities, and to community leaders and service providers. Contact by phone and in person when parties are available in the evenings and on weekends is often required. Work is conducted with individuals who are victims and/or perpetrators of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, and child neglect. Exposure to extensive secondary trauma and ongoing conflict.
  • Physical Demands: Work is mostly sedentary with occasional walking, standing, bending, and lifting of items weighing less than 25 pounds such as papers and files. Frequent extended periods of sitting and travel and occasional lifting of items up to 50 pounds may be necessary. Ability to travel for home visits and to meet with relevant parties as needed.

  Contact

  To apply, complete the online application at: Guardian ad Litem Homepage / Guardian Ad Litem (mn.gov). This volunteer application is open on a continuous basis. Please allow approximately 45 minutes to complete the on-line application process.

  Equal Opportunity Employer

  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.