Full-Time (1.0 FTE) Guardian ad Litem- 1st Judicial District - Dakota and Goodhue Counties

Position Description

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

Juvenile Court Guardian ad Litem - 1

st

Judicial District Dakota and Goodhue Counties - Committed to giving children a strong voice.

We are seeking a full-time (1.0FTE), represented non-exempt Guardian ad Litem toadvocate for children in juvenile court proceedings. Work is performed under the supervision of a Program Supervisor and administrated under the direction of the 1

st

and 2

nd

Judicial District GAL Program Manager.

Introduction :

This is responsible work advocating for and representing 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.

Primary Responsibilities

Work involves :

• 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.

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

Qualifications

Knowledge :

Knowledge of judicial process, rules, and law, including Minnesota Statutes.

Knowledge of the objectives, philosophy, policies, and procedures of the GAL program.

Knowledge of child development, and of the issues and dynamics that surround juvenile cases, such as child abuse, domestic abuse, chemical dependency, and developmental disabilities.

Knowledge of community resources for placement, treatment, and other necessary services, including ability to identify community resources available for providing culturally appropriate services.

Knowledge of the culture / demographics being served in the community and the ability to work with diverse cultures.

Abilities :

Ability to interact professionally with judges, court administrators, staff, representatives of other agencies, attorneys, children and the public while representing the Guardian ad Litem Program in a professional manner.

Ability to work independently, think critically and analyse complex family situations, and make objective and sound recommendations in the best interest of the child.

Ability to develop and maintain respectful and cooperative working relationships with co-workers.

Ability to remain professional / composed in crisis situations and the ability to defuse high conflict, complex situations.

Ability to be receptive to feedback, have a willingness to learn and embrace the need for continuous improvement.

Ability to find and work with an interpreter as necessary.

Skills :

Appropriate listening, oral, and written communication and critical observation skills that present effectively through interviewing, oral presentation, and formal court reports.

Skilled in time and resource management and the ability to create and maintain accurate, complete, and up-to-date files.

Novice proficiency with technology and relevant computer software programs and databases.

Novice skill in typing and use of basic office equipment.

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 psychology, social work, education, nursing, criminal justice, law or child-related discipline and some experience working with families and children OR an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.

Qualified candidates must possess a current driver's license, vehicle registration and valid automobile insurance in compliance with Minnesota statute.

Must reside near the assigned service area.

Preferred Qualifications : Experience as a Guardian ad Litem with completion of the Guardian ad Litem pre-service orientation requirements, and a demonstrated comprehension of the responsibilities of Guardians ad Litem are desirable.

Supplemental Information

The Location :

This position is a hybrid position where the selected candidate will work primarily out of their home, however, significant travel throughout the area is required. The candidate selected for this position will need to reside near Dakota and / or Goodhue Counties .

The Benefits :

Interested?

This is a 1.0 FTE represented full-time position with a starting rate of $23.12 / 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 American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Council 5 and is posted for bidding, internal and external application simultaneously. Only current permanent Guardian ad Litem program employees covered under AFSCME Council 5 bargaining agreement are eligible to bid.

TO APPLY : Complete the online application at : www.mncourts.gov . Application deadline is Monday, October 6th, 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 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, 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 .