Child Advocate Manager: Lead GAL Teams & Court Advocacy

GUARDIAN AD LITEM OFFICE, 1ST CIRCUIT- CHILD ADVOCATE MANAGER - 21012689 The Statewide Guardian ad Litem Office is Florida’s award-winning, state‑funded child advocacy organization that provides independent legal representation to abused, abandoned and neglected children in Florida’s dependency court proceedings. The Office upholds the highest standards of integrity, excellence and child‑centered representation. The Office assigns a multi‑disciplinary team which is comprised of a guardian ad litem attorney, a child welfare professional, and a community volunteer or pro bono attorney to represent each child the Office is court‑appointed to. The Child Advocate Manager serves as the child welfare professional on the multi‑disciplinary team and is responsible for overseeing a team of guardian ad litem volunteers whom they assign to serve on individual cases. More information about the Statewide Guardian ad Litem Office can be found at Benefits of Working for the Guardian Ad Litem Office: State of Florida Retirement package – Pension or Investment plan (3% employee contribution required) State group insurance coverage options, including health, life, dental, vision, and other supplemental insurance options Flexible spending account Nine paid state holidays each calendar year One paid personal holiday each fiscal year 13 paid sick leave days accrued within the calendar year 13 paid annual leave days accrued within the calendar year with an increase after five years Life insurance of $25,000 is provided by the state at no cost to you for all FTE positions; employees may purchase additional coverage Public Loan Forgiveness Program State tuition waivers Child Advocate Manager training and professional certification with the Florida Certification Board No State of Florida income tax for residents of Florida About the Work: The Child Advocate Manager position encompasses a broad range of consultative, administrative and advocacy activities. The Child Advocate Manager may also supervise a group of Guardian Ad Litem Office Child Advocate volunteers. Some examples of a typical working day may include the following: Collaborate with the Guardian ad Litem Office multidisciplinary team, management, Department of Children and Families, contracted service providers, Department of Juvenile Justice, Department of Education, Law Enforcement, etc. Oversee the work of Guardian ad litem Office volunteers. Gather and document independent pertinent case information. Provide best‑interests advocacy recommendations to the Guardian ad litem Office multidisciplinary team, to the court and to our child welfare partners. Prepare written reports to the court. Provide testimony to the court. Attend internal and external case‑related court hearings, depositions, case plan conferences, dependency mediations, staffing meetings. Visit and contact assigned children, parents, caregivers, schools and service providers. Utilize the organization’s database and reporting systems. Participate in internal and external training, meetings and conferences. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Self‑motivated and achievement oriented. Strong desire to learn and pursue personal development. Ability to take direction and work as part of a team. Ability to effectively interact with and influence people of diverse backgrounds. Ability to exercise discretion, respect privacy and maintain confidentiality. Strong organizational/time‑management skills and ability to meet deadlines. Excellent oral, written and computer literacy skills. Able to maintain a professional and effective demeanor in emotional or traumatic situations. Ability to coach, instruct and motivate volunteers. Knowledge of case management, social support services and concepts of child development. Knowledge of the dynamics of child abuse, domestic violence, substance abuse and mental health. Knowledge of the Florida State Courts System. Knowledge of Florida Statutes relating to child welfare and protection. Education and Experience Requirements: Must possess a valid Florida Driver’s License. Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in sociology, social work, psychology, child development, education, juvenile justice, communications, or a related social science is preferred but prior experience will be considered to meet the degree requirement. Experience could include time as Child Protective Investigator, Dependency Case Manager, Juvenile Probation Officer, Law Enforcement, Military, Educators, or other professional experiences working with children and families. Two years of experience in a program focusing on child welfare, social service, counseling, teaching, managing people or supervising volunteers is desired but not required. Experience with critical decision making, planning, organizing, coaching, leading, or supervising will be helpful to a successful candidate. All individuals hired after February 1, 2020, must be able to obtain a Child Advocate Manager Certification offered by the Florida Certification Board within 12 months of hire date. Maintain Child Advocate Manager certification during the duration of employment; agency pays costs of certification. (Please note: The Executive Director or designee may grant an exception for the required education and experience.) For individuals requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, please notify the hiring authority in advance for sufficient time to provide accommodation. The State of Florida supports a Drug‑Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug‑Free Workplace Act. Pursuant to Florida Law, 110.211 F. S., the State of Florida is an EEO employer. #J-18808-Ljbffr