GUARDIAN AD LITEM OFFICE, 15TH CIRCUIT- CHILD ADVOCATE MANAGER - 21015753

Child Advocate Manager Location: West Palm Beach, FL, 33401 About the Organization and the Opportunity 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. A multidisciplinary team—comprised of a guardian ad litem attorney, a child welfare professional and a community volunteer or pro bono attorney—represents each child the Office is court‑appointed to. The Child Advocate Manager serves as the child welfare professional on the team and oversees a group of guardian ad litem volunteers for individual cases. More information about the 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 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 provided at no cost 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 Florida state income tax for residents of Florida About the Work 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 and other stakeholders. Oversee the work of Guardian ad litem Office volunteers. Gather and document independent pertinent case information. Provide best‑interests advocacy recommendations to the multidisciplinary team, the court and 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 and staff meetings. Visit and contact assigned children, parents, caregivers, schools and service providers. Use 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. Ability 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 child development concepts. 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 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, though prior experience may satisfy the degree requirement. Experience as a child protective investigator, dependency case manager, juvenile probation officer, law enforcement, military, educator or other professional 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 is helpful. All hires after February 1, 2020, must obtain a Child Advocate Manager certification offered by the Florida Certification Board within 12 months of hire and maintain it throughout employment. Certification costs are paid by the agency. (Please note: The Executive Director or designee may grant an exception for the required education and experience.) Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center View phone number on click.appcast.io) in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation. If you are a retiree of the Florida Retirement System, please check with the FRS at View phone number on click.appcast.io on how your current benefits may be affected if you are re‑employed with the State of Florida. Your current retirement benefits may be canceled, suspended or deemed ineligible depending on your retirement date. 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. EEO Statement Pursuant to Florida Law, 110.211 F. S., the State of Florida is an EEO employer. #J-18808-Ljbffr State-of-Florida