GUARDIAN AD LITEM OFFICE, 13TH CIRCUIT- CHILD ADVOCATE MANAGER

GUARDIAN AD LITEM CHILD ADVOCATE MANAGER 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 that includes 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 team and is responsible for overseeing a team of guardian ad litem volunteers assigned to individual cases. BENEFITS 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 Thirteen paid sick leave days accrued within the calendar year Thirteen paid annual leave days accrued within the calendar year with an increase after five years Life insurance of $25,000 provided by the state at no cost for all FTE positions (additional coverage may be purchased) 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 RESPONSIBILITIES The Child Advocate Manager has a broad range of consultative, administrative, and advocacy activities. The position may also supervise a group of Guardian Ad Litem Office volunteers. Typical duties include: 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 partners. 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, to the court and to child welfare partners. Prepare written reports to the court and offer testimony. Attend internal and external case‑related court hearings, depositions, case plan conferences, dependency mediations, staff meetings, and other 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 & 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 related to child welfare and protection. EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS Must possess a valid Florida Driver’s License. Bachelor’s degree in sociology, social work, psychology, child development, education, juvenile justice, communications, or a related social science is preferred; prior experience may be considered to satisfy the degree requirement (e.g., Child Protective Investigator, Dependency Case Manager, Juvenile Probation Officer, law enforcement, military, educators, or other professional experience working with children and families). Two years of experience in a 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. All individuals hired after February 1, 2020, must obtain a Child Advocate Manager Certification offered by the Florida Certification Board within 12 months of hire. Agency pays certification costs. Maintain certification for the duration of employment. (The Executive Director or designee may grant an exception for the required education and experience.) Retirees of the Florida Retirement System (FRS) should consult FRS regarding the impact of re‑employment on current benefits. Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation should notify the agency hiring authority or the People First Service Center in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the 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