Case Coordinator - Guardian ad Litem

Job Title

Guardian ad Litem

Job Description

This is a highly independent, responsible position focused on achieving the GAL Program's primary mission: advocating for the best interests of children involved in the dependency court system. In this position, you may work directly with children, as a Staff Advocate, or work with children though assigned volunteers, as a Volunteer Supervisor, or by a combination of the two roles.

Note: This position shall serve at the sole will and pleasure of the Guardian ad Litem Program Executive Director and may be terminated by the Executive Director or his or her managerial designee for any lawful reason including no reason.

Working Conditions Indoor/outdoor situation.

Essential Functions

These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position.

This is Para-professional work in advocating for the best interests of abused, neglected and abandoned children involved in dependency proceedings.

Responsibilities include requesting records from schools, doctors or social service organizations, inputting case related data into the GAL Tracker data base, following up on phone calls, tracking the status of referrals made by the Department of Children and Families or other contracted providers, updating and retrieving files for professional staff, functioning as a court liaison if applicable, and setting up meetings and conducting home visits.

Regular contact is made with the child, caretakers, schools, teachers, doctors, attorneys, psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and a variety of other social service agencies and professionals to ascertain if the best interest of the child is being met.

Discretion must be exercised in dealing with confidential and extremely sensitive issues.

Performs other related duties as assigned, including participation in emergency or disaster response activities, as required and consistent with the employee's qualifications, essential job functions, and applicable federal and Florida law.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university with a major in sociology, social work, psychology, child development, or a related social science.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of social services available to children.

Knowledge of the operations of the Florida State Court System and the dependency system.

Ability to manage case loads.

Ability to maintain proper documentation on case activity.

Ability to communicate effectively with people from culturally and economically diverse backgrounds, and people involved in emotionally distressing situations.

Ability to maintain confidentiality concerning sensitive information.

Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with others.

Ability to utilize and effectively operate a personal computer, including using software programs such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.

Veterans Preference

In accordance with Florida Statute 295.07, F.S., Chapter 55A-7, priority consideration in employment will be given to eligible veterans and spouses of disabled veterans. Applicants claiming preference must provide a DD Form 214 or other acceptable documentation with their application. We are committed to honoring the service and sacrifices of our veterans and their families.

EEO/ADA Statement

Manatee County Government is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you require any accommodations to participate in the recruitment process, please contact Human Resources at View phone number on click.appcast.io.

Drug-Free Workplace

Manatee County Government is a drug-free workplace in accordance with Federal and Florida Law.

Emergency Response/Recovery Activities

All employees may be required to work before, during, or after an emergency. During an emergency, employees may temporarily be assigned to work and perform duties outside the normal scope of their position, location, and work schedule to fit the needs of the County and its citizens.

Employee Benefits

Full Time Positions Employee Assistance Program (EAP): ComPsych offers all employees and their family members with emotional, financial, legal, and work/life balance support. LAMP counselors available for personal support including emotional, substance abuse, marital, and financial issues. Five (5) free visits annually for employees and covered family members. Wellbeing Benefits: Wellness/Health Coaches (5 Free per year), On-site Fitness Centers for you and your dependents with 24/7 access, Personal Training (5 Free per year), Pharmacy Technician, Group Fitness Classes, Musculoskeletal Physical Therapy Management, Diabetes Care Program, Registered Dietician (5 Free per year), Massages with licensed therapist (small copay). Miscellaneous Benefits: Workers' Compensation, Training/Seminars, Premium Pay Differentials/Career Ladders, Government employee discounts at many retailers and attractions, Access to Manatee County Library Services (books, digital services, tools, museum passes). Paid Time Off: 12 Paid Holidays including New Year's Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Three (3) Personal Holidays, Personal Sick Leave, Family Sick Leave, Sick Leave Bank (Donated Hours), Professional Medical Appointment Leave, Bereavement Leave, Military Leave, Military Training Leave, FMLA. Vacation Award: Applies to employees regularly scheduled to work 8 hours per day/40 hours per week. Years of Service Vacation Days 0-5 16.25 days 6-10 19.50 days 11+ 22.75 days Eligible employees may earn an additional 2 days of vacation through participation in the Manatee Thrives program. Insurance: Award-winning Health Plan with deductibles as low as $0. Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance, Prescription Insurance, Life Insurance (6 times salary at low cost), Long-term and Short-term Disability Insurance. Retirement: Florida Retirement System (FRS) with Pension Plan and Investment Plan options. 457b Tax Deferred and ROTH account options through Voya. FRS Webinars. Free financial guidance with licensed, non-commissioned financial planner. Career Wellness: Professional Leadership Programs, Instructor-Led and eLearning Training, Premium Pay Differentials/Career Ladders, Career Counseling, Toastmasters, Networking Membership (Manatee Chamber of Commerce, Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance), Employee Recognition Programs with monetary and time-off awards. Education Benefits: Tuition Reimbursement eligible after six (6) months of Public Service, including GED reimbursement. Continuing Education support through Training/Seminars and Premium Pay Differentials/Career Ladder. Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF). Flexible Spending Account: Options for Health Care and Dependent Care Spending Accounts providing pre-tax savings.