JOBSEARCHER

Volunteer GAL supervisor

MinnesotaSaint Paul, MNApril 25th, 2026
Salary: $28.79 HourlyLocation : St. PaulJob Type: Full-TimeJob Number: 09497Division: GAL Juvenile DivisionDepartment: 2nd District GAL_J502GL4Opening Date: 04/02/2026FLSA: ExemptPosition DescriptionWe 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 UsThe Program desires advocate 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 DescriptionVolunteer GAL Supervisor - Providing employees opportunities to continuously improve their skillsWe are seeking a full-time (1.0FTE), represented exempt Guardian ad Litem Supervisor toprovide direct supervision to Guardian ad Litem volunteers and/or employees in our 2nd Judicial District Juvenile Court Division. This position is hybrid and work is performed under the supervision the direction of the 2nd District GAL Program Manager.Primary ResponsibilitiesIntroduction:This is responsible supervisory and administrative work coordinating the efforts of Guardians ad Litem who advocate for and represent 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. Work involves:Direct supervision and support for Guardian ad Litem volunteers and/or employees which includes case assignment, coaching and case consultation, performance evaluation, complaint investigation and resolution, etc. Review of 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.Coordination of court hearings and other proceedings and administrative functions to ensure Guardians ad Litem are providing timely recommendations to the court and that volunteers and/or staff are prepared to represent the Guardian ad Litem Program in hearings, meetings, and committees. Ensuring effective delivery of service by staff for a large number of diverse cases including child abuse and neglect, domestic abuse, delinquency, and others.Primary Responsibilities: (additional detail on responsibilities provided upon hire)Administrative and Case Management FunctionsCoordinate with Court Administration to ensure that all court orders and referrals appointing a Guardian ad Litem are received in a timely manner, are clear and are appropriate. Works with Court Administration and the Court to modify appointment language to ensure GAL has clear and specific direction.Case assignment and management of volunteer and/or staff workload by utilizing case management tool, court information systems, and other resources to monitor cases and work of Guardians ad Litem. Ensures GAL attendance at court hearings and submission of reports provided based on policies, procedures, statutes, laws, and standards. Coordinates and monitors volunteer and/or guardian caseloads to ensure adequacy and balance reflects efficiency and quality of service, timely and proper management of cases, and appropriate disposition and closing based on the development of the case. Carries caseload as needed.Monitors and reviews volunteer/staff activities such as expense reports, timesheets, and activity logs of Guardians ad Litem to determine accuracy and appropriateness, efficiency of work, adequate child contacts, etc. Periodically reviews GAL reports to the court to ensure they are filed in a timely fashion, are compliant with court rules and are a quality work product.Assists in preparing statistical and other information, including program trend information. Generates performance reports.Conducts performance reviews and maintains supervisory files for all volunteer/staff per policy. May participate in decision-making meetings affecting the child, including administrative reviews, school staffing, placement staffing, and pre-placement. May prepare for, attend, and testify in court proceedings. Technical Assistance and SupportProvides individual and team case consultations to troubleshoot case-related or system-related issues (including on an emergency basis).Conducts work-related case management system checks on behalf of the GAL to obtain information on parties' court involvement, prior to or concurrently, relative to the case. Assists with obtaining legal representation for GsAL as necessary.Provides updated information regarding rules, statutes and program policies, procedures, and standards. Compiles and provides current community resource information, technical support, and resources through supervision of staff.Monitors volunteer/staff safety to ensure sound risk management practices and ongoing safety of GsAL. Reports and records any incidents to District Manager and Human Resources.Recruitment, Training and Evaluation FunctionsAssists with recruitment of new GsAL, including targeted efforts in minority populations, community outreach, or public speaking.Participates in interviews and screenings of volunteer and employee candidates, including conducting reference checks.Assists with and provides initial pre-service and ongoing GAL training. Conducts orientation for new volunteer/staff Guardians ad Litem to local court culture and practices. Coordinates, provides and/or consults on the mentoring of new Guardians ad Litem volunteer/staff.Convenes and facilitates periodic meetings of Guardians ad Litem for ongoing administrative or training purposes. Attends court hearings to monitor the quality of the GAL work or to cover a hearing in the absence of a GAL.Observes and evaluates volunteer/staff performance including observation of GAL in court or meetings, interviews with judges and other stakeholders to provide coaching, performance improvement, and to conduct performance reviews. Carries out or assists in carrying out corrective or disciplinary action as determined.Program RelationsFields phone calls from persons with concerns or questions about the GAL program or a specific GAL and attempts to resolve at the local level. Assists with GAL complaint process at the direction of the GAL Manager or Program Administrator. Is a resource for complaints and program relations on behalf of staff.Establishes good working relationships with the Court, Court Administration, Social Services, County Attorneys, Public Defenders, Tribal groups, and other stakeholders. Responds to inquiries about the GAL program, roles, and responsibilities. Meets with service providers and other community members to discuss and resolve issues and/or problems as they arise.Consults with program manager on operational or business questions to promote the smooth and efficient running of the program. Attends and participates in district and state meetings, trainings, and state level committees and workgroups as needed.Tracks GAL continuing education credits as required by program standards.** Exposure to extensive secondary trauma and on-going conflict is anticipated as supervision of work involves clients that may be victims and/or perpetrators of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse and child neglect.QualificationsKnowledge, Skills, and Abilities:Considerable knowledge of juvenile and family court process, rules, and law. Knowledge of the objectives, philosophy, policies, and procedures of a GAL program.Knowledge of the issues and dynamics that surround juvenile and family cases in which a GAL should be appointed.Knowledge of modern management and supervisory procedures and techniques. Knowledge of the basic principles of adult education and curriculum development. Ability to develop, organize, and manage a GAL program and related projects.Ability to plan, assign, direct, and evaluate the work of Guardians ad Litem. Ability to communicate at all levels both orally and in writing.Ability to relate professionally with judges, court administrators, staff, representatives of other agencies, attorneys, children, and the public.Ability to negotiate.Ability to evaluate and write clear, concise reports.Ability to become proficient using related computerized software programs and a keyboard.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:)Possession of a BA or BS Degree in social work, psychology, education, counselling or a related field and considerable experience (3-5 years) in working with families and juveniles in a Guardian ad Litem program or similar setting.Must reside near the assigned service area.*Successful candidate must pass background check upon hire and repeat background checks every three years thereafter.Preferred QualificationsExperience as a Guardian ad Litem with completion of the Guardian ad Litem pre-service orientation requirements, and an advanced comprehension of the responsibilities of Guardians ad Litem are desirableSupplemental InformationThe Location:The work is performed primarily hybrid, with in-person attendance required at times for meetings, trainings, and in-person court hearings. Travel through-out the State of Minnesota may be required.The Benefits:11 paid holidays plus 2 floating holidaysState of MN insurance benefits and retirement packageFlexibilityPublic service Interested?This is a 1.0 FTE represented full-time position with a starting rate of $28.79/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 Minnesota Teamsters Public and Law Enforcement Employee's Union, Local #320 and is posted for bidding, internal and external application simultaneously. Only current permanent Guardian ad Litem Supervisors program employees covered under The Minnesota Teamsters Public and Law Enforcement Employee's Union, Local #320 bargaining agreement are eligible to bid.TO APPLY: Complete the online application at: Application deadline is Thursday April 16th, 2026. 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.The Guardian ad Litem Program offers affordable yet competitive benefits to support you and your family's wellbeing through the State of MN's Employee Group Insurance Program ().Our wide-ranging benefits package includes the following components:Medical Insurance The employee-paid premium for the is only $38.50/month for a full-time employee with single coverage, or $262.66 for family coverage Employees can choose from three different carriers: Blue Cross/Blue Shield Minnesota, Health Partners, or Preferred One The and the for the Advantage Health Plan are on the State Employee Group Insurance Program (SEGIP) site helps employees manage weight loss and reduce risk factors for type 2 diabetes, and , a benefit that reduces out-of-pocket costs for diabetes-related medical treatment Employees may also choose a Pharmacy benefits provided by CVS CaremarkDental Insurance The employee-paid premium for this plan is only $13.50/month for a full-time employee with single coverage, or $55.40 for family coverage Employees can choose from two carriers: or the The and the are on the State Employee Group Insurance Program (SEGIP) siteVision Insurance The employee-paid premium for this plan is only $5.76/month for a full-time employee with single coverage, or $16.54 for family coverag Additional information on can be found on the State Employee Group Insurance Program (SEGIP) sitePre-Tax Spending Accounts Contributions to pre-tax accounts are taken from your paycheck before taxes are deducted, and since you pay less in taxes, your net income may be increased. Use to pay eligible medical and dental expenses as well as eligible dependent day care expenses. Basic and Supplemental Life InsuranceAccidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Short Term Disability Long Term DisabilityPaid Sick LeaveEligible full-time employees accrue sick leave at four hours per two-week pay period Sick leave may be used for purposes such as medical and dental appointments, maternity leave, illness or injury for certain family membersPensionThe Guardian ad Litem Program contributes to your Upon retirement, you'll receive a monthly benefit for life, with potential post-retirement increases Your monthly benefit will be based on factors such as length of service, high-five average salary, age at retirement, and survivor benefit selectedVoluntary Deferred Compensation PlanRetirement saving plan in addition to your pension planHealth Care Saving PlanPost-employment health care saving plan that can be used to pay for medical expensesPaid holidays11 paid holidays, including New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Junteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, Day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Day 2 additional floating holidays may also be offered if eligiblePaid Vacation leavePaid Parental LeaveEmployee Assistance ProgramAdditional BenefitsPublic Service Loan Forgiveness This federal program allows qualified individuals to have their loans forgiven after meeting certain requirements working in public service. You can learn more about this program from the and the Eligibility for is determined by employment status (i.e. full-time, part-time, intermittent, or temporary) as well as other job details (e.g. bargaining unit, supervisory status, etc.). Please ask Human Resources or the hiring contact about benefits at any time during the application process.01 Please list any special skills, interests, committee work, community work, volunteer work, or other experience that may assist you in carrying out the responsibilities of a Guardian ad Litem. 02 Are you currently employed in a position covered by the Labor Agreement between the Guardian ad Litem Board and The Minnesota Teamsters Public and Law Enforcement Employee's Union, Local #320? YesNo03 Please describe any experience you have supervising employees. 04 Please provide your skills and experience in conflict resolution. 05 Do you live in or plan to relocate to the 2nd Judicial District? YesNo06 If you do not live in or plan to relocate to the 2nd Judicial District, are you able to travel to and within this area? YesNoRequired Question