Case Coordinator - Guardian ad Litem

Manatee County Government, Work That Matters; Bradenton (FL); On-site; USD 49,744,000 - 62,179,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Premium Pay Differentials/Career LaddE

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Wellbeing Benefits

Paid Time Off

Training/Seminars

Job summary

Manatee County Government seeks a dedicated Staff Advocate to support the Guardian ad Litem Program in Bradenton, FL. The role focuses on advocating for the best interests of children in dependency proceedings, with duties including requesting records, inputting data, following up on referrals, updating files, and conducting home visits.

The position involves frequent coordination with schools, doctors, social workers, and attorneys, and requires discretion, confidentiality, and strong

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in sociology, social work, psychology, child development, or related social science.
• Ability to manage case loads.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to communicate effectively with people from diverse backgrounds and in emotionally distressing situations.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality concerning sensitive information.
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships.
• Ability to utilize Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.

Responsibilities

• Advocate for the best interests of abused, neglected, and abandoned children in dependency proceedings.
• Request records from schools, doctors, or social service organizations and input case data.
• Follow up on phone calls and track referrals from DCF or contracted providers.
• Update and retrieve files for professional staff; assist as a court liaison if applicable.
• Conduct home visits and coordinate meetings with families, schools, and social workers.
• Maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion.
• Perform other related duties as assigned, including emergency response activities.

Skills

Case management

Effective communication

Confidentiality

Cultural sensitivity

Team collaboration

Documentation

Education

Bachelor's degree in sociology, social work, psychology, child development, or related social science

Tools

Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Outlook

Job description

Working Conditions Indoor/outdoor situation.

• Premium Pay Differentials/Career Ladders

General Information

Work Location: 1

051 Manatee Avenue West, Bradenton, Florida 34205

Work Hours

Monday - Friday, 8:30am – 5:00pm

Expected Starting Hourly Range

$17.36 - $21.70

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.

Job Description

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 941-748-4501 x 3865.

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.

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 free visits annually for employees and covered family members.

Wellbeing Benefits:

• Wellness/Health Coaches (5 Free per year)
• Personal Training (5 Free per year)
• Pharmacy Technician
• Musculoskeletal Physical Therapy Management
• 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 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