Contract Guardian Ad Litem

Reports to: LSIC Tribal Court Chief Judge

Fulltime Equivalence: 1.0 FTE Temporary Contract Guardian Ad Litem, 2,080 hours at $22.00.

Summary:  With one-time funding from the Office of Justice Services, the LSIC is hiring a Temporary Guardian Ad Litem to assist the Tribal Court in strengthening the tribal justice foundation for the LSIC.

Duties:

• Review and research files and information in court proceedings, relevant documents and data pertaining to a child in a child protection case or an adult in an adult protection case.
• Meets with and observes the child or adult in the home or other settings and documents child’s or adult’s interaction with caretakers, peers and others.
• Prepare interview questions appropriate to a case and interview child, adult, or others involved with the child or adult using recommended interview techniques and obtain applicable releases of information.
• Keep accurate and precise notes, keep notes and records organized, and maintain accurate case files.
• Demonstrate knowledge of and sensitivity to a child or an adult’s cultural background and consider the importance of cultural issues in making appropriate recommendations to the court on behalf of a child or an adult.
• Prepare written reports, documentation, and written/oral recommendations to the court and testify, as required, to the court in a timely manner according to court rules or policies.
• Attend court hearings.
• Attend staffings, administrative reviews, case plan meetings and other proceedings involving the child as an advocate for the child.

Skills Knowledge Qualifications Attributes: 

• Educational Background:
  • Attorney admitted to practice in a state in the United States;
  • Guardian Ad Litem certified by the State of Minnesota and bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, education, nursing, criminal justice, law or child-related degree or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience; or
  • Willingness to become Guardian Ad Litem certified by the State of Minnesota prior to any case assignments and Bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, education, nursing, criminal justice, law or child-related degree or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Some experience working with families and children or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Must pass a criminal background and drug testing pre-hire and as required by the LSIC Personal Handbook.
• Experience working with tribal courts or tribes valued.
• Experience with juvenile and family judicial process.
• Knowledge of child development or vulnerable adult population.
• Knowledge of the resources available assisting children and adults in child protection matters.
• Ability to navigate in a positive and respectful way throughout LSIC.
• Interview skills and ability to work independently.
• Knowledge of or willingness to learn generally traditional Dakota lifeways.
• Computer experience, including word processing, databases, spreadsheet and file management.
• Valid driver’s license.

Disclaimer:

This is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all the responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, efforts or working conditions associated with the job. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current job, management and Community Council reserves the right to revise the job or to require that other or different tasks be performed when circumstances change (e.g. emergencies, changes in personnel, workload, rush jobs or technical developments).

In accepting employment, I am agreeing to perform the duties and responsibilities listed above. In addition, I agree to adhere to any policy or procedure changes that may occur during my employment with the Lower Sioux Indian Community.