Magistrate In Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $23.35 Hourly
Location : 1st and 2nd Judicial Districts (Dakota and Ramsey Cty, MN)
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 09528
Division: GAL Juvenile Division
Department: 2nd District GAL_J502GL1
Opening Date: 08/28/2026
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Position Description
We 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 Us
The Program desires advocates 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 Description
2nd District Juvenile Court Guardian ad Litem (Ramsey County)- Committed to giving children a strong voice.
We are seeking one full-time (1.0FTE), represented non-exempt Guardian ad Litem to advocate for children in juvenile court proceedings. Work is performed under the supervision of a Program Coordinator and administrated under the direction of the 2nd District GAL Program Manager.
Introduction:
This is responsible work advocating for and representing 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.
Primary Responsibilities
Primary Responsibilities: (additional detail on responsibilities provided upon hire)

• Examines files and discovery for relevant documents and data pertaining to the child including basic facts of the case and any extenuating circumstances to collect information for proceedings.
• Observation of the child in the home and other settings to witness the child's interaction with caretakers, peers, and others. Prepares interview questions appropriate to the case. Interviews child and others involved with the child using recommended interview techniques. Obtains releases of information. Calls and questions witnesses, when appropriate. Responds to questions about a case.
• Demonstrates knowledge of and sensitivity to the child's cultural background when working with family and community members and considers the importance of cultural issues in making appropriate recommendations to the court on behalf of the child. Identifies culturally appropriate resources for placement, treatment, and other necessary services for the family/child.
• Organizes and catalogues case notes and records in case management system ensuring accuracy and precision in accordance with GAL program requirements and access rules. Adheres to record and case confidentiality/access rules.
• Maintains an accurate and up-to-date calendar of hearings. Prepares written reports and provides other necessary documentation needed to make written and oral recommendations to the Court or testify as required. Files reports and materials in a timely manner. Stores and closes files in accordance with district/county policies.
• Determines when to request legal representation for self and/or child and works with attorney in case preparation and review as needed.
• Attends individual supervision meetings, administrative reviews, case plan meetings and other proceedings as an advocate for the child. Attends program staff meetings and continuing education sessions as scheduled. Participates on local, district and/or state task forces and committees.
• May be accompanied by and/or act as mentor to new Guardian ad Litem.

** Exposure to extensive secondary trauma and on-going conflict is anticipated as work is conducted with individuals who are victims and/or perpetrators of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse and child neglect.
Qualifications
Knowledge:
Knowledge of judicial process, rules, and law, including Minnesota Statutes.
Knowledge of the objectives, philosophy, policies, and procedures of the GAL program.
Knowledge of child development, and of the issues and dynamics that surround juvenile cases, such as child abuse, domestic abuse, chemical dependency, and developmental disabilities.
Knowledge of community resources for placement, treatment, and other necessary services, including ability to identify community resources available for providing culturally appropriate services.
Knowledge of the culture/demographics being served in the community and the ability to work with diverse cultures.
Abilities:
Ability to interact professionally with judges, court administrators, staff, representatives of other agencies, attorneys, children and the public while representing the Guardian ad Litem Program in a professional manner.
Ability to work independently, think critically and analyse complex family situations, and make objective and sound recommendations in the best interest of the child.
Ability to develop and maintain respectful and cooperative working relationships with co-workers.
Ability to remain professional/composed in crisis situations and the ability to defuse high conflict, complex situations.
Ability to be receptive to feedback, have a willingness to learn and embrace the need for continuous improvement.
Ability to find and work with an interpreter as necessary.
Skills:
Appropriate listening, oral, and written communication and critical observation skills that present effectively through interviewing, oral presentation, and formal court reports.
Skilled in time and resource management and the ability to create and maintain accurate, complete, and up-to-date files.
Novice proficiency with technology and relevant computer software programs and databases.
Novice skill in typing and use of basic office equipment.
Supplemental Information
The Location:
This position is hybrid position where the selected candidate will work primarily out of their home, however, significant travel throughout the area is required. The candidate selected for this position will need to reside in close proximity to the 2nd Judicial District.
The Benefits:

• 11 paid holidays plus 2 floating holidays
• State of MN insurance benefits and retirement package
• Flexibility
• Public service

Interested?
These are 1.0 FTE represented full-time positions with a starting rate of $23.35/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 American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Council 5 and is posted for bidding, internal and external application simultaneously. Only current permanent Guardian ad Litem program employees covered under AFSCME Council 5 bargaining agreement are eligible to bid.
TO APPLY: Complete the online application at: Application deadline is September 11, 2026, at 4:30 p.m. 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 Caremark

Dental 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) site

Vision 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) site

Pre-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 Insurance

• Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D)
• Short Term Disability
• Long Term Disability

Paid Sick Leave

• Eligible 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 members

Pension

• The 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 selected

Voluntary Deferred Compensation Plan

• Retirement saving plan in addition to your pension plan

Health Care Saving Plan

• Post-employment health care saving plan that can be used to pay for medical expenses

Paid holidays

• 11 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 eligible

Paid Vacation leave
Paid Parental Leave
Employee Assistance Program
Additional Benefits
Public 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
Are you currently employed in a position covered by the Labor Agreement between the Guardian ad Litem Program and AFSCME Council 5?

• Yes
• No

02
Do you have a valid Minnesota driver's license?

• Yes
• No

03
Have you ever served as a Guardian ad Litem or CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate for Children)? If yes, please list when, for how long, what kind of cases you worked with and what your average caseload was. Also please list the state(s) and county(s) in which you have served.
04
Do you live in or plan to relocate to Ramsey County?

• Yes
• No

05
Please briefly describe what interests you about this position. What skills and qualifications make you a good candidate for this position?
06
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.
Required Question