Volunteer Guardian Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Position Summary A Guardian Ad Litem is a trained citizen volunteer appointed by the Juvenile Court to ensure that the needs and interests of abused or neglected children are being met. Volunteer Guardian Ad Litems are assigned to dependent children who are under the Juvenile Court's jurisdiction and are assigned at the discretion of the Judge of the Juvenile Court. Essential Duties and Responsibilities The following examples of duties and accountabilities illustrate the general range of tasks assigned to the position but are not intended to define the limits of required duties.

Other essential duties may be assigned consistent with the general scope of the position. Employee must comply with all County and department policies, procedures, WAC's, or other regulatory bodies. To serve as an arm of the Juvenile Court as researcher, monitor, and child advocate Interview child, parents, foster parents and any other concerned parties or relatives Review appropriate records and reports Work with Attorney General as counsel, representing the best interests of the child Confer with counselors, teachers, social workers, and others involved in the case Submit thorough, independently written reports for the Court to the Guardian Ad Litem Volunteer Coordinator prior to court hearings Appear in Court as needed to answer questions or testify on findings or recommendations Maintain records of all findings and document all contacts Visit institutions, foster homes or group homes where child is placed or may be placed Monitor court orders to ensure services to the child are being furnished in a timely manner and placement is appropriate Maintain regular contact with the Guardian Ad Litem Volunteer Coordinator and submit all requested documentation Remain involved in the case until the Court's jurisdiction is terminated Education, Experience, and Licensing To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Any combination of education and experience may be substituted as long as it provides the desired skills, knowledge and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Required: Valid Washington State Driver's License and proof of automobile insurance Make a commitment to serve as a Volunteer Guardian Ad Litem for a minimum of one year Be 21 years of age (some exceptions allowed for intern students) Be willing to donate 2-6 hours per month Attend training sessions and review all training materials provided by the Guardian Ad Litem Volunteer Coordinator or Program Manager Maintain objectivity and professionalism in dealing with children, parents and all other parties involved in the case Possess verbal and written communication skills Preferred: Demonstrated knowledge and abilities in child dependency in domestic violence, child abuse, substance abuse and neglect conditions; child development, parenting and family dynamics; legal processes of child protection matters; mentoring, organization and supervision of volunteers. Prior general knowledge of Washington State computer software systems. These skills and abilities typically are acquired through a combination of experience and training.

Experience may be substituted for education. Physical Abilities and Working Conditions Work is performed in an office environment, in courtrooms, in various locations in the community including personal homes, schools and social service agencies. Personal supervision and counseling of juvenile clients as well as adult family or caregivers may expose incumbents to aggressive and assaultive behavior.

The physical abilities described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk, sit, write, hear and speak and lift up to 50lbs. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.