GAL Program Specialist II

SALARY GRADE: Grade 16

The GAL Program Specialist II provides administrative support to the Guardian ad Litem staff in Judicial District 15B. The district's administrative needs are more in keeping with an office administrator whose duties include volunteer recruiting specialist, office volunteer/intern supervisor, and special projects manager. Responsibilities include maintaining child client and program records; entering, compiling, and verifying data; preparing statistical reports; preparing and maintaining legal documents; maintaining court calendar of incoming cases and case reviews; and notifying appropriate parties of the same.

This position assigns and monitors cases up to 26 cases carried by volunteers; solves ordinary problems; guides volunteers in the investigation process and report preparation for the courts. Performs GAL supervisor duties more than 20 hours per week.

Knowledge of: office practices and procedures to organize and maintain the office; the Guardian ad Litem program as to its purpose, objectives, and responsibilities to communicate the program to volunteers, the public, staff, and other professional personnel; Guardian ad Litem training material, program regulations, policies and procedures; child neglect and abuse laws; adolescent development and behavior; family dynamics; court processes; and community resources; GAL training material; and interviewing techniques.

Skills in: working with community volunteers; computer software and hardware; Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel; interviewing techniques; and supervision techniques and practices.

Ability to: apply specific rules and regulations to process and maintain records and documents; gather and report statistical information; transcribe material into correct form and to use proper grammar, punctuation, and spelling; schedule and coordinate a variety of appointments and meetings; listen with tact and diplomacy; exercise sound judgment; effectively use computer software available to the office; supervise volunteers and evaluate their performance; provide guidance to volunteer in writing advocacy plans, reports to the court and making recommendations to the court in the best interest of children; provide creative leadership in recruiting, supervising, and maintaining volunteers; speak effectively in public; clearly express ideas orally and in writing; and establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.

Bachelor degree in a human services or criminal justice field; and one (1) year of experience in human services work in social services, juvenile justice, mental health, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.