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Requisition No: 499507

Agency: Justice Administrative Commission

Working Title: GUARDIAN AD LITEM OFFICE, 15TH CIRCUIT-SENIOR PROGRAM ATTORNEY - 21014079

Position Number: 21014079

Salary: $51,503.67

Posting Closing Date: 11/09/2021

Statewide Guardian ad Litem Office

Senior Program Attorney

IMPORTANT! – Please navigate to the following website: WWW.GUARDIANADLITEM.ORG to apply for this position:

• Click on “Career Opportunities” Icon
• Scroll down to the link titled, “Submit Your Guardian ad Litem Employment Application Here”
• Complete the “mini” job application and attach your current resume
• Select Palm Beach County for job location
  
(PLEASE NOTE: APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED THROUGH THE PEOPLE FIRST WEBSITE!)

About The Organization

The Guardian ad Litem Program is Florida’s award winning, state-funded, child advocacy organization. With more than 10,000 volunteers and 900 employees, its primary focus is powerful and effective “best interests” advocacy for Florida’s abused, neglected and abandoned children. Most of these children are abruptly removed from their homes and sadly end up in out of home care. The Program’s mission – “FOR CHILDREN” – is achieved through operating an innovative partnership of local community volunteer advocates and professional staff. Utilizing a unique “child advocacy team” approach, the Program strives to ensure that all dependent children receive quality legal representation, a safe place to live and increased focus on their physical, educational and emotional needs. The Program’s core values strongly reinforce and enhance its mission. Those values are:

• Commitment to Children
• Communication Built on Trust
• Collective Empowerment
• Collaboration
• Courtesy
  
An excellent overview of the Guardian ad Litem Program can be found at the WWW.GUARDIANADLITEM.ORG website.

About The Opportunity

This is highly responsible work providing legal counsel and representation to a circuit Guardian ad Litem (GAL) Program which advocates for the best interests of abused, neglected and abandoned children involved in dependency proceedings. The Senior Program Attorney provides legal representation in court on behalf of the GAL Program, files pleadings and motions, and attends depositions, mediations and staffings with staff, volunteers and social service agencies concerning children represented by the GAL Program.

About The Work

The Senior Program Attorney reviews case files to identify legal issues, develops strategies for cases and assists Program Attorneys in the development and implementation of case strategies. The Senior Program Attorney works cooperatively with staff and volunteers to implement a plan that will further the child's best interests. The incumbent must exercise discretion in dealing with confidential and extremely sensitive issues before the court.

Incumbents in this class provide legal advice and support to the GAL Circuit Director, Managing Attorney and to the GAL Program generally, and may also recruit, train and mentor pro bono and contract attorneys working with the GAL Program. The Senior Program Attorney may develop training materials, assist with the training of GAL staff and volunteers, and participate in programs to inform and educate the public about the operations and goals of the GAL Program. Working relationships must be established with judges, the Department of Children and Families and other social service agencies, community organizations, local law enforcement, attorneys, and the public. Work involves contact with people in stressful situations and with sensitive and confidential information. Work is performed under the supervision of a Managing Attorney.

About The Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

Possession of legal skills and knowledge sufficient to represent the GAL Program in legal proceedings as evidenced by admission to the Florida Bar. Extensive knowledge of juvenile law and the GAL Program. Ability to advocate effectively in court on behalf of the GAL Program. Ability to conduct legal research and to draft and file pleadings, motions and appellate briefs on behalf of the GAL Program. Ability to communicate effectively and deal tactfully with individuals involved in litigation and stressful situations. Ability to work with individuals from culturally and economically diverse backgrounds. Ability to utilize a personal computer, including using software programs such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook

About The Education And Experience Requirements

The following are education and experience requirements for prospective Senior Program Attorney position candidates. Must possess a valid Florida Driver’s License. Graduation from an accredited law school, membership in the Florida Bar and two years of experience in the practice of dependency law. Trial experience strongly preferred. An exception for the required experience may be granted by the Executive Director or designee.

If you are a retiree of the Florida Retirement System (FRS), please check with the FRS at 1-844-377-1888 on how your current benefits may be affected if you are re-employed with the State of Florida. Your current retirement benefits may be canceled, suspended, or deemed ineligible depending upon the date of your retirement.

The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer, and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.

Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.