Staff Guardian Ad Litem Specialist - CASA Program

King County Superior Court is seeking qualified applicants for a regular, full-time Staff Guardian Ad Litem (GAL) Specialist in Family Court Dependency CASA Program. The Court is Washington State’s largest general jurisdiction trial court, handling civil matters, domestic matters, felony criminal cases, juvenile matters, and appeals from courts of limited jurisdiction. Located in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, King County Superior Court is nationally recognized for innovation. The court’s mission is to equitably serve the diverse public by administering justice through accessible, inclusive, and unbiased forums for the fair, understandable, and timely resolution of legal matters. The responsibilities of this position include independently representing and advocating for the best interests of children as a Guardian Ad Litem pursuant to RCW 13.34 in dependency and termination matters in Superior Court. The incumbent will carry an independent case load and provide written reports to court. Incumbent may also supervise CASA/GAL volunteers, perform case management, support CASA/GAL volunteers in court proceedings and present training to CASA/GAL volunteers. Success in this position is measured by the ability to build and sustain positive relationships with individuals of diverse backgrounds, to ensure the system works for the children involved in the dependency court system. In addition, to be successful and excel in this position, you will have the ability to:

• Work in a high conflict environment and remain strength-based while supporting cases moving forward in a way that leads to positive outcomes for children and families.
• Think critically, challenge assumptions, combat bias, and advocate through the lens/values of the children and families you serve, even when they may differ from your own.
• Be culturally humble and responsive.
• Write and speak in a persuasive way.
• Respond to situations that arise and to individuals through a trauma-informed and anti-racist lens.
• Recognize that secondary trauma is a reality in our work. The ability to be mindful and be healthy will ensure long-term success in the field of child welfare.

It is the vision of King County Superior Court (KCSC) to be open to all, trusted by all, and to provide justice for all. To fulfill Superior Court's Mission, Values, and Vision, employees at all levels serve the complex needs of a diverse population of Court users. Applying equity and social justice principles is a daily responsibility and a foundational expectation. At KCSC, we are dedicated to building a diverse and authentic workplace centered in belonging.

Who may apply: This position is open to all qualified applicants. Candidates may be placed on an eligibility list for future recruitments.

Work schedule and terms: This is a full-time position. The Court’s business hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Work hours for this position may vary, including early mornings, evenings and weekends as needed. This position is exempt from the overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act and is not overtime eligible.

Work location: The primary work location for this position is at the Patricia Clark Children and Family Justice Center in Seattle, WA. The incumbent may be required to work at other court facilities: The Maleng Regional Justice Center in Kent, WA and the King County Courthouse in downtown Seattle. This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule with a mix of onsite and remote work. Employees must reside in Washington State and within a reasonable distance of their King County Superior Court worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements. Additional materials required: Please include a resume and cover letter describing how you meet or exceed the requirements for this position. These materials are supplemental to your application. You must still completely fill out the on-line application with your relevant education and work experience. Your application may be rejected as incomplete if you include relevant information only on the resume and cover letter. Applications that state "see resume" are considered incomplete and will not be accepted.

Please note that you can attach multiple documents to your application. Your options are:

1. Copy and paste one or more documents into the text resume section of the application.
2. Attach multiple documents/files in the attachment section. The following is intended to be a summary of the job functions for this position and does not reflect every task encountered to achieve these functions.

Independently represent and advocate for the best interests of children as a Guardian ad Litem pursuant to RCW 13.34 at Superior Court.

On assigned cases, locate and interview all persons relevant to the child's welfare, including but not limited to the child's relatives, care providers, educational personnel, daycare staff, medical professionals and tribal representatives, and review files, reports, pleadings and records related to the child and family.

On assigned cases, prepare timely GAL reports for all regularly scheduled court hearings and trials; visit children on a monthly basis when applicable; and attend case planning, educational, medical, and assessment meetings when applicable.

Maintain case information in program database.

Provide reports and workload information to program manager as necessary.

Perform other duties of a similar nature and level including supervising CASA/GAL volunteers and performing case management duties associated with volunteer supervision. Edit reports, oversee court calendars; and prepare volunteers for hearings, provide in-court support at hearings and present training as needed.

Master's degree in social work or related field and three years of program related experience. Experience in case management and general knowledge in family dynamics, counseling, evaluation and assessment techniques. Experience working with the needs of children including knowledge of mental illness, domestic violence, substance abuse, developmental disabilities and/or other areas relevant to the needs of children and families. Must have knowledge of the Washington State dependency law and system; casework management; social welfare principles and practices; programs, regulations and related services in the areas of child abuse, substance abuse, mental illness, domestic violence, poverty, family reunification, child development, adoption, and permanency planning; the Indian Child Welfare Act; family visit practices and services; community resources for children and families. Knowledge of rules, guidelines and practices for GALs/CASAs; working with diverse populations; training techniques; the legislative process; responsible for knowing appropriate community resources to provide support for volunteer advocacy and Code of Conduct for CASAs.

Successful applicants must have experience and skill in using computer software applications including word processing and database management.

If you are excited about this role but your experience does not align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may just be the needed candidate for this or other roles.Special requirements: The ability to reliably travel throughout the county is required. Finalists are subject to the Washington State Patrol criminal background check and a reference check. Criminal background records are not automatically disqualifying.

Selection process: Application materials will be screened for qualifications, and the most competitive candidates will be invited for interviews. King County Superior Court uses artificial intelligence (AI) in our work in a limited and narrow capacity. Please note that any materials submitted as part of an application for Superior Court jobs may be reviewed and assessed for AI use. Please be mindful of using AI when completing your application for consideration.

Union membership: This position is represented by the Washington State Council of County and City Employees, Council 2, Local 2084-CASA. King County Superior Court is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer. No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay, or other forms of compensation. If you have questions regarding this position, please call King County Superior Court Human Resources at 206-477-1536.