Court Visitor/Guardian Ad Litem/Substitute Decision Maker, Probate/Mental Health Division, Fourth Judicial District

Fourth Judicial District Court invites qualified applicants to join the Probate/Mental Health Division in a highly responsible professional work position serving as a substitute decision-maker (SDM) and providing personal service of petitions to the proposed person subject to guardianship “PSG” or protected person. The Court Visitor/Guardian Ad Litem/Substitute Decision Maker is assigned cases that involve complicated social and psychological reactions of vulnerable parties which require a high level of judgment in determining how to respond.

This position provides an opportunity to support individuals involved in guardianship, conservatorship, and civil commitment proceedings through direct engagement, professional assessment, informed decision-making, and recommendations to the court. The work is varied and meaningful, requiring compassion, sound professional judgment, strong communication skills, and the ability to navigate complex circumstances.

The position encompasses three distinct but related areas of responsibility:

Court Visitor: Meets with respondents in person to explain court processes and legal rights, gather information, assess individual circumstances, and provide written reports and recommendations to the court in guardianship and conservatorship proceedings.

Guardian Ad Litem (GAL): Appointed in Probate/Mental Health proceedings, primarily involving proposed electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) or sterilization, to review relevant information, understand individual preferences and circumstances, and provide independent recommendations to the court.

Substitute Decision Maker (SDM): Appointed by Court Order in Civil Commitment Cases usually upon request of the treatment facility; evaluates proposed treatment with neuroleptic medications for individuals who lack the capacity to provide informed consent, working with individuals and treatment providers to make informed decisions within the authority of the appointment. 

While much of the work involves independent case management and professional judgment, the position is also part of a collaborative team. Team members share knowledge, consult on complex circumstances, and support one another in maintaining consistent practices and continuity of services.

This position is classified as a Probate/Mental Health Specialist, with a working title of Court Visitor (Guardian Ad Litem and Substitute Decision Maker). The Probate/Mental Health Division is located on the fourth floor of the Hennepin County Government Center at 300 South 6th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55487. Typical work hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with flexibility required based on scheduled appointments and the needs of the individuals served.

This position currently operates on a hybrid schedule, which may change based on assignments and business needs. Court Visitor appointments require in-person visits, and additional travel or attendance at court proceedings may be necessary. A reliable internet connection is required for remote work.

The Minnesota Judicial Branch offers a comprehensive benefits package.  To learn more about benefits, click here.

Example of Duties

Examples listed below may not reflect all duties performed.

Court Visitor:

• For Court Visitors appointments review relevant court documents and conduct in-person visits with respondents at residences, care facilities, and other appropriate locations.

• Personally serve required court documents, read and explain relevant documents, court proceedings, legal rights, proposed guardianship or conservatorship powers, and the potential consequences of petitions.

• Interview respondents to understand their perspectives, preferences, abilities, living circumstances, and support needs.

• Evaluate relevant information in an objective, individualized, and evidence-based manner. Assess the individual's decision-making capacity, level of understanding, medical and mental health considerations, living conditions, need for support, and any potential concerns regarding abuse, neglect, or exploitation. Distinguish between limitations in decision-making ability and the need for assistance or support.

• Communicate with attorneys or assist in arranging court-appointed counsel as appropriate and notify adult protection when warranted.

• Prepare objective written reports and recommendations to the court, conduct additional investigations when directed at the request of the bench and provide testimony when required.

Guardian Ad Litem:

• Review relevant court and medical records for appointments primarily involving proposed Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) or sterilization.

• Interview individuals and consult with medical providers to understand the proposed treatment, individual preferences, and relevant circumstances.

• Evaluate the information gathered and prepare independent written recommendations to the court.

• Attend hearings and provide testimony when required. GAL interviews and hearings are generally conducted remotely, although occasional in-person participation may be necessary.

Substitute Decision Maker:

• Meet with individuals to discuss proposed neuroleptic medications, including their understanding of treatment, preferences, and concerns.

• Consult with psychiatric providers and review relevant medical information, treatment recommendations, available alternatives, and associated risks and benefits.

• Exercise independent judgment regarding treatment consent within the authority of the appointment and prepare and electronically file required reports.

Responsibilities Across All Three Functions

• Independently manage assigned cases, maintain accurate documentation, and meet applicable statutory, court, and administrative deadlines.

• Apply relevant statutes, Rules of Court, policies, and procedures while exercising sound professional judgment and recognizing when consultation is appropriate.

• Maintain effective working relationships with judicial officers, court staff, attorneys, health care providers, community agencies, and other stakeholders.

• Collaborate with team members through case consultation, information sharing, and coordinated coverage to support consistent practices and continuity of services.

• Respond professionally to changing or challenging circumstances, including situations requiring crisis-related assessment, appropriate referrals, or safety considerations.

• Serve as a resource to court staff and community partners, and participate in training, professional development, and the improvement of policies and procedures.

• Maintain confidentiality, impartiality, professional boundaries, and respect for the rights and dignity of individuals involved in court proceedings.

The Minnesota Judicial Branch recognizes the diverse set of skills, strengths, and attributes that an individual may bring into a role. If you have any combination of the experience, training, and education required for this position, apply today! For education requirements listed, the equivalent number of years of related experience may serve as a substitute. 

Minimum Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in behavioral sciences or a related field, such as psychology, social work, sociology, criminal justice, counseling, nursing, education, or human services.

• At least two years of professional experience performing duties related to this position. Relevant experience may include social services, health care, behavioral health, case management, community-based services, court-related work, or other roles involving interviewing, assessment, professional judgment, and written documentation.

• Possession of a valid driver’s license.

• Access to reliable automobile transportation to locations within Hennepin County and the greater Twin Cities metropolitan area.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of court processes and procedures relevant to Probate/Mental Health proceedings, or the ability to develop this knowledge through training and professional experience.

• Understanding of mental health conditions, developmental disabilities, cognitive changes, and substance use disorders, including the ability to understand relevant psychological and psychiatric information.

• Knowledge of community resources, social services, and related court or criminal justice systems.

• Strong interviewing, communication, and interpersonal skills, including the ability to engage respectfully with individuals of diverse backgrounds, abilities, and circumstances.

• Ability to assess complex circumstances, recognize safety or protection concerns, and exercise sound professional judgment in making recommendations or decisions within the scope of the appointment.

• Ability to prepare clear, accurate, objective, and timely written reports and maintain appropriate documentation.

• Demonstrated knowledge of and ability to apply functional standards when assessing an individual's decision-making capacity.

• Strong organizational and time management skills, including the ability to independently manage assignments and competing deadlines.

• Ability to work collaboratively, maintain effective professional relationships, and use appropriate technology while upholding confidentiality, impartiality, and professional boundaries.

• Ability to travel to and from residences, treatment facilities, and other locations throughout Hennepin County and the greater Twin Cities metropolitan area, including during varying weather and travel conditions

Physical Requirements:

Because this position involves community visits, office responsibilities, and court proceedings, employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation. These functions may include:

• Working at a computer, either sitting or standing for extended periods to review case information, prepare reports, and participate in remote meetings or hearings.

• Visiting individuals in residential, medical, and community settings that may have differing accessibility, environmental, or safety considerations.

• Responding appropriately to unexpected circumstances, challenging interactions, or potential safety concerns while following established safety procedures.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in social work, psychology, counseling, or a closely related field, or professional licensure such as LICSW or LPCC.

• Two or more years of experience providing community-based services, conducting assessments, or working directly with individuals in residential or treatment settings.

• Advanced knowledge or professional experience related to mental health, developmental disabilities, aging, cognitive impairment, or substance use disorders.

• Familiarity with guardianship, conservatorship, civil commitment, and related court processes.

• Knowledge of neuroleptic medications, alternative treatments, ECT, and related medical or legal considerations.

• Familiarity with public benefits and community support systems, including Medical Assistance, waiver programs, and Social Security benefits.

• Experience applying supported decision-making principles, considering individual rights and preferences, and developing objective professional recommendations.

SALARY:

Starting salary range for candidates is $34.40 - $43.83 per hour ($71,827.20 - $91,517.04 annually). The full salary range for this position is $34.40 - $53.25 per hour ($71,827.20 - $111,186.00 annually). This position is exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act and is eligible for  State of Minnesota employee benefits.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:

• Complete and submit your online application with resume and cover letter attached by November 9, 2026, at 11:59pm.

• Please contact our recruitment team with questions regarding this posting via email: 4th.human.resources@courts.state.mn.us; or phone: 612-540-6488.  

• All employment offers are contingent upon satisfactory results of a criminal background check. An employment offer may be rescinded if the background check identifies job related convictions.