Court Visitor, Guardian Ad Litem, Substitute Decision Maker – Probate/Mental Health Division

Minnesota Lawyer

. Serve as a substitute decision-maker and provide personal service of petitions to proposed persons subject to guardianship or protected persons .

Posted 10/19/2026full-timeMinneapolis • Minnesota • United StatesJuniorMid-Level💰 $34 - $44 per hourWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in guardianship and conservatorship proceedings, including assessment of decision-making capacity and preparation of clear, objective reports. Strong interpersonal and communication skills are essential for effective collaboration with court staff, attorneys, and community resources.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Guardianship And Conservatorship ProceedingsAssessment Of Decision-Making CapacityStrong Interviewing SkillsKnowledge Of Court ProcessesBachelor's Degree In Behavioral Sciences

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Assessment Of Complex CircumstancesPreparation Of Written ReportsKnowledge Of Mental Health ConditionsUnderstanding Of Developmental DisabilitiesKnowledge Of Community ResourcesAbility To Apply Functional StandardsDocumentation ManagementCrisis-Related AssessmentsCourt ProceduresStatutory Requirements

Soft Skills

Strong Communication SkillsInterpersonal SkillsOrganizational SkillsTime Management SkillsAbility To Maintain Professional Relationships

Industry Keywords

Probate ProceedingsMental Health ProceedingsSocial ServicesCriminal Justice SystemsConfidentialityImpartialityProfessional BoundariesSafety ConcernsCommunity AgenciesStakeholder Collaboration

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Serve as a substitute decision-maker and provide personal service of petitions to proposed persons subject to guardianship or protected persons
Manage Court Visitor cases involving guardianship and conservatorship proceedings
Meet respondents in person, explain court processes and legal rights, gather information, and assess individual circumstances
Personally serve and explain court documents, proceedings, guardianship or conservatorship powers, and petition consequences
Interview respondents regarding perspectives, preferences, abilities, living circumstances, and support needs
Assess decision-making capacity, understanding, medical and mental health considerations, living conditions, support needs, and potential abuse, neglect, or exploitation
Communicate with attorneys or assist in arranging court-appointed counsel and notify adult protection when warranted
Prepare written reports and recommendations, conduct additional investigations, and provide testimony when required
Review court and medical records for Guardian Ad Litem appointments involving proposed ECT or sterilization
Interview individuals and consult medical providers regarding proposed treatment and individual circumstances
Prepare independent recommendations, attend hearings, and provide testimony
Meet with individuals regarding proposed neuroleptic medications and consult psychiatric providers
Exercise independent judgment regarding treatment consent and electronically file required reports
Independently manage assigned cases, documentation, deadlines, statutory requirements, and court procedures
Maintain relationships with judicial officers, court staff, attorneys, healthcare providers, community agencies, and stakeholders
Collaborate through case consultation, information sharing, and coordinated coverage
Respond to challenging circumstances, crisis-related assessments, referrals, and safety concerns
Serve as a resource to court staff and community partners and participate in training, professional development, and policy improvement
Maintain confidentiality, impartiality, professional boundaries, and respect for individual rights and dignity

Requirements

What you’ll need

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
Possession of a valid driver’s license
Access to reliable automobile transportation to locations within Hennepin County and the greater Twin Cities metropolitan area
Knowledge of court processes and procedures relevant to Probate/Mental Health proceedings, or ability to develop this knowledge through training and professional experience
Understanding of mental health conditions, developmental disabilities, cognitive changes, and substance use disorders
Knowledge of community resources, social services, and related court or criminal justice systems
Strong interviewing, communication, and interpersonal skills
Ability to assess complex circumstances, recognize safety or protection concerns, and exercise sound professional judgment
Ability to prepare clear, accurate, objective, and timely written reports and maintain appropriate documentation
Knowledge of and ability to apply functional standards when assessing decision-making capacity
Strong organizational and time management skills
Ability to work collaboratively, maintain professional relationships, and use appropriate technology while upholding confidentiality, impartiality, and professional boundaries
Ability to travel throughout Hennepin County and the greater Twin Cities metropolitan area
Ability to perform essential functions involving extended computer work, community visits, challenging interactions, and safety considerations
All employment offers are contingent upon satisfactory results of a criminal background check

Benefits

Comp & perks

Health and wellness benefits
Enhanced fertility benefits
Short- and long-term disability
Pension
Paid parental leave
Tuition reimbursement
Public Service Loan Forgiveness program eligibility
Comprehensive State of Minnesota employee benefits
Reasonable accommodation for disabilities
Hybrid work schedule
Professional development and training opportunities