Job Description

Job Description

Job Description

DEFINITION :
Under direction, this position provides orientation, mediation, evaluation, and Court-ordered investigations in child custody/visitation Court cases and may provide mediation, investigations in Juvenile Dependency and contested relative guardianship Court cases.


DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS :
This is a journey level position that works closely with judicial officers, attorneys, county agencies, and unrepresented litigants. This class is distinguished from the Senior Mediator class in that the latter has supervisory authority of assigned Family Court Services staff.

Typical Tasks/Representative Duties

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES :

• Assists the Court and families in resolving child custody and visitation disputes by providing mediation services; provides investigations, assessments, and recommendations as required by law and as directed by the Court;
• Provides mediation and investigation in Juvenile Dependency and/or contested guardianship cases as directed by the Court;
• Provides orientation and parent education services for the parties involved in disputes;
• Observes and assesses risk factors, including domestic violence and child abuse issues and potential for danger to self and others; takes appropriate action including statutory reporting requirements;
• Testifies in Court as the Court's expert witness, subject to cross-examination;
• Performs other related duties as required.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS :

• A California State license as a psychotherapist or other related licensure, and at least two (2) years of experience in Family court services, family counseling and/or clinical assessment;

-OR-

• A master's degree in psychology, social work, marriage and child counseling, or other behavioral science substantially related to marriage and family interpersonal relationships, and at least five (5) years of experience in Family court services, family counseling and/or clinical assessment;
• Bilingual Spanish speaking ability is highly desirable.

Knowledge of: 

• Family systems and pathology, crisis intervention techniques, child development, effects of childhood trauma and abuse, clinical issues relating to children, the effects of domestic violence, and parental chemical dependency on children and child custody research sufficient to enable the counselor to assess the mental health needs of children;
• Diagnostic skill and familiarity with both normal and dysfunctional interaction patterns;
• Community resources in order to make appropriate and/or legally mandated reports or referrals;
• California Court systems and procedures related to family law, visitation, custody, rights of parties, mediation, etc.  

Ability to:

• Understand, apply, and explain legal terminology and procedures;
• Accurately implement and comply with court processes, rules, policies, and procedures;
• Work with and effectively manage families in high conflict who may also be dealing with issues of domestic violence, substance abuse, child abuse, and criminal behavior;
• Interact appropriately with judges, court staff, attorneys, and the public. Follow oral and written instructions; organize and maintain records; work effectively to meet court deadlines; prepare standardized forms accurately; communicate effectively orally and in writing; work well under pressure and in stressful situations; exercise good judgment, confidentiality, tact and initiative; work cooperatively and courteously with others;
• Effectively and efficiently use Court technologies; Understand and follow written and oral instructions; work independently; work with time restraints; work under pressure; adapt to varying circumstances, and use sound judgment in the performance of duties.
• Review and analyze information which is highly sensitive and may be unsettling and/or explicit.

Supplemental Information

WORKING CONDITIONS :

The work environment is generally clean, inside buildings, with limited exposure to dust, fumes, odors, and noise. Possess and maintain ability to drive for field travel. Incumbents will be working under sometimes difficult and stressful conditions, with frequent deadlines and expectation to produce high quality work under limited time constraints as well as periodic contact with angry and confrontational individuals. The ability to work independently as well as closely with others is required. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Specific tasks and duties may vary between assignments, however, the following are considered essential functions expected of the Mediator classification:

• Frequent and ongoing use of Court technology to conduct a variety of functions;
• Regular contact with the public, with the ability to converse and respond appropriately with tact and decorum.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: 

• Dexterity, coordination, and/or ability to use a computer keyboard and read a video display terminal on a regular basis
• Sitting for long periods of time is periodically required;
• The ability to lift objects weighing up to 10 lbs.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:

This recruitment requires the submission of an on-line application. No paper applications will be accepted. An electronic copy of your Resume and California State License (if applicable) as a psychotherapist must also be submitted as attachments to this application submission.

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