Custody Evaluator​/Social Worker - Counselor

Position Title

Custody Evaluator/Social Worker - Counselor

Cincinnati, Ohio

Open Until Filled

Hamilton County Domestic Relations Court
800 Broadway
Cincinnati, OH 45202

Full-time / 70 hours bi-weekly
8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday

$31.31 hourly, non-exempt

• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Wellness Program that offers cash incentives, free wellness screenings, and more.
• Access to Marathon Health Clinics in Cincinnati, offering services such as primary care, illness and injury care, labs, medication dispensing, and wellness services - all at no cost!
• Generous paid time off including vacation, personal days, sick leave, and 11 government holidays.
• Employee Assistance Program which offers support for a variety of work/life issues and includes up to 10 free counseling sessions per year.
• Flexible, tax-free spending accounts for costs related to healthcare, dependent care, and parking/transportation.
• Participation in the Ohio Public Employees Retirement System (OPERS).

50–80%: Investigate, perform interviews, and write reports for contested custody cases. Interview litigants and their children, assess parental functioning and parent/child relationships utilizing clinical techniques with a focus on family dynamics and child development issues. Document communication between family members. Gather pertinent collateral information from community resources such as therapists, medical providers, and schools. Collect and synthesize data to generate comprehensive, well‑written recommendations for judicial officers to assist in resolving cases.

Testify at court proceedings to support the recommendations.

20–30%: Teach “Parenting Through Transitions” class. Mediate pre‑ and post‑decree cases to resolve parenting issues. Evaluate cases for the neutral evaluation dispute resolution process. Facilitate drug and alcohol screens and provide the Court a written report summarizing the results. Assist the Court with litigants considering reconciliation.

5–10%: Participate in staff meetings, supervision, in‑service trainings, and ongoing education to enhance professional knowledge. Schedule court hearings and send correspondence to parties and counsel, as needed. Maintain professional license. Mentor co‑workers and review and edit co‑workers’ reports.

Maintain computer statistical database, including recording result codes and closing cases in the court management system. Any and all other duties as assigned.

Knowledge of: Clinical interviewing techniques, conflict/dispute resolution techniques, divorce and family dynamics, and child developmental issues, as well as court procedures, legal concepts, and legal language. Applicable procedures and practices of the Court of Domestic Relations; including familiarity with the Court’s Local Rules, personnel policies, and proper courtroom etiquette. Basic computer and office equipment skills including Microsoft Word, Excel, and Zoom Video Communications.

Ability to: Write clearly without grammatical/spelling errors or omissions. Interview challenging, high‑conflict clients. Assess family dynamics and capacity to parent. Interview children of varying ages and provide clinical insight as to their best interests. Advocate for the best interest of the child. Provide recommendations based on sound professional practice. Provide clear testimony in court trials. Manage extensive caseload including a high level of accountability.

Understand and navigate community resources. Ability to work under pressure, maintain composure in dealing with potentially difficult litigants, and accept constructive criticism and direction. Must be professional at all times and able to work cooperatively and respectfully with all attorneys, litigants, Court employees, and persons from other courts, agencies, and related departments. Maintain punctual and regular attendance, proper dress, and a positive attitude.

Skill in: Assessment of divorce…