Family Resource Specialist

Objectives

This is an unclassified position that serves at the pleasure of the Court. Under the general direction of the Court Administrator and Family Resource Coordinator, the Family Resource Specialist (FRS) would be responsible for conducting evaluations/assessments and services to assist litigants, their children, and the court. The FRS would be involved with mediation, co‑parent coaching, and family needs assessments, and other services within his/her field as requested.

Secondarily, the FRS may engage in case management services and monitor compliance with parenting orders. The FRS has frequent contact with the Judge and magistrates of the court. Some examples of the general nature and level of work being performed by this individual are listed below; however, this is not an exhaustive list of all duties to be performed. Other duties may be assigned.

• Bachelor’s or graduate degree in Counseling, Social Work, or Marriage and Family Therapy.
• Licensed to practice in Ohio as a professional counselor, social worker, or marriage and family therapist.
• Three (3) years of clinical experience with individuals, couples and families. Family forensic experience preferred.
• General knowledge of the legal system to include Ohio civil and criminal statutes and court process and procedure.
• Mediation background preferred.
• Ability to handle and resolve conflict.
• Ability to operate database systems, create spreadsheets and use word processing programs.
• Ability to listen and observe in a skilled and professional manner.
• Ability to evaluate and communicate effectively, both orally and written.
• Ability to deal with many variables, define and solve problems, collect, analyze and interpret data, establish facts and determine specific action, evaluate and improve process and/or program efficiency/effectiveness.
• Ability to interpret and implement policies, procedures, governmental code and standards of their profession.

Must possess a valid Ohio Driver’s License and have an acceptable driving record.

Evaluation:

• Conduct brief, forensic family investigations in pending Court cases referred by the Judge and magistrates to determine child’s best interest regarding custody and parenting time through joint and individual parent and child interviews, and interviews with other family members or relevant persons and collection of relevant collateral information from various sources.
• Analyze and evaluate complex interpersonal and family relationships, which require the application of specialized family counseling skills and knowledge of domestic violence, substance abuse, child abuse, behavioral disorders, and mental illness.
• When applicable, identify normal and dysfunctional interaction between family members and assess the needs of family members for appropriate outside agency assistance or further investigation to assess the need for referrals to appropriate outside entities.
• Communicate to the Court Administrator and/or Family Resource Coordinator all matters concerning case status and coordination.
• Write comprehensive and well‑organized reports.
• Serve as a witness providing expert testimony.
• Maintain records of appointments.
• Adhere to evidence‑based practices for assessment and evaluation of child custody and parenting time; including but not limited to the use of a variety of inventories and testing measures.
• Adhere to legal and professional standards and procedures.
• Remain current on existing research on topics related to child custody, parenting time, evaluations, grant opportunities, and program funding.
• Write clear and succinct grant proposals and requests for program funding.
• Maintain confidentiality with regard to information received and observed as a function of the position.
• Work on special projects as assigned.

Case Management:

• Monitor mental health or alcohol/drug use treatment of parents by obtaining treatment updates from providers.
• Monitor parental compliance in facilitating mental health or alcohol/drug use treatment for child(ren).
• Monitor supervised parenting time by obtaining updates from agency/entity providing the supervision.
• Monitor alcohol and drug testing results, and request court orders…