Child Custody Recommending Counselor; Part-Time

Description

Part‑time positions only.

Salary: $270–$325 per mediation session; $300–$360 per evaluation report. This position is eligible for hybrid telecommute.

Under the direction of the Director of Family Court Services, the mediator resolves disputes over custody and visitation of children, reports agreements or recommendations to the Court, and performs other related duties assigned.

Distinguishing characteristics:
This is a single‑level professional class responsible for mediation activities at the court.

• Mediates disputes between parents regarding custody and visitation of children; consults with attorneys; interviews children and other family members; consults with other involved professionals.
• Conducts court‑ordered child custody evaluations under California Rules of Court, Rule 5.220.
• Prepares written agreements or reports; makes recommendations when there is no agreement; testifies in court and/or consults with judicial officers and attorneys.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Any combination of training and experience that demonstrates the required knowledge and ability to perform the work, typically:

Possession of a Master’s from an accredited college/university in social work, marriage, family and child counseling, or other behavioral sciences substantially related to family interpersonal relationships, OR a Ph.D. in psychology.

Equivalent of two years full‑time experience in counseling, psychotherapy or both, preferably with families and children.

State‑issued certification as a licensed marriage and family therapist, licensed clinical social worker or licensed psychologist is preferred but not required.

• Court system of California and the procedures used in family law cases.
• Adult psychopathology and the psychology of families.
• Child development, child abuse and clinical issues relating to children.
• Effects of divorce, substance abuse and domestic violence on children.
• Child custody research sufficient to enable a counselor to assess the mental needs of children.
• Principles and techniques of counseling.
• Clinical interviewing and mediation techniques.
• Practices and techniques of psychological assessments.
• Family systems theory.
• Problem‑solving and conflict resolution methods and techniques.
• Crisis intervention methods and techniques.
• Cultural diversity issues.
• Correct English usage.
• Punctuation, spelling and grammar.
• Personal computers and word processing software.

• Obtain, interpret and evaluate information regarding family behavior from various sources and make recommendations.
• Communicate emphatically, neutrally and clearly with clients under stressful situations.
• Use communication, listening and problem‑solving skills to assist culturally diverse parties in accepting or finding solutions.
• Recognize dysfunctional interaction patterns.
• Prepare clear and concise written reports.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, attorneys, judges, the public and other professionals.
• Determine pertinent aspects of cases and recommend useful interventions.
• Meet established deadlines in a timely manner.
• Use manuals, codes or written guides as applicable.
• Exercise sound judgment in making recommendations to parties or the Court.
• Exercise sensitivity toward cultural issues.
• Effectively manage situations where clients may be angry, upset, fearful or hostile.
• Operate modern office equipment and personal computers and use specified computer applications, including word processing and spreadsheets as applicable.

Special Requirement: A valid Class C California driver’s license may be required. The requirement will be reviewed on a position basis in accordance with ADA regulations.

Incumbent is required to dress in professional attire.

• Data utilization:
  Evaluate data and people, reference evaluation to criteria standards or requirements for analysis, consider alternatives, review and classify data.
• Human interaction:
  Apply principles of persuasion or influence over others in coordinating activities.
• Equipment, machinery, tools, and materials utilization:
  Operate,…