FOC Custody & Parenting Specialist

Overview

Overview & Benefits Oakland County is more than just a workplace. It is a place where you can make a real difference. As one of Michigan’s leading public service organizations, we are committed to strengthening communities, delivering essential services, and improving the quality of life for nearly 1.3 million residents. When you join our team, you become part of a mission-driven workforce guided by integrity, innovation, and a passion for public service.

We offer competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and the opportunity to do meaningful work that matters. Apply today and help shape the future of Oakland County, where we are All Ways Moving Forward. For more information about Oakland County benefits and employee perks, please visit:

This position is onsite.

• Provide mediation services to assist parties in resolving custody and parenting time disputes.
• Conduct court-ordered home investigations and office interviews to gather relevant information.
• Summarize and analyze information collected, then prepare written recommendations for court review.
• Provide crisis and dispute resolution counseling to educate parents and support alternative solutions regarding custody and parenting time issues.

• Support meaningful work that assists families in resolving custody and parenting time matters through the court process.
• Use strong communication and conflict resolution skills in a role focused on structured problem-solving.
• Apply investigative and analytical skills to gather information and prepare clear written recommendations.
• Contribute to court-related processes while working in a professional public service environment.

EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Required Minimum Qualifications

• Possess a Master’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in Psychology, Counseling, Social Work or closely related field.
• Have had at least two (2) years of full-time work experience in family counseling.
• Pass the complete examination, including the employment medical established for this classification.
• Successfully complete the six-month probationary period.

Special Requirements

Employees of this class must satisfactorily complete the Friend of the Court Bureau Mediation Training Program within one (1) year from date of employment.

• Provides domestic relations mediation to requesting parties in order to expedite resolutions of disputes involving child custody, parenting time, and/or removal of domicile.
• Prepares memorandums and consent orders specifying the agreement reached by both parties through mediation.
• Conducts office and field investigations and related interviews as ordered by the court or as required by statute, with each parent, child, attorney, clergy, and other involved individuals to obtain information about the home, family, financial, social and other related conditions pertaining to custody, parenting time, and/or removal of domicile in order to make recommendations to a Referee or Family Division Judge.
• Prepares detailed written reports by analyzing and summarizing the information gained in the interviews, investigations and from written resources such as school reports and psychological evaluations. Using the Michigan Child Custody Act as a guideline, makes a recommendation regarding custody, parenting time, and/or removal of domicile to a Friend of the Court Referee or Family Division Judge.
• Testifies before a Friend of the Court Referee or a Family Division Judge, pertaining to the information gathered in the interviews and investigations when custody, parenting time, and/or removal of domicile matters are contested.
• Performs investigations requested by out-of-county or out-of-state court agencies to provide needed information involving custody and parenting time disputes.
• Provides information and counseling to clients regarding court ordered parenting time and custody and provides guidelines and possible alternatives to assist in following court orders.
• Refers clients and their children to various social service agencies or family counseling services in order to provide help for…