FOC Custody & Parenting Specialist

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.

For more information about Oakland County benefits and employee perks, please visit:

$81,732 - $109,505

This position is on-site

• Provide mediation services to help parties voluntarily resolve disputes involving child custody and parenting time.
• Conduct court-ordered home investigations and office interviews with individuals involved in divorce, separation, or paternity proceedings.
• Gather and evaluate economic, family, and environmental information concerning households with minor dependent children.
• Summarize and analyze findings and prepare clear written recommendations regarding custody, parenting time, and related matters.
• Present recommendations for review and determination by Friend of the Court Referees and Family Division Judges.
• Provide crisis and dispute-resolution counseling to help parents understand the effects of separation and divorce on their children.
• Guide parents in identifying practical alternatives and developing solutions to custody and parenting-time concerns.
• Maintain accurate records and complete assignments using countywide and department-specific software.

• Make a meaningful difference for children and families during challenging and emotionally sensitive circumstances.
• Use your mediation, counseling, interviewing, investigation, and analytical skills in a dynamic public-service role.
• Help parents reduce conflict and work toward constructive, child-focused solutions.
• Contribute thoughtful, well-supported recommendations that assist the Court in making important family decisions.
• Collaborate with experienced Friend of the Court professionals, Referees, and Family Division Judges.
• Enjoy meaningful work that combines direct family interaction, independent investigation, professional writing, and problem-solving.

• 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.
• NOTE:
  
  Applicants possessing transcripts from a college or university outside of the United States will be required to provide documentation of degree equivalency from a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (http://naces.org/members.html). The degree evaluation will be required for application processing.

• Considerable knowledge of the court system in the State of Michigan and the procedures used in domestic relations matters.
• Considerable knowledge of resources available within the community to assist individuals with referrals.
• Considerable knowledge of child development, issues effecting children and the effects of separation and divorce on children.
• Considerable knowledge of and skill in investigating, interviewing, and counseling practices, procedures, and techniques.
• Considerable ability to exercise mature judgement and initiative in analyzing problems and recommending solutions.
• Considerable ability to…