Child Custody Recommending Counselor I​/II

Counselor

Level I $90,315 - $109,164 Level II $94,694 - $114,499 The primary role of the Counselor is to conduct child custody recommending counseling in custody and/or visitation disputes as required by California Family Code and California Rules of Court. The Counselor provides a wide variety of reports and recommendations to the Court regarding family law and probate matters. DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:
This is the first level in the Child Custody Recommending Counselor class series. Under general supervision, incumbents provide child custody counseling; provide clients with a model utilizing communication and problem-solving skills for resolving disputes; prepare written evaluations, reports and recommendations to the Court.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED The Director of Family Court and Special Services, the Family Court Services Coordinator or higher-level manager.

(Essential duties may vary from position to position within this classification. Reasonable accommodation will be made when requested and determined by the Court to be appropriate under applicable law.)

Summarize the results of child custody counseling activities and act as an expert witness for the court both verbally and in writing, including resolutions of disputes or recommendations for settlement; may draft settlement agreement stipulations;
Mediate disputes concerning parenting arrangements in cases involving divorce, separation, paternity, guardian ships, temporary restraining orders, and juvenile dependency;
Interview, investigate, prepare reports and make recommendations in Custody matters, Guardianship visitation, Free from Parental Custody and Control, Step-Parent Adoptions, Juvenile Dependency, Pre-age Marriages and Emancipation;
Access and evaluate collateral information from such sources as law enforcement, child welfare, mental health treatment providers, health care providers and schools to aid in preparing reports regarding parenting plans that best meet the needs of children;
Assess domestic violence risk and develop family safety plans;
Keep records and maintain statistical information regarding services provided;
Serve as informational resource regarding custody related matter to the public, attorneys, and agencies who seek assistance:
Act as liaison with other government and private sector organizations related to Family Law and Probate matters;
Assist in conducting education classes for the public dealing with the issues of divorce, separation, child custody, visitation and child development;
Provide work direction and guidance on program policies, procedures and activities for professional level staff engaged in mediation and counseling activities for mediator/counselors; schedule, assign, and review the work of mediator/counselors; perform similar work;
Attend meetings, participate in staff training, and represent the office at various organizations and programs;
Serve as a representative of the Court, displaying courtesy, tact, consideration and discretion in all interactions with other members of the Court community and with the public. Perform other duties as assigned. Level II only

Knowledge of:
Statutes and procedures used in the California Court System including:
Family Law, Juvenile Law, Probate Law and Local Rules of Court. Principals and techniques of counseling. Community resources for referral of clients. Adult and family psychology dynamics. Clinical issues relating to child development, child abuse, clinical issues relating to children, the effects of divorce on children and the effects of domestic violence on children. Domestic Violence and Cross-cultural issues. Crisis intervention.

Skill/Ability to:
Follow procedures and rules of the court. Utilize communication and problem-solving skills needed to assist parties reach amicable resolutions. Relate to and gain confidence of adults under stressful conditions. Work with clients in crisis. Diagnose dysfunctional interaction patterns. Obtain and interpret information from various sources to reach appropriate recommendations. Effectively communicate orally and in written form;
Use good judgment and work cooperatively with those contacted in the course of work. Work with limited administrative supervision and on-going consultation with peers. Prioritize task to meet departmental and court deadlines. Effectively use relevant computer applications and word processing software. Prepare typed reports in a clear, precise and timely manner.

Education and Experience:

The combination of education and experience listed as follows are the minimum qualifications:

Education:

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master's degree in Social Work, Psychology, or Marriage, Family, and Child Counseling, or other Behavioral Science substantially related to Marriage and Family Interpersonal Relationships. Level I

Experience:

Two years' experience in family counseling and mediation, preferably in a setting related to the responsibility level of the family…