Child Custody Recommending Counselor I/II

Child Custody Recommending Counselor I

Incumbents are responsible for mediating disputes and conducting investigations in order to mediate disputes in family law. Incumbents in the Child Custody Recommending Counselor I classification are distinguished from those in the Child Custody Recommending Counselor II classification in that the latter may lead, train, assign and direct the work of lower-level mediators and perform the most difficult, complex and specialized work.

Essential job functions include:

• Review court files and interview parties to assess potential for settlement or resolution;
• Investigate and evaluate facts and conditions surrounding the controversy and recommend appropriate course of action verbally and in writing; testify in court;
• Conduct mediation conferences to resolve child custody or visitation disputes and to assist parties in formulating custody plans;
• Determine if situations exist that may lead to personal and/or family injury in the marriage dissolution or child custody process; refer parties to community agencies for assistance and/or counseling when necessary;
• Conduct field investigations and interview parents, minors, and other case-related persons;
• Make scheduled and unscheduled residential visits for evaluation of minor's home environment and living conditions;
• Prepare case histories and evaluations; develop custody and visitation agreements; prepare case reports and make recommendations to the court; may be required to testify in court regarding same;
• Solicit information from third parties (e.g., psychological evaluations or reports of supervised visitation) as it relates to case evaluation and resolution;
• Conduct family court services orientation workshops;
• Conduct high conflict parenting workshops;
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Newly appointed incumbents will be required to pass a detailed background investigation and drug screening, be bondable, and possess a valid California driver's license.

Education: Master's degree from an accredited college or university in psychology, social work, marriage, family and child counseling, conflict management, or related behavioral science substantially related to marriage and family interpersonal relationships.

Experience: Two years of experience in counseling and/or mediation and investigation services for a court or social service agency.

Knowledge and abilities include:

• Applicable laws, statutes, regulations, and guidelines governing family law issues;
• Principles, practices, and techniques of alternate dispute resolution;
• Principles, practices and techniques of interviewing, counseling, investigation, casework, anger abatement, and crisis intervention techniques;
• Principles, practices and theories of adult, adolescent, and child psychopathology and the psychopathology of families;
• Principles and methods of case management;
• Crisis intervention, mediation, family therapy and risk evaluation techniques;
• Available community resources.

Ability to:

• Mediate and evaluate family law disputes;
• Effectively conduct interviews under stressful and/or hostile circumstances;
• Assess clients for potential risk from violence, substance abuse and physical/sexual abuse;
• Assess the mental health needs of children and family dynamics;
• Reach logical and sound conclusions based on evaluation of facts and conflicting information;
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, court employees, coworkers, and others;
• Identify and utilize support services and community resources;
• Effectively communicate with people of diverse socioeconomic background and temperaments;
• Testify regarding evaluations and recommendations;
• Interpret, apply and explain applicable laws, codes and regulations;
• Work independently to organize own work, set priorities and meet critical deadlines;
• Use initiative and independent judgment within pre-established policy and procedural guidelines;
• Prepare concise reports and records and make formal verbal and written presentation.

Working conditions include using standard office equipment, including a computer, and may drive motor vehicle to attend meetings and visit work sites.

Physical demands include working inside buildings, lifting and carrying objects weighing up to 25 pounds, and having sufficient mobility to stand, sit, walk, stoop and bend to access the work environment and a standard office environment.