Friend of Court Investigator

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the general supervision of the Friend of Court and Direct Supervision of Early Intervention Coordinator/Mediator.  Responsible for investigating family dynamics, analyzing information, and issuing written recommendations to the court on custody and parenting disputes utilizing child’s best interest. Charged with finding solutions to preserve and improve family life through competent problem solving. Responsible for providing educational classes to families of divorce, separation, paternity and family support cases on how the family structure impacts dependent minor children.  Assess cases for mediation or alternative dispute and coordinates with the court to resolve and refer cases when appropriate.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Schedule and conduct domestic relations parenting time assessments for cases referred by the court. 
• Investigate, gather, analyze and produce written recommendations to the court, attorneys and clients on recommendations as it relates to parenting time schedules, locations, supervision, frequency, duration and/or any other parameters that would fall in a family parenting plan.  
• Consult with the court, attorneys, clients, physicians, school officials, counselors, MDHHS, law enforcement agencies, or any other relevant parties to the case at hand to make informed recommendations to the court.  
• Screen for domestic violence prior to conducting any form of alternative dispute or joint educational classes. 
• Prepares memorandums and consent orders specifying the agreement reached through parties when achieved when working through family dynamics. 
• Interviews families and child(ren) on cases to assess parenting time plans and goals.  
• Assist families with reaching consent agreements on parenting time, custody and child support matters and ensuring orders enter consistent therewith.  
• Resolves disputes in custody, parenting time or support as needed.   
• Generates documents and correspondence, including composition, proofreading, and checking work for accuracy.   
• Conducts educational classes on cases where parents would benefit from additional services.
• Provides information to the clients regarding the effect of overnight parenting time on child support as applied under the Michigan Child Support Formula. 
• Collects income information from the parties when change in overnights occur.
• Testify in court on completed reports/recommendations, or as required.  
• Assist families on parenting strategies and solutions.   
• Work with and gain cooperation of court staff and other professionals. 
• Diffuse confrontational clients and handle emotional situations.
• Conduct field investigations and/or home visits, as required.  
• Work flexible hours, as required. 
• Serve as a mandated reporter.  
• Train other staff, if needed
• Perform related work as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Duties are performed under the general supervision of the Friend of the Court and the direct supervision of Early Intervention Coordinator/Mediator.

EXPERIENCE, SKILLS, EDUCATION:

• Bachelor’s Degree in social work, counseling, psychology, or related behavioral/social science is required.
• Minimum two (2) years of experience in progressively responsible work in areas of social work, counseling, family therapy or related behavioral science field is required.  
• Michigan Vehicle Operator’s License.
• Knowledge of child development, family dynamics, the impact of divorce or separation on the family unit, and resources available in the local community to assist the family. 
• Reasonable knowledge of the court system and procedures used in domestic relations matters;
• Reasonable knowledge of state law and court rules and the practices, policies and procedures of the Family Division and Friend of Court. 
• Good communication skills and with ability to help separated parents reach long term agreements that are in the best interests of their children.  
• Knowledge of community ethnic, economic and social norms in order to better communicate with separated parents. 
• Familiarity with confidential information protection practices. 
• Ability to work effectively with the general public, attorneys, other county departments and with other employees in a team setting.
• Demonstrated skills in Microsoft Office Programs, including Word, Excel and Outlook.
• Ability to answer routine and general inquiries, provide information or refer individuals as necessary.
• Ability to operate standard office equipment including typewriter, computer, fax, copier, printer, scanner, etc. with skill and accuracy. 
• Knowledge of the organization’s operations, functions and scope of authority. 
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out complex instructions furnished in written or oral form.
• Ability to obtain accurate information from clients through an interview process. 
• Ability to manage sensitive issues independently and work under stressful conditions.
• Ability to think critically with a high level of organization and attention to detail.
• Comprehensive knowledge of departmental concepts, practices and procedures and the ability to apply them to difficult and/or unprecedented situations.

ESSENTIAL ABILITIES FOR ALL ST. CLAIR COUNTY JOB CLASSIFICATIONS;

• Ability to demonstrate predictable, reliable, and timely attendance.
• Ability to follow written and verbal directions and to complete assigned tasks on schedule.
• Ability to read, write & communicate in English and understand basic math.
• Ability to learn from directions, observations, and mistakes; and apply procedures using good judgement.
• Ability to work independently or part of a team; ability to interact appropriately with others.
• Ability to work with supervision, receiving instructions/feedback, coaching/counseling and/or action/discipline.
• Ability to be flexible and demonstrate patience and respect in difficult situations.
• Ability to effectively communicate and interact with diverse populations in both oral and written form.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with County officials, employees, vendors and the general public.
• Ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
• Ability to read, interpret and apply procedures, rules, technical information, instructions and manuals.
• Ability to use discretion and maintain sensitive and confidential information.
• Adaptability to change in the work environment, managing competing demands and ability to deal with frequent changes, delays or unexpected events.
• Aptitude in performing mathematical calculations and checking figures, postings and documents for correct entry, mathematical accuracy and proper coding.
• Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction. 
• Knowledge of the principles and processes for effective teamwork and represent the Department and the County in a positive professional manner.
• Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Proficient skills using Microsoft Office programs including, but not limited to: Word, Excel, Access, and Outlook required.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• Prior to starting employment, the candidate must complete a satisfactory background check.  The background check is understood to encompass all forms of pre-employment screening, including but not limited to: federal background, drug screen, physical, criminal background, driving record, sex offender registry, education, training and licensing verification, employment history, credit check, and professional and personal references.
• Must possess a valid State of Michigan operator license and maintain this license throughout employment in this position.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job with or without accommodations.   Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to:

• Speak to others to convey information effectively.
• Read, interpret and understand procedures, rules, technical information, instructions and manuals.
• Hear and understand information presented through spoken words and sentences. 
• Specific vision requirement includes close vision, distance vision, color and depth perception.
• Use hands to operate a computer, handle materials and operate equipment.
• Push or pull carts, reach with hands and arms forward, above and below shoulder level.
• Lift, move or carry objects, equipment and supplies weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Sit, bend, stoop, crouch, crawl and kneel in an ergonomically correct manner.
• Stand and walk, climb stairs.
• Normal office hours are from 8:00 a.m. through 4:30 p.m.  Evening hours may be required when teaching group classes or if required to travel to conduct field investigation. 
• Works in office and classroom environment; travel to onsite inspection, as needed.
• The noise level in the work environment is moderate with many interruptions.

AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

It is the policy of St. Clair County not to discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, disability that does not prevent performing essential job functions or because he or she is a protected veteran. It is also the policy of St. Clair County to take affirmative action to employ and to advance in employment, all persons regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, disability that does not prevent performing essential job functions or protected veteran status or other legally protected status, and to base all employment decisions only on valid job requirements. This policy shall apply to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, upgrading, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, recall, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation and selection for training, including apprenticeship, at all levels of employment.

Disclaimer: The statements contained in this job description are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position.  They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job requirements or duties performed.  The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

Salary : $50,099 - $65,928