Benefits of Employment

Insurance:  Comprehensive Health, Dental, Vision, Life and an Employee Assistance Program.  Supplemental Life may be purchased at group rates.

Paid Time Off: Twelve (12) holidays, vacation time (after 6 months) of three (3) weeks per year for the first eight (8) years of service, and sick time.

Retirement: Ohio Public Employees Retirement System (OPERS) with 14% annual employer contribution and Deferred Compensation Plans.

Job Summary

The Mediation Magistrate facilitates dispute resolution for families by conducting pre-screening mediation, customizing mediation agreements, and assisting with mediation-related inquiries. They provide appropriate recommendations and guidance to help parties reach fair and mutually beneficial solutions.  They manage a high-volume docket in custody mediation matters, administer the appointment of per diem mediators and oversee the timely completion of proposed entries.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to satisfactorily perform each essential duty listed below. Reasonable accommodations will be made for disabled persons covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act, in accordance with its requirements. 

Provides mediation services for families who are litigating child custody matters.  Customizes mediation agreements for individual families and revises form agreements as needed.

Guides parties toward amicable resolution of custody and parenting time disputes.

Conducts pre-mediation screening of cases to ensure that each matter is eligible for mediation, including legal prerequisites such as jurisdiction.

Applies knowledge of the Ohio Uniform Mediation Act, Ohio Rules of Superintendence 16.20 through 16.26, and other relevant laws and rules to implement best practices for effectively mediating family and custody issues.

Assists Judges, Magistrates, and the Court’s Legal Department with mediation-related questions and makes appropriate recommendations.

Drafts journal entries for cases and revises forms and templates as needed.

Conducts court hearings, as needed, informs and advises parties of legal rights and alternatives, administers oaths, operates recording device, and confers with individuals before recommending final disposition for Judge’s approval.

Prepares findings of fact, recommendations and other legal documents for judicial review and approval and provides clarification for Judges upon request.

Confers with supervisor regarding case orders, decisions, and policies.

Attends Continuing Legal Education programs as mandated by the Ohio Supreme Court.

Performs other duties as needed such as conducting legal research, participating in training sessions and seminars, and preparing statistical reports.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Has no direct supervisory responsibility for staff members. 

Equipment Operated

Standard office equipment and office technology such as copy machines, personal computers, office telephones, and scanners. 

Confidential Data

Mediation communications are generally confidential and privileged unless otherwise mandated by law.

All case and court-related information acquired that the employee may come in contact with by working in the facility. 

Working Conditions

Works in a general office setting with moderate noise levels. Subject to some interruptions, quick deliverables, and changing work deadlines. Potential exposure to hazardous situations that may occur in the court environment. Must be able to tolerate exposure to evidence and testimony that may be disturbing; clients who may potentially be verbally or physically uncooperative; allergens, such as perfumes and dust. 

Usual Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to sit, to speak clearly, and to hear.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills, and Abilities

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. 

Knowledge of relevant laws, regulations, rules, and standards for performing mediations, including Ohio’s Uniform Mediation Act and Ohio Rules of Superintendence 16.20 through 16.26. Strong oral and written communication skills. Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of individuals in a diverse community. Excellent organization, time-management, and personal computer skills. Must be able to become proficient in using the Juvenile Court’s case management system. Ability to utilize Zoom or other virtual tools. Ability to analyze and evaluate testimony and evidence and to make objective and fair determinations. Ability to problem-solve and deal with the stress of a high-volume docket. Knowledge of the Ohio Revised Code, the Juvenile and Civil Rules of Procedure, the Ohio Administrative Code, the Ohio Rules of Evidence, and the Rules of Superintendence for the Courts of Ohio. Must possess knowledge of and the ability to comply with the Ohio Code of Judicial Conduct and the Ohio Rules of Professional Conduct. Must also possess knowledge of relevant Ohio statutes, case law, and relevant federal authority. Familiarity with community resources and dispositional alternatives is required. Ability to establish and maintain congenial work relationships with Court staff, attorneys, and the public. Ability to communicate effectively and courteously orally and in writing. Ability to preside over various juvenile court case type dockets.  Ability to work with pro se litigants, advise parties of their rights, and adjudicate and dispose of pending cases in a timely manner.  Must be able to administer justice fairly and impartially pursuant to the requirements of the Ohio Revised Code.

Education and/or Experience

Juris Doctorate degree.

AND

Minimum four (4) years of professional experience as a practicing attorney, preferably Court experience. 

Prefer that two (2) years (out of the 4) is professional experience with families, including counseling, casework, or legal representation in family law matters.

Prefer candidates with experience litigating or mediating child custody disputes or other alternative dispute resolution experience.

Licensure or Certification Requirements

License to practice law in the State of Ohio.

Court Expectations of Employee

In accomplishing the responsibilities of this position, the Court expects that the employee will adhere to the mission and values of the Court as well as all Court policies and procedures.  In addition, while carrying out the duties of this position, the employee is expected to model high ethical conduct on and off the job, and exhibit a professional and respectful demeanor with all Court employees.

Court Mission Statement

To administer justice, rehabilitate juveniles, support and strengthen families, and promote public safety.

Application Procedure

Current Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas Juvenile Division Employees:

• The deadline to apply is _3/6/25_. 
• Please visit https://juvenilecourt.applicantstack.com/x/openings-internal to complete and submit the Job Posting Response Form to the Human Resources Division.
• The Job Posting Response form must be received in Human Resources by the job posting deadline for consideration as a candidate for the posted position.
• If you do not meet the minimum requirements, you can submit a waiver to Human Resources. Please refer to the Employee Handbook Policy number 1.02.04.

External Applicants: 

• This position will remain posted until filled. 
• Please visit https://juvenilecourt.applicantstack.com/x/openings to view this posting and to complete and submit the Application for Employment. 

EEO/ADA/SMOKE-DRUG FREE ENVIRONMENT

Ohio Relay Service 1-800-750-0750

Salary : $91,960