Child Custody Recommending Counselor (Part-Time)

 Part-Time Positions: 

Part-Time Salary: $270 - $325/Mediation Session & $300 - $360/Evaluation Report

 


Note: This position is eligible for telecommute.

Under direction of the Director of Family Court Services acts as a mediator between parents or other guardians regarding disputes of custody and visitation of their children; reports the agreements or recommendations to the Court; and performs other related duties assigned.

Distinguishing Characteristics
This is a single level professional class responsible for mediation activities at the court.The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Mediates disputes between parents regarding custody and visitation of children; consults with attorneys regarding the case; interviews children and other family members; and consults with other involved professionals regarding the case.

Conducts Court-ordered child custody evaluations under California Rules of Court, Rule 5.220, as assigned.

Prepares written agreements or other reports; makes recommendations when there is no agreement between parents; and testifies in court and/or consults with judicial officers and attorneys regarding agreements or recommendations.

Performs other related duties as assigned.Any combination of training and experience, which demonstrates attainment of the required knowledge and ability to perform the required work, typically:

Education

Possession of a Master's from an accredited college and/or university in social work, marriage, family and child counseling or other behavioral sciences substantially related to marriage and family interpersonal relationships.

Or

Possession of a Ph.D. degree from an accredited college and/or university in psychology.

Experience

The equivalent of three (3) years of full-time experience in counseling, psychotherapy or both, preferably with families and children.

Experience Substitution

A state-issued certification as a licensed marriage and family therapist, licensed clinical social worker or licensed psychologist may substitute for one (1) year of the required experience. 

Knowledge of:

•    Court system of California and the procedures used in family laws cases;
•    Adult psychopathology and the psychology of families;
•    Child development, child abuse and clinical issues relating to children;
•    Effects of divorce, substance abuse and domestic violence on children;
•    Child custody research sufficient to enable a counselor to assess the mental needs of children;
•    Principles and techniques of counseling;
•    Clinical interviewing and mediation techniques;
•    Practices and techniques of psychological assessments;
•    Family systems theory;
•    Problem-solving and conflict resolution methods and techniques;
•    Crisis intervention methods and techniques;
•    Cultural diversity issues;
•    Correct English usage,
•    Punctuation, spelling and grammar;
•    Personal computers and word processing software;

Ability to:

•    Obtain, interpret and evaluate information regarding family behavior from various sources and make recommendations;
•    Communicate emphatically, neutrally and clearly with clients under stressful situations;
•    Use communication, listening and problem-solving skills to assist culturally diverse parties in accepting or finding solutions;
•    Recognize dysfunctional interaction patterns;
•    Prepare clear and concise written reports;
•    Establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, attorneys, judges, the public and other professionals;
•    Determine pertinent aspects of cases and recommend useful interventions;
•    Meet established deadlines in a timely manner;
•    Use manuals, codes or written guides as applicable;
•    Exercise sound judgment in making recommendations to parties or the Court;
•    Exercise sensitivity toward cultural issues;
•    Effectively manage situations where clients may be angry, upset fearful or hostile;
•    Operate modern office equipment and personal computers and use specified computer applications, including word processing and spreadsheets as applicable.


Special Requirement

A valid class C California driver's license may be required. The requirement will be reviewed on a position basis in accordance with ADA regulations.

PERFORMANCE APTITUDES

Data Utilization:  Requires evaluating data/information about data and people. Involves referencing the evaluation to criteria standards and/or requirements associated with a particular analysis in order to define actual or probable consequences; and to consider alternatives relative to these consequences using discretion in the selection of alternatives. The ability to review, classify, categorize, prioritize, and/or analyze data. Includes exercising discretion in determining data classification and in referencing such analysis to established standards for the purpose of recognizing actual or probable interactive effects and relationships.

Human Interaction:  Requires the ability to apply principles of persuasion and/or influence over others in coordinating activities of a project, program, or designated area of responsibility.

Equipment, Machinery, Tools, and Materials Utilization:  Requires the ability to operate, maneuver and/or control the actions of equipment, machinery, tools, and/or materials used in performing essential functions.

Verbal Aptitude:  Requires the ability to utilize a wide variety of reference, descriptive, and/or advisory data and information.

Mathematical Aptitude:  Requires the ability to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division; the ability to calculate decimals and percentages; the ability to utilize principles of fractions; and the ability to interpret graphs.

Functional Reasoning:  Requires the ability to apply principles of rational systems; to interpret instructions furnished in written, oral, diagrammatic, or schedule form; and to exercise independent judgment to adopt or modify methods and standards to meet variations in assigned objectives.

Situational Reasoning:  Requires the ability to exercise judgment, decisiveness and creativity in situations involving evaluation of information against measurable or verifiable criteria.

ADA COMPLIANCE

Physical Ability: Tasks require the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, but which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (5-10 pounds). Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or work station.
Sensory Requirements: Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate colors or shades of colors, sounds, and visual cues or signals; and the ability to communicate orally.
Environmental Factors: Performance of essential functions may require exposure to adverse environmental conditions, such as bright/dim light or repetitive wrist motion.
The Superior Court of Stanislaus County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Superior Court of Stanislaus County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

Salary : $270 - $325