Mediator/Child Custody Recommending Counselor

Superior Court of California, County of Contra Costa

Announces an open recruitment for:

Mediator/Child Custody Recommending Counselor

$91, 974.27 - $117, 385.42 annually

Final Filing – Continuous

The Superior Court of Contra Costa County is conducting an open recruitment to fill a Mediator/Child Custody Recommending Counselor position to provide mediation and child custody recommending counseling services in the Peter L. Spinetta Family Law Building in Martinez. 

An eligibility list will be established as a result of this recruitment and may be used to fill other vacancies in the future. Only incumbents who meet the minimum qualifications by the final filing date may apply.

The incumbents in this position provide mediation and child custody recommending counseling services in custody and/or visitation disputes as required by California Family Code, California Rules of Court and Local Court Rules.  The individuals appointed to these positions will perform a wide variety of duties including, but not limited to: 1.) Facilitating agreements and/or modifications of agreements between parents regarding custody and visitation; 2.) Accessing and evaluating collateral information from such sources as law enforcement, public 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; 3.) Assessing domestic violence risk and developing family safety plans; 4.) Preparing a wide variety of reports and correspondence; 5.) Making written recommendations to the court regarding the disposition of disputed cases; 6.) Testifying in court in contested cases; 7.) Providing community resource information for further services; 8.) Conducting education group/parent orientation programs; and 9.) Performing other duties at the direction of the Director of Family Law.

Individuals appointed to these positions must be able to work well with others, as well as work independently, and must possess good interpersonal and oral communication skills. Regular and punctual attendance is essential.

The IDEAL CANDIDATE should have the following knowledge and abilities:

Knowledge of:

• Principles and techniques used in confidential mediation and child custody recommending counseling and the function of child custody recommending counseling in the courts;

• Procedures and techniques used in child custody evaluations;

• Court system of California and the procedures used in family law cases;

• Resources in the community to which clients can be referred for assistance;

• Effects of divorce and domestic violence on children; and

• California Family Code, Rules of Court, Welfare and Institutions Code and Penal Code related to Family Court Services, family court Mediation, Child Custody Recommending Counseling, the Domestic Violence Prevention Act and child abuse and neglect.

Ability to:

• Obtain, interpret and assess information regarding individual and family behavior from various sources and make comprehensive recommendations;

• Effectively communicate orally and in written form;

• Effectively use relevant computer applications and word processing software;

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships;

• Set priorities and complete job duties in a timely manner;

• Behave professionally and compassionately toward parents who are in highly stressful situations; and

• Prepare typed reports in a clear, precise and timely manner.

Minimum Qualifications:

Possession of a: 

• Master’s degree in psychology, social work, family and child counseling, or other behavioral science substantially related to marriage and family interpersonal relationships from an accredited college or university; or 

• Doctorate in psychology from an accredited college or university.

• Two years full-time experience in: 

• Counseling or psychotherapy or both, preferably in family or conciliation court and with a socially, culturally and ethnically diverse population; and/or

• Providing forensic psychology or forensic social work related services relating to children and families (e.g. Child Protective Services, Court Ordered Investigations/Evaluations, etc.)

Desirable Qualifications:

• Additional post-degree counseling, psychotherapy, forensic psychology, forensic social work, Team Decision Making, Family Group Conferencing, or mediation experience;

• Completion of educational requirements as set forth in California Rule of Court 5.210 and Family Codes 1815 and 1816;

• Possession of one of the following professional licenses: a valid license as a MFT or LCSW issued by the State of California Board of Behavioral Sciences, or a valid license as a Psychologist issued by the State of California Board of Psychology; 

• Work experience as a family court services mediator, child custody recommending counselor, private recommending mediator, private family law mediator, child custody evaluator or co-parenting therapist; and

• Bilingual: ability to read and fluently speak Spanish.  Incumbents who qualify to provide services in a bilingual Spanish capacity are paid at rates that are 5% above the base rate for this classification.

Application and Selection Process:

Interested individuals must complete a Court application, cover letter, detailed resume, and as a separate document, a response to the above supplemental question on-line and provide a valid email address. Please limit your combined responses to a total of no more than four (4) typewritten pages.  To apply, go to: http://www.cc-courts.org:  and click on the Job Opportunities tab.   After submitting your application all subsequent communications will be via email.  Please add contracosta.courts.ca.gov and info@governmentjobs.com to your email address book to ensure delivery of emails. For additional information email:  jobs@contracosta.courts.ca.gov.  

Depending on the number of applications received, an application evaluation committee may be convened to review and evaluate each candidate’s application package, and those deemed best qualified will be invited to an oral interview. The court reserves the right to revise this process in accordance with Court Personnel Plan and accepted selection practices. 

 GENERAL INFORMATION

Conditions of Employment

Successful completion of fingerprint and a criminal record background check is required prior to appointment and is a condition of employment.

All employees of the court who operate a vehicle on court business must certify they possess a valid California Driver’s License and required levels of automobile insurance. 

Convictions

Felony and misdemeanor convictions MAY BE disqualifying for employment with the court. The court will assess the nature and gravity of the offense, the time that has elapsed since the offense was committed, and the nature of the job duties to be performed.

Employment Eligibility:

In accordance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, all persons hired after November 6, 1986, are required to present to the Court, at the time of appointment, original documents which show satisfactory proof of: 1.) identity and 2.) U.S. Citizenship or a legal authorization to work in the United States. 

Union Representative

This position is represented by AFSCME Local 512.

Salary : $91,974 - $117,385