Child Custody Recommending Counselor

Salary: $85,862.40 - $104,332.80 annually
Location: 226 N St., Merced, CA
Job Type: Full Time

About the Role

Under general direction, the Child Custody Recommending Counselor mediates disputes involving custody and visitation issues as an adjunct to judicial action; prepares a variety of court reports and recommendations; and performs related duties. This classification provides mediation, child custody recommending counseling, and other investigator roles for the Court. The role involves independent work, conducting investigations for probate conservatorships, guardianships, and cases involving child custody disputes, as well as attending hearings and consulting with judicial officers, attorneys, and involved parties.

Responsibilities

• Serves as a Mediator in mediation cases, using best efforts to effect a settlement of custody or visitation disputes that is in the best interest of the child.
• Conducts Court-ordered child custody evaluations under California Rules of Court, Rule 5.220.
• Prepares reports to the Court within required time frames, containing all requested information.
• Interviews parents, children, and collateral parties (e.g., relatives, friends, attorneys, medical and psychiatric staff, county departments, State agencies, and other concerned parties).
• Serves as a Counselor in Child Custody Recommending Counseling sessions and makes recommendations to the Court regarding custody or visitation.
• Reviews, evaluates, and writes reports, rationales, and recommendations for petitions related to assigned cases within established time frames.
• Maintains case records, compiles statistics, and manages a caseload to provide required reports and agreements to the Court in a timely manner.
• Attends hearings and testifies in Court as required.
• Cooperates with other government agencies (e.g., Child Protective Services, law enforcement, Public Defender’s office, District Attorney’s office) on cases.
• Conducts education classes for the public on issues such as divorce, separation, child custody, visitation, and child development.
• Maintains current knowledge in relevant subject matter, including clinical and mediation literature, and recommends policy or rule changes for compliance.
• Attends staff meetings, workshops, seminars, and other continuing education opportunities as directed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master’s Degree or equivalent in social work, psychology, marriage, family and child counseling, or a related behavioral science substantially related to marriage and interpersonal relationships.
• Two years of experience in family and divorce counseling or psychotherapy, preferably in a setting related to family conciliation court and with the ethnic population to be served.
• A valid Class C California driver’s license may be required, depending on the position.

Preferred Qualifications

• Possession of a valid Licensed Clinical Social Worker or Marriage, Family and Child Counselor license issued by the State of California.

Skills

• Knowledge of interviewing, mediation, and negotiation methods, techniques, and procedures.
• Familiarity with the California court system, including statutes and procedures used in family law, juvenile, and probate court.
• Understanding of issues related to child abuse, abandonment, drugs, alcohol, and domestic violence.
• Knowledge of common medical and psychiatric terminology and conditions.
• Proficiency in individual and family counseling techniques.
• Awareness of public and private community resources and referral agencies.
• Understanding of adult psychopathology, child development, and the effects of divorce and domestic violence on children.
• Ability to use modern office technology, including personal computers and software such as word processing, spreadsheets, databases, case management systems, and scheduling programs.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, including correct usage of grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
• Ability to gather and analyze data, evaluate facts and evidence, and develop appropriate responses.
• Understanding of legal/judicial procedures, laws, and local rules related to case evaluation and processing.
• Ability to evaluate and recommend improvements to counseling techniques and procedures.
• Strong interpersonal skills to establish and maintain effective working relationships with Court staff, judicial partners, and the public.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and meet multiple deadlines under pressure.
• Professionalism in maintaining confidential information in accordance with legal standards and regulations.
• Adherence to Court Rules, Personnel Policies, Safety Procedures, Code of Ethics, and Harassment Prevention Policy.

Physical and Mental Demands

• Ability to review, classify, categorize, prioritize, and analyze data.
• Ability to apply principles of persuasion and influence in coordinating activities.
• Ability to operate office equipment, machinery, and tools.
• Strong verbal aptitude for utilizing reference, descriptive, and advisory data.
• Proficiency in basic mathematical operations, including decimals, percentages, fractions, and interpreting graphs.
• Ability to apply principles of influence systems and exercise independent judgment to resolve problems.
• Ability to exercise judgment, decisiveness, and creativity in evaluating information against subjective criteria.

Background Check

Convictions, depending on type, number, and date, may be disqualifying. Court employees are subject to a modified background investigation and fingerprinting. False statements or omissions regarding background or employment history may result in disqualification or dismissal.