County Court Mediator

Responsibilities

• Facilitates discussions and communications between the parties.
• Helps the parties reach an equitable settlement of their differences.
• Reviews cases referred to the program for appropriateness.
• Conducts mediations, facilitating the discussion of legal issues between involved parties for court referred cases.
• Advises parties concerning the mediation process.
• Presents settlement agreements, court orders or no agreement reports on all cases mediated.
• Prepares related documents to dispose of cases; submits agreements and documents to parties and judge for review and incorporation into final orders.
• Drafts court orders and forms to expedite case processing.
• Prepares and maintains statistical records and reports.
• Completes continuing education training on a regular basis to maintain mediation certification; and stays abreast of current standards and practices for certified and court appointed mediators.
• Travels to all court houses within Miami-Dade County.
• Performs other office related work as required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, law or a closely related field.
• Four (4) years of related experience.
• Florida Supreme Court Certification in County Court Mediation.
• Additional relevant experience may substitute for the recommended educational level on a year-for-year basis.
• Additional relevant education may substitute for the recommended experience on a year-for-year basis.
• Dual certification in Family or Dependency preferred.
• Bilingual in English/Spanish or English/Creole preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs)

• Experience in the legal system.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, Outlook and zoom platform.
• Thorough knowledge of Florida law, court rules and statutes pertaining to the required areas of Mediator certification.
• Thorough knowledge of conflict resolution techniques and negotiations processes and practices.
• Knowledge of group dynamics and interaction in person as well as remotely.
• Knowledge of and ability to apply methods of data collection and analysis.
• Ability to maintain integrity, impartiality, and professional competence are essential qualifications.
• Ability to prepare and maintain confidential case records.
• Ability to maintain an objective viewpoint and offer non-judgmental alternatives in highly emotional situations.
• Ability to deal with the very personal and the sensitive nature of certain family dynamics/issues.
• Ability to apply specialized knowledge to individual cases and problems.
• Ability to prepare for hearings, hear difficult cases, mediate multi-issue cases and prepare related documents including mediated agreement, reports to the court and any other document necessary for case management.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to present material clearly and logically in oral and written form to pro se and represented parties.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to work independently and establish work priorities.
• Ability to listen, talk, walk, sit, stand, reach with hands and carry a court file.
• Ability to travel to all courthouses is required.