Custody Evaluator/Social Worker - Counselor

About the role

The Custody Evaluator/Social Worker - Counselor position is located in the Domestic Relations Court in Hamilton County, Cincinnati, Ohio. This position is open until filled and offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance, wellness programs, access to health clinics, and employee assistance programs.

Responsibilities

• Investigate, perform interviews, and write reports for contested custody cases.
• Interview litigants and their children, assess parental functioning and parent/child relationships utilizing clinical techniques with a focus on family dynamics and child development issues.
• Document communication between family members.
• Gather pertinent collateral information from community resources such as therapists, medical providers, and schools.
• Collect and synthesize data to generate comprehensive, well-written recommendations for judicial officers to assist in resolving cases.
• Testify at court proceedings to support the recommendations.
• Teach “Parenting Through Transitions” class.
• Mediate pre- and post-decree cases to resolve parenting issues.
• Evaluate cases for the neutral evaluation dispute resolution process.
• Facilitate drug and alcohol screens and provide the Court a written report summarizing the results.
• Aid the Court with litigants considering reconciliation.

Other duties and responsibilities

• Maintain computer statistical database, including recording result codes and closing cases in the court management system.
• Schedule court hearings and send correspondence to parties and counsel, as needed.
• Maintain professional license.
• Mentor co-workers and review and edit co-workers’ reports.

Knowledge, Abilities, and Skills

• Knowledge of clinical interviewing techniques, conflict/dispute resolution techniques, divorce and family dynamics, and child developmental issues, as well as court procedures, legal concepts, and legal language.
• Applicable procedures and practices of the Court of Domestic Relations; including familiarity with the Court’s Local Rules, personnel policies, and proper courtroom etiquette.
• Basic computer and office equipment skills including Microsoft Word, Excel, and Zoom Video Communications.
• Ability to write clearly without grammatical/spelling errors or omissions.
• Interview challenging, high-conflict clients.
• Assess family dynamics and capacity to parent.
• Interview children of varying ages and provide clinical insight as to their best interests.
• Advocate for the best interest of the child.
• Provide recommendations based on sound professional practice.
• Provide clear testimony in court trials.
• Manage extensive caseload including a high level of accountability.
• Understand and navigate community resources.
• Ability to work under pressure, maintain composure in dealing with potentially difficult litigants, and accept constructive criticism and direction.
• Maintain punctual and regular attendance, proper dress, and a positive attitude.
• Skills in assessment of divorce dynamics; managing high-conflict adults in an interview format, interviewing children and other involved parties.
• Writing clear, concise reports with sound recommendations and testifying to explain recommendations.
• Completing tasks on time and free from excessive and/or recurring mistakes.
• Maintaining deadlines.
• Organizational ability, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence.
• Communication with staff and others, both orally and in written form.
• Operation of basic office machines, equipment, and Windows-based computer systems.
• Courteous telephone etiquette.

Qualifications

• Must possess a Master’s Degree in Social Work or Counseling and 2 years of experience as a social worker, counselor, or in a related field.
• Valid license to practice Social Work and/or Counseling issued by the State of Ohio, Counselor and Social Worker Board.