Program Assistant

About the role

Child and Family Services Community Mediation Center (CMC) helps individuals and organizations throughout WNY to have difficult conversations through mediation, conflict coaching, and Restorative Justice initiatives toward peaceful and meaningful solutions and resolving disagreement. CMC is part of a statewide network of Community Dispute Resolution Centers that provides free and low-cost dispute resolution programs supporting disputing parties to develop their own solutions to matters that might otherwise bring them to court or have already put them in litigation.

Responsibilities

• Provide general administrative support for the operations team and program associate functions.
• Cover community and small claims intake by answering and addressing incoming calls and monitoring the Mediate email.
• Retrieve referrals and create electronic case records for family court cases; assist with case closure as needed, with great attention to detail.
• Assist operations manager with the management of invoices, billing, and voucher payments.
• Assist operations coordinator with volunteer and case record management and reporting.
• Assist the operations team with development, review, and revision of SOPs.
• Handle office management duties for Jamestown and other satellite offices.
• Screen and intake: talk with community members about their disputes, explain services, and support individuals sharing emotional and difficult stories.
• Screen parties to determine the appropriateness of mediation or conflict coaching and their ability to engage effectively.
• Track, manage, and close cases.
• Host mediation sessions, either virtual or in-person at CMC offices or satellite locations as needed.
• Participate in mediation training and apprenticeship program; mediate as needed.
• Maintain CLM database and MDR files.
• Model and practice sensitivity, fair treatment, and acceptance of diversity in all interpersonal interactions.

Requirements

• A High School Diploma/GED or equivalent knowledge and experience with conflict resolution and direct client service.
• Experience in mediation, conflict resolution, and/or working with people in high-conflict situations.
• Excellent interpersonal engagement skills to put people at ease quickly over the telephone and in person.
• Available to work altered schedule including evening or weekend hours from time to time as needed.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs and online conferencing platforms.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and within a team-based environment.
• Must be able to access multi-level buildings.
• Willingness and ability to travel to and work in a variety of settings, including virtually, within CFS office, courts, and community offices.
• Must be able to read, speak, and write in English.

Schedule

35 hours per week, 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM Monday through Friday. Available to work altered schedule including evening or weekend hours from time to time as needed.

Pay

Competitive pay range of $23-$25 per hour based on education and experience.

Benefits

• Paid Time Off (PTO): 20 PTO days (25 days after five years of employment).
• 14 paid holidays (includes 2 flex holidays).
• Bereavement: four paid days.
• Paid jury duty.
• Employer-paid life insurance.
• Medical: two plan options.
• Dental: two plan options.
• Vision insurance.
• Wellness program and incentives.
• Health Savings Account (HSA) and quarterly employer contributions.
• Healthcare Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
• Dependent Care FSA.
• Employee referral bonus.
• Qualifying employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF).
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer contributions after two years (1,000 hours each year).