Child Custody Recommending Counselor/Mediator

Superior Court of California, County of Riverside; Riverside (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Superior Court of California, County of Riverside, seeks a skilled Child Custody Recommending Counselor/Mediator to join Family Court Services. This role applies clinical and mediation expertise to support children and families in custody matters.

You will mediate, assess family dynamics, and prepare professional written recommendations for the Court when agreements aren’t reached, ensuring best interests of children are central to planning.

Qualifications

• Master's degree required in a behavioral science related to marriage and family interpersonal relationships.
• Minimum of two years of counseling or psychotherapy experience.
• Must meet California Family Code Sections 1815 and 1816 requirements for Family Law conciliation assignments.

Responsibilities

• Conduct confidential mediation involving child custody and visitation matters.
• Interview parents and review court case information to identify issues and explore resolution opportunities.
• Facilitate negotiations and help parties develop child custody and visitation agreements.
• Prepare clear, objective written recommendations for the Court when parties cannot reach an agreement.
• Assess risk factors affecting children's safety and well-being (DV, substances, abuse).
• Collaborate with CPS, therapists, minors' counsel, school personnel, monitors, and law enforcement.

Education

Master's degree in psychology, social work, marriage, family and child counseling, or related behavioral science

Job description

Welcome

The Superior Court of California, County of Riverside is seeking a skilled Child Custody Recommending Counselor/Mediator to join our Family Court Services team. This is a unique opportunity to apply your clinical and mediation expertise in a setting where your work can have a meaningful and lasting impact on children and families.

As a Child Custody Recommending Counselor/Mediator, you will work with parents navigating child custody and visitation disputes, helping them explore solutions that support the best interests of their children.

You will conduct confidential mediation, assess complex family dynamics, facilitate productive discussions between parties, and work toward mutually acceptable parenting plans. When an agreement cannot be reached, you will evaluate the information presented and prepare a professional written recommendation for the Court.

What You’ll Do

• Conduct confidential mediation involving child custody and visitation matters.
• Interview parents and review court case information to identify issues and explore opportunities for resolution.
• Facilitate negotiations and help parties develop child custody and visitation agreements.
• Prepare clear, objective, and well-supported written recommendations for the Court when parties are unable to reach an agreement.
• Assess risk factors that may affect the safety and well-being of children, including domestic violence, substance abuse, and child abuse concerns.
• Collaborate with professionals and agencies such as Child Protective Services, therapists, minors' counsel, school personnel, supervised visitation monitors, and law enforcement.
• Provide professional guidance and information to the Court, parties, attorneys, community agencies, and members of the public.
• Stay current on developments in family law, child development, mental health, family dynamics, mediation, and alternative dispute resolution.
• Provide testimony when ordered by the Court or subpoenaed.

What We’re Looking For

The ideal candidate is an experienced counseling professional who is comfortable navigating high-conflict and emotionally sensitive situations while maintaining professionalism, neutrality, and discretion.

Successful Candidates Will Demonstrate Strong Skills In

• Mediation, negotiation, and conflict resolution
• Counseling and interviewing
• Assessing complex and conflicting information
• Family dynamics and child development
• Identifying concerns involving domestic violence, abuse, and substance abuse
• Written analysis and professional report writing
• Managing a demanding caseload and competing priorities
• Communicating effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds
• Exercising independent judgment in sensitive situations

Minimum Qualifications

A master's degree in psychology, social work, marriage, family and child counseling, or another behavioral science substantially related to marriage and family interpersonal relationships.

Experience

At least two years of experience in counseling or psychotherapy, preferably in a setting related to the responsibilities of a family conciliation court and serving diverse populations.

Candidates must also meet the applicable requirements of California Family Code Sections 1815 and 1816 for Family Law conciliation assignments.