Child Welfare Mediation Specialist

Allegheny County Department of Human Services; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Allegheny County Department of Human Services seeks a Dependency Mediator to provide court-based mediation for dependency matters. The role fosters joint problem solving, consensus building, and exploration of alternative settlements, under the umbrella of the Alternative Dispute Resolution Program.

The successful candidate will conduct confidential mediations, draft outcome reports, and support data maintenance while upholding ethics and standards mandated by state and Court guidelines.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, child development or related field.
• Minimum of 2 years of professional experience in social services, therapeutic or counseling field, or related experience working with children and families.
• Within 6 months of hiring, completion of at least 40 hours of mediation training.
• Annual requirement of 5 Continuing Mediation Education credits.

Responsibilities

• Conducts court-based mediation in a confidential manner to help parties communicate and resolve disputes.
• Observes and gathers information from relevant sources.
• Promotes confidence in mediation and helps participants understand their needs and interests.
• Drafts case agreements/outcome reports and ensures parties understand the agreement.
• Collects data and assists with data maintenance for completed sessions.
• Serves as an information source to the court and collaborative agencies.
• Abides by ethics and Standards of Conduct.

Skills

Excellent communication

Understanding of justice system

Problem solving

Independent work

Multitasking

Professional conduct

Education

Bachelor’s degree in psychology

Bachelor’s degree in social work

Bachelor’s degree in child development

2+ years social services experience

Mediation training within 6 months

5 Continuing Mediation Education credits yearly

Job description

Allegheny County Department of Human Services seeks a Dependency Mediator to provide court-based mediation for dependency matters. The role fosters joint problem solving, consensus building, and exploration of alternative settlements, under the umbrella of the Alternative Dispute Resolution Program.

The successful candidate will conduct confidential mediations, draft outcome reports, and support data maintenance while upholding ethics and standards mandated by state and Court guidelines.