Court Mediator

Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The Court in California seeks a journey-level Mediator to provide orientation, mediation, and Court-ordered investigations in child custody/visitation cases and related juvenile dependency matters. This role involves working with judicial officers, attorneys, and families, including high-conflict situations.

The position emphasizes mediation, risk assessment, and education services for parties, with opportunities to testify as an expert witness and to contribute to court timelines.

Qualifications

• Requires California State license as a psychotherapist or related licensure and at least 2 years in family court services or related fields.
• Or a master's degree in psychology, social work, marriage and child counseling, or related behavioral science with at least 5 years in family court services or related fields.
• Bilingual Spanish speaking ability is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Assist Court and families in resolving child custody and visitation disputes through mediation and investigations.
• Provide mediation/investigations in Juvenile Dependency or contested guardianship cases as directed by Court.
• Provide orientation and parent education services to parties.
• Observe and assess risk factors including domestic violence and child abuse; report as required by law.
• Testify in Court as expert witness when required; other duties as assigned.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Skills

Mediation

Investigations

Court testimony

Bilingual Spanish

Education

California State license as a psychotherapist or related licensure

Master's degree in psychology, social work, or related behavioral science

Tools

Court technologies

Job description

DEFINITION

Under direction, this position provides orientation, mediation, evaluation, and Court-ordered investigations in child custody/visitation Court cases and may provide mediation, investigations in Juvenile Dependency and contested relative guardianship Court cases.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is a journey level position that works closely with judicial officers, attorneys, county agencies, and unrepresented litigants. This class is distinguished from the Senior Mediator class in that the latter has supervisory authority of assigned Family Court Services staff.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

• Assists the Court and families in resolving child custody and visitation disputes by providing mediation services; provides investigations, assessments, and recommendations as required by law and as directed by the Court;
• Provides mediation and investigation in Juvenile Dependency and/or contested guardianship cases as directed by the Court;
• Provides orientation and parent education services for the parties involved in disputes;
• Observes and assesses risk factors, including domestic violence and child abuse issues and potential for danger to self and others; takes appropriate action including statutory reporting requirements;
• Testifies in Court as the Court's expert witness, subject to cross-examination;
• Performs other related duties as required.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

• A California State license as a psychotherapist or other related licensure, and at least two (2) years of experience in Family court services, family counseling and/or clinical assessment;
• -OR-
• A master's degree in psychology, social work, marriage and child counseling, or other behavioral science substantially related to marriage and family interpersonal relationships, and at least five (5) years of experience in Family court services, family counseling and/or clinical assessment;
• Bilingual Spanish speaking ability is highly desirable.

KNOWLEDGE OF

• Family systems and pathology, crisis intervention techniques, child development, effects of childhood trauma and abuse, clinical issues relating to children, the effects of domestic violence, and parental chemical dependency on children and child custody research sufficient to enable the counselor to assess the mental health needs of children;
• Diagnostic skill and familiarity with both normal and dysfunctional interaction patterns;
• Community resources in order to make appropriate and/or legally mandated reports or referrals;
• California Court systems and procedures related to family law, visitation, custody, rights of parties, mediation, etc.

ABILITY TO

• Understand, apply, and explain legal terminology and procedures;
• Accurately implement and comply with court processes, rules, policies, and procedures;
• Work with and effectively manage families in high conflict who may also be dealing with issues of domestic violence, substance abuse, child abuse, and criminal behavior;
• Interact appropriately with judges, court staff, attorneys, and the public. Follow oral and written instructions; organize and maintain records; work effectively to meet court deadlines; prepare standardized forms accurately; communicate effectively orally and in writing; work well under pressure and in stressful situations; exercise good judgment, confidentiality, tact and initiative; work cooperatively and courteously with others;
• Effectively and efficiently use Court technologies;
• Understand and follow written and oral instructions; work independently; work with time restraints; work under pressure; adapt to varying circumstances, and use sound judgment in the performance of duties.
• Review and analyze information which is highly sensitive and may be unsettling and/or explicit.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The work environment is generally clean, inside buildings, with limited exposure to dust, fumes, odors, and noise. Possess and maintain ability to drive for field travel. Incumbents will be working under sometimes difficult and stressful conditions, with frequent deadlines and expectation to produce high quality work under limited time constraints as well as periodic contact with angry and confrontational individuals. The ability to work independently as well as closely with others is required.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Frequent and ongoing use of Court technology to conduct a variety of functions;
• Regular contact with the public, with the ability to converse and respond appropriately with tact and decorum.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Dexterity, coordination, and/or ability to use a computer keyboard and read a video display terminal on a regular basis;
• Sitting for long periods of time is periodically required;
• The ability to lift objects weighing up to 10 lbs.

EXAMINATION

A screening panel will be convened to select those applicants deemed most qualified to participate in a written and/or oral examination. The examination process will include one or more of the following: application appraisal; written examination; oral examination.

Equal Opportunity Employment

The Court is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, and veteran or disability status. The Court provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. If you are disabled as defined by the Federal Americans with Disabilities Act or the California Fair Employment and Housing Act and will be requesting an accommodation, please contact Human Resources at [e-mail] or call [phone], to discuss your request. TDD communication is available by calling [phone].

The Court must verify the identity and employment authorization of all new employees to comply with the 1986 Immigration Reform & Control Act. This verification is required only after an offer of employment has been made. For further information regarding the required verification, please contact Human Resources at [phone].

BENEFITS

The Court offers a benefits package includes a choice of health, dental and vision plan, membership in the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) as permitted by law, life insurance, paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave.