Custody Evaluator/Social Worker - Counselor

Hamilton County, Ohio; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 42,705 - 55,104; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Wellness Program

Access to Marathon Health Clinics

Generous paid time off

Employee Assistance Program

Flexible spending accounts

Job summary

Hamilton County, Ohio is seeking a Custody Evaluator/Social Worker to conduct custody evaluations and provide counseling services. This full-time role requires a Master’s Degree in Social Work, with interviews and tasks focused on family dynamics, child development, and legal procedures.

The position offers a competitive hourly wage of $31.31 and includes a comprehensive benefits package such as medical, dental, and vision insurance, generous paid time off, and participation in the Ohio Public Employees Retirement System (OPERS).

Qualifications

• 2 years of experience as a social worker or counselor in a related field.
• Valid license to practice Social Work and/or Counseling issued by the State of Ohio.

Responsibilities

• Investigate and perform interviews for custody cases.
• Teach 'Parenting Through Transitions' class.
• Participate in staff meetings and ongoing education.

Skills

Clinical interviewing techniques

Conflict/dispute resolution

Knowledge of family dynamics

Understanding child development

Legal concepts and court procedures

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Zoom Video Communications

Education

Master’s Degree in Social Work or Counseling

Job description

Position Title

Custody Evaluator/Social Worker - Counselor

Location

Cincinnati, Ohio

Deadline to Apply

Open Until Filled

Work Location

Hamilton County Domestic Relations Court
800 Broadway
Cincinnati, OH 45202

Work Hours

Full-time / 70 hours bi-weekly
8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday

Starting Salary

$31.31 hourly, non-exempt

INCLUDES

• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Wellness Program that offers cash incentives, free wellness screenings, and more.
• Access to Marathon Health Clinics in Cincinnati, offering services such as primary care, illness and injury care, labs, medication dispensing, and wellness services - all at no cost!
• Generous paid time off including vacation, personal days, sick leave, and 11 government holidays.
• Employee Assistance Program which offers support for a variety of work/life issues and includes up to 10 free counseling sessions per year.
• Flexible, tax-free spending accounts for costs related to healthcare, dependent care, and parking/transportation.
• Participation in the Ohio Public Employees Retirement System (OPERS).

Essential Functions

50–80%: 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.

20–30%: 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. Assist the Court with litigants considering reconciliation.

5–10%: Participate in staff meetings, supervision, in‑service trainings, and ongoing education to enhance professional knowledge. 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.

Other Duties and Responsibilities - 5–10%

Maintain computer statistical database, including recording result codes and closing cases in the court management system. Any and all other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Abilities, and Skills (may Be Developed After Employment)

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. Must be professional at all times and able to work cooperatively and respectfully with all attorneys, litigants, Court employees, and persons from other courts, agencies, and related departments. Maintain punctual and regular attendance, proper dress, and a positive attitude.

Skill 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.

Minimum 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.

Physical Demands

Work may involve a significant amount of standing, walking, sitting, talking, listening, stooping, crouching, and reaching with hands and arms. Ability to transfer up to 25 pounds. Ability to sit continuously at a computer terminal for periods of up to three hours. Ability to reach into file drawers in standard four‑drawer file cabinets. Visual ability sufficient to effectively operate a copier, facsimile machine, and a computer terminal, and to read reports, correspondence, and instructions. Hearing ability sufficient to converse with other individuals, both in person and by telephone. Speaking ability sufficient to communicate effectively with other individuals in person and by telephone.

Licensure or Certification Requirements

Valid license to practice Social Work and/or Counseling issued by the State of Ohio, Counselor and Social Worker Board.

This position description in no manner states or implies that these are the only duties and responsibilities to be performed by the position incumbent. The incumbent will be required to follow the instructions and perform the duties required by the incumbent’s supervisor, appointing authority or designee.