Dependency Mediator (Closes 11/16/26)

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

Department: Alternative Dispute Resolution Program

Division: Fifth Judicial District Family Division

Location: 440 Ross Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219

Summary

The Dependency Mediator provides alternative dispute resolution in the form of mediation to litigants in dependency matters. In this role, the mediator encourages and facilitates resolution of disputed issues by fostering joint problem solving, consensus building among parties and exploration of alternative settlements. If hired for this position, you would be an employee of our partner agency, Community Family Advocates.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Conducts court-based mediation in a confidential manner by assisting parties in communicating, understanding the perspectives and positions of one another, as well as the needs of the children in order to resolve disputes.
• Observes, receives and otherwise obtains information from all relevant sources.
• Promotes confidence in mediation as a process; increases self-determination of participants by assisting parties in understanding their own needs and interests as well as the needs and interests of others.
• Drafts relevant paperwork at the conclusion of the session such as case agreements/outcome reports, and ensures the parties' understanding of 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 the ethics and Standards of Conduct adopted by the Pennsylvania Council of Mediators and by the Court's Mediation agreement with the parties.

• Performs other duties related to dependency case processing to support dependency case flow

Supervisory Responsibilities

This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

Additional Responsibilities

From time to time the employee will be required to perform additional tasks and duties as required by the employer.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written.
• Solid understanding of the justice system.
• Ability to identify complex problems and review related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
• Experience in the field of Child Welfare is preferred.
• Capacity to prioritize and multi-task.
• Ability to work independently and display professional conduct at all times.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions, consistent with applicable law.

Education/Experience Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, child development or related field, plus a minimum of 2 years’ professional experience in the social services, therapeutic or counseling field, or related experience working with children and families.

-OR-

Any equivalent combination of education and experience which meets the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

-AND-

Within 6 months of hiring, completion of at least 40 hours of mediation training through the Pennsylvania Council of Mediators, Mediation Council of Western Pennsylvania, or a similar Entity. In addition, completion of 5 Continuing Mediation Education credits on an annual basis.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

Act 33, 34 and FBI clearances.

-AND-

Valid driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle.