Lead Child Custody Recommending Counselor (Internal Only)

An eligibility list will be established as a result of this recruitment and may be used to fill other vacancies in the future. Only incumbents who meet the minimum qualifications by the final filing date may apply.

Examples of Duties

Under general direction of the Family Court Services (FCS) Manager, the Lead Mediator/CCRC conducts mediation (Tier 1), information gathering (Tier II), and child custody recommending counseling (Tier Ill) appointments and prepares corresponding agreements and reports.

The position will also provide clinical and operations guidance to subordinate Mediators/CCRCs. The Lead Mediator/CCRC shall be responsible for monitoring FCS staff training needs and reporting those needs to the FCS Manager. They may also identify resources for meeting these needs. The Lead Mediator/CCRC will be responsible for training newly hired subordinate staff Mediators/CCRCs.

This position is different than the Mediator/CCRC in that the Lead Mediator/CCRC will carry an up to 80% mediation/CCRC workload and will provide guidance to subordinate Mediators/CCRCs, except when training new employees, during which time the caseload would not exceed 60%. The 80% mediation/CCRC appointment workload may include appointment coverage related to absent subordinate Mediators/CCRCs.

Individuals appointed to this position must be able to work well with others, as well as work independently, and must possess good interpersonal and oral communication skills. Regular and punctual attendance is essential.

Duties that may be assigned include, but are not limited to the following:

• Facilitating agreements and/or modifications of agreements between parents regarding custody and visitation;
• Accessing and evaluating collateral information from such sources as law enforcement, public child welfare, mental health treatment providers, health care providers, and schools to aid in preparing reports regarding parenting plans that best meet the needs of children;
• Assessing domestic violence risk and developing family safety plans;
• Preparing a wide variety of reports and correspondence;
• Making written recommendations to the court regarding the disposition of disputed cases;
• Testifying in court in contested cases;
• Providing community resource information for further services;
• Conducting education group/parent orientation programs;
• The Lead Mediator/CCRC shall, when available, conduct FCS appointments due to Mediator/CCRC absences in order to avoid cancellations and/or rescheduling appointments without at least seven days' notice to litigants;
• Consulting with subordinate Mediators/CCRCs about clinical and procedural questions or concerns; assist subordinate Mediators/CCRCs in order to ensure compliance with laws, rules of court, policies/procedures and the directives of the FCS Manager;
• Reviewing and approving staff reports/recommendations as needed;
• Reviewing internal operational procedures and forms and making suggestions to the FCS Manager for changes to increase operational efficiency;
• Monitoring the online FCS Orientation, Non-Professional Supervisor Class and any other FCS staffed workshops and classes to ensure the workshops and classes are properly staffed and executed;
• Training newly hired subordinate Mediators/CCRCs;
• Providing the FCS Manager with suggestions for staff meeting and/or bench meeting agenda items;
• Attending local, county, and state-wide meetings as needed;
• Providing input to the FCS Manager regarding subordinate Mediators/CCRCs performance;
• Assisting in FCS operations when necessary; and
• Other related duties as assigned.

Minimum/Desirable Qualifications

The IDEAL CANDIDATE should have:

Knowledge of:

• Principles and techniques used in family court mediation/child custody recommending counseling and the function of Family Court Services in the courts;
• Law, regulations, rules of court, and court procedures governing family court services programs;
• Resources in the community to which clients can be referred for assistance; and
• Effects of divorce and domestic violence on children.

Ability to:

• Analyze and evaluate complex interpersonal and family relationships;
• Communicate effectively both orally and in written form;
• Prepare clear and concise reports/recommendations; and
• Train and mentor new mediators/CCRCs.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education:

• Possession of a master's degree in psychology, social work, marriage, family and child counseling or other behavioral science substantially related to marriage and family interpersonal relationships.

Or

• Doctorate in psychology from an accredited college or university.

Experience:

• Three (3) years of post-degree experience in counseling or psychotherapy preferably in a setting related to the areas of responsibility of the Family Court Services program and serving a diverse population.
• Experience in a leadership role that included supervising and/or directing professional staff (e.g. mediators, therapist, social workers).

Desirable Qualifications:

• Licensure: A valid license as a clinical social worker (LCSW) issued by the State of California, Board of Behavioral Science Examiners; a valid license as a marriage and family therapist (MFT) issued by the State of California, Board of Behavioral Science Examiners; or a valid license as a psychologist issued by the State of California Board of Medical Quality Assurance, Psychology Examining Committee; and
• Bilingual proficiency in Spanish.

Supplemental Information

Application and Selection Process:

Interested individuals must complete a Court application on-line and provide a valid email address. To apply, go to: https://contracosta.courts.ca.gov/general-information/employment-career-opportunities and click on the Current Employment Opportunities link. After submitting your application, all subsequent communications will be via email. Please add contracosta.courts.ca.gov and info@governmentjobs.com to your email address book to ensure delivery of emails. For additional information email: jobs@contracosta.courts.ca.gov.

Depending on the number of applications received, an application evaluation committee may be convened to review and evaluate each candidate's application package, and those deemed best qualified will be invited to an oral interview. The court reserves the right to revise this process in accordance with Court Personnel Plan and accepted selection practices.

Applicants with Disabilities

Reasonable accommodations will be made so applicants with disabilities may participate in the recruitment process. Please advise Superior Court Human Resources of special needs in advance.

The Court is an equal opportunity employer. The Court provides equal employment opportunity at all times and does not discriminate in violation of applicable law.