JOB
Level I $90,315 - $109,164Level II $94,694 - $114,499
The primary role of the Counselor is to conduct child custody recommending counseling in custody and/or visitation disputes as required by California Family Code and California Rules of Court. The Counselor provides a wide variety of reports and recommendations to the Court regarding family law and probate matters.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISITICS:
This is the first level in the Child Custody Recommending Counselor class series. Under general supervision, incumbents provide child custody counseling; provide clients with a model utilizing communication and problem-solving skills for resolving disputes; prepare written evaluations, reports and recommendations to the Court.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED-
The Director of Family Court and Special Services, the Family Court Services Coordinator or higher-level manager.
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
(Essential duties may vary from position to position within this classification. Reasonable accommodation will be made when requested and determined by the Court to be appropriate under applicable law.)
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Summarize the results of child custody counseling activities and act as an expert witness for the court both verbally and in writing, including resolutions of disputes or recommendations for settlement; may draft settlement agreement stipulations;
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Mediate disputes concerning parenting arrangements in cases involving divorce, separation, paternity, guardianships, temporary restraining orders, and juvenile dependency;
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Interview, investigate, prepare reports and make recommendations in Custody matters, Guardianship visitation, Free from Parental Custody and Control, Step-Parent Adoptions, Juvenile Dependency, Pre-age Marriages and Emancipation;
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Access and evaluate collateral information from such sources as law enforcement, 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;
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Assess domestic violence risk and develop family safety plans;
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Keep records and maintain statistical information regarding services provided;
- Serve as informational resource regarding custody related matter to the public, attorneys, and agencies who seek assistance:
- Act as liaison with other government and private sector organizations related to Family Law and Probate matters;
- Assist in conducting education classes for the public dealing with the issues of divorce, separation, child custody, visitation and child development;
- Provide work direction and guidance on program policies, procedures and activities for professional level staff engaged in mediation and counseling activities; schedule, assign, and review the work of mediator/counselors; perform similar work;
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Attend meetings, participate in staff training, and represent the office at various organizations and programs;
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Serve as a representative of the Court, displaying courtesy, tact, consideration and discretion in all interactions with other members of the Court community and with the public.
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Perform other duties as assigned. *Level II only
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
WORKING CONDITIONS
The demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met or are encountered by an employee while successfully performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Regularly Required:
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Sit at a desk and/or in front of a computer video display terminal
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Twist and bend neck
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Repetitive hand movement while performing computer data entry as well as writing
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Stand and/or bend at waist
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Report and/or traverse to work at various court divisions as assigned
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Potential exposure to individuals with illnesses
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Reach above and/or below shoulder height
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Tolerate mild exposure to dust
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Stand, kneel, crouch or stoop while retrieving materials
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Grasp, lift and move items weighing up to 10 lbs.
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Climb on stepstool to retrieve materials
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Tolerate a mild noise level
