Under general direction, the Mediator/Child Custody Recommending Counselors (CCRC) provides mediation services to litigants seeking to resolve child custody and visitation disputes or issues. At the request of the Court, the Mediator/CCRC may suggest proposed orders for consideration if the parties are unable to reach agreement.
The Mediator/CCRC requires knowledge of family dynamics, the developmental needs of children, mental health challenges, substance abuse, domestic violence, child abuse, and the dynamics of divorce. Successful candidates will be skilled in 1) mitigating conflict 2) interacting with clients from a variety of cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds and with differing abilities, 3) maintaining impartiality in the emotionally charged environment of custody litigation and 4) clear oral and written communication.
Candidates should be able to demonstrate a commitment to public service and familiarity with agencies or government systems. Spanish language ability is desired.
Note: Position may be eligible for remote work, with in-person on-site work required as needed.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives general direction from the Supervising Child Custody Recommending Counselor. This position does not exercise direct supervision over other staff.
Class Characteristics: While not all issues are resolved during a given mediation, the mediator makes custody and visitation recommendations for the Court’s consideration when making Orders. As needed, recommendations may be offered on issues of legal custody; when and how much time the child will spend with each parent or party, including holidays and school vacations; and, when, where, and how the child will move between households.
This is an experienced professional classification. Incumbents work independently, are fully aware of the operating practices and procedures of the unit and receive occasional instruction or assistance.
Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.
California law requires that parties to custody disputes mediate prior to a hearing. Mediator/CCRCs conduct mediation sessions daily (currently via Zoom) to facilitate child-focused discussions and develop resolutions that serve the best interests of involved children. Agreements are drafted for the Court’s review as proposed orders. Unresolved issues are clarified and narrowed to assist the judicial officer.
Mediator/CCRCs occasionally conduct investigations and write reports with recommendations to the Court regarding petitions to terminate parental rights, stepparent adoption requests and a minor’s request for permission to marry.
CCRCs may also be required to provide mediation services to parents or other individuals involved in guardianship matters and those related to juvenile dependency/delinquency cases.
The Court will provide training to assist the CCRC in meeting or exceeding the requirements outlined in the applicable statutes and Rules of Court.
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:
For Family Law conciliation assignments, employees must meet criteria outlined in the Family Code Section 1815 and 1816. The code specifies that persons employed in this capacity must possess:
(1) 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,
AND
(2) At least two years of experience in counseling or psychotherapy preferably in a setting related to the areas of responsibility of the family conciliation court and with the diverse population to be served.
Knowledge of:
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Principles and techniques of mediation and dispute resolution.
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Counseling techniques.
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Child development.
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Psychology of the family unit and family dysfunction .
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Adult psychopathology.
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Effects of domestic violence on children and domestic violence screening approaches.
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Signs and symptoms of child abuse and abuse reporting laws.
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Signs and symptoms of substance abuse.
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Community resource referrals.
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Organization of the judicial system and basic court etiquette.
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Correct English language usage.
Ability to:
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Mediate child custody disputes in person or remotely.
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Establish rapport, respond tactfully and engage in effective problem-solving with a varied clientele under stress.
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Maintain impartiality and examine personal biases.
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Recognize and maintain confidentiality related to Court documents.
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Interview adults and children related to sensitive issues.
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Reach logical and sound conclusions based upon facts and conflicting information.
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Prioritize work independently and meet deadlines.
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Identify appropriate community resources.
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Use a computer and standard office equipment to prepare professional documents for review by the court, parties and attorneys.
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Interact diplomatically and effectively with a variety of partners within the Court and community.
Requirements within the first six to twelve months: All Family Court Services Child Custody Recommending Counselors must complete a minimum of 40 hours of initial custody and visitation mediation training within the first 6 months of employment as a court-connected CCRC. Additionally, all CCRCs must complete 16 hours of advanced domestic violence training within the first 12 months of employment as governed by Family Codes §1815 and §1816 and California Rule of Court 5.215.
Continuing Education Requirements: Per Family Codes Sections §1815 and §1816, all CCRCs must complete 8 hours of related continuing education programs, conferences and workshops each calendar year. Additionally, per California Rule of Court 5.215, Family Court Services staff must complete 4 hours of domestic violence training each calendar year.
PROCESS TO APPLY:
Please apply online at: http://sonoma.courts.ca.gov/info/jobs
APPLICATION SUBMISSIONS REQUIRE THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE BE COMPLETED.
The selection procedure will consist of an application with supplemental questionnaire screening and a panel interview process.
Please list all employers and positions held within the last ten years in the work history section of the application and be as thorough as possible when responding to the supplemental questions. You may include history beyond ten years if related to the position.
Each application and supplemental questionnaire will be thoroughly evaluated for satisfaction of minimum qualifications and relevance of educational coursework, training, experience, and knowledge and abilities which relate to the position. Candidates possessing the most appropriate job-related qualifications will be invited to an interview.
The Superior Court of California, County of Sonoma is committed to creating a diverse environment and an open, inclusive culture free from bias. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Accommodation:
Applicants with a disability who may require special assistance in any step of the selection process should advise Human Resources by emailing [email protected] upon submittal of application.
Background Investigation:
Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a thorough background check, including verification of prior employment, and the provision of appropriate identifying documents to certify eligibility to work in the United States. Please be advised that finalist(s) must be fingerprinted for criminal record check purposes and that continued employment is contingent upon information received in the report. Convictions, depending upon the type, number and date, may be disqualifying. False statements or omission of facts regarding background or employment history may result in disqualification or dismissal.
