Child Custody Recommending Counselor I
Job Announcement
CHILD CUSTODY RECOMMENDING COUNSELOR I
Salary Range: $65,280 – $87,482
JOB OPPORTUNITY
The Superior Court of California, County of Kings, is accepting applications for a full-time Child Custody Recommending Counselor. This classification is unrepresented and at-will.
ABOUT THE POSITION
Mediate child custody and visitation disputes; interviews parents, children, extended family members, review collateral sources and communicate with other agencies as appropriate. Conduct domestic violence assessments, child observations, and evaluate social, family dynamics, and environmental and other aspects of parental responsibilities which directly relate to formulating child custody recommendations; prepares written evaluations and make recommendations to the Court in child custody and visitation cases, guardianships, step-parent adoptions, and actions to release children from parental custody; evaluates and assesses families for referral to appropriate community resources; facilitates supportive family counseling throughout the mediation process; provides clients with a model utilizing communication and problem solving skills for positive co-parenting and resolving future disputes; prepares written stipulations of agreements for disposition by Court; makes appearances and testifies in Court as required; maintains records and statistical information regarding services provided; prepares relevant correspondence; attends meeting, participates in staff training, and represents the Department at various organization and programs; maintains working knowledge of community resources serving children [families] of divorce; reviews journals, literature, and law reviews pertinent to the position. (Essential duties may vary from position to position within classifications. Reasonable accommodation will be made when requested and determined by the Court to be appropriate under applicable law. This position may be assigned any other duties as determined and assigned by the Court Executive Officer or designee.)
KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:
Knowledge of California Court system; statues and procedures used in Family Law Court, Juvenile Court, and Probate Court; social aspects and characteristics of mental and emotional disturbances; crisis intervention and anger management techniques; responsibilities and activities of public and private health, mental health and social service agencies; knowledge of other community referral sources; adult psychopathology and family psychology; child development, child abuse, and the effects of divorces and domestic violence on children; crosscultural issues. Ability to utilize communication and problem solving skills needed to assist parties in reaching amicable resolutions; diagnosis dysfunctional interaction patterns; establish rapport with clients and maintain their confidence and cooperation; follow procedures and rules of the Court; assess dangerous or potentially dangerous situations between clients and intervene appropriately; interpret complex data; analyze situations accurately and plan effective courses of action; establish and maintain effective working relationships with other County departments, with the Superior Court and with the legal and helping professions in the community; communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing; follow departmental safe work practices; safely operate a motor vehicle.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (Education & Experience)
Equivalent to a master’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in clinical psychology, social work, marriage, family and child counseling, behavioral science or a related field AND two years of experience in counseling psychotherapy or related to family conciliation for the courts and with a population similar to that served by the County. (Marriage/family counseling experience may substitute for the degree on a year-for-year basis.)
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Possession of a license issued by the State of California as a Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Marriage, Family and Child Therapist (LFMT) or Clinical Psychologist and completion of Domestic Violence training program in accordance with Section 1816 of the Family Code.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Must possess a valid California Class ‘C” driver’s license. Ability to qualify for a security clearance through fingerprinting, traffic and criminal record background investigation and drug testing. Ability to sit for extended periods; frequently stand and walk; normal manual dexterity; eye-hand coordination; lift and move objects weighing up to twenty (20) pounds; use of office equipment, including computer, telephone, calculator, copier, and fax machine. Travel will be required outside of Kings County to attend meetings, conferences, and trainings.
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
The Superior Court provides a comprehensive package of employee benefits. Our programs include medical, dental and vision insurance, health and dependent care flexible spending accounts, term life insurance, long term disability and accident insurance and other employee benefits. The court makes considerable contributions to health and retirement benefits on behalf of the employees.
The court also provides paid time-off:
• Paid Holidays – Full-time employees receive 13 paid holidays
• Paid Annual Leave – Full-time employees initially accrue 22.5 days per year, accruals increase based on years of service
Health Insurance: The court offers three levels of medical coverage for employees to elect. The court pays 100% of the employee medical, dental and vision premiums and contributes a substantial amount towards dependent(s) coverage. Employees who waive court-sponsored medical insurance and who provide proof of other group medical insurance are eligible to receive $274 per pay period (24 periods per year) in-lieu of courtsponsored medical insurance.
Life Insurance: The court gives you the ability to help financially protect your family/beneficiaries with Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance. You have the option to supplement the court-paid $40,000 policy with life insurance for family members and additional coverage for yourself through Voluntary Life Insurance.
Retirement: The court pays a considerable bi-weekly contribution on behalf of the employee to California Public Employee Retirement System (CALPERS). All regular employees are required to enroll in CALPERS and contribute 6.5% bi-weekly for the defined benefit plan [2% at age 62].
Deferred Compensation: The court offers employees the ability to participate in a 457 deferred-compensation plan.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP): The court provides employees with support for a wide variety of challenges through EAP. Benefits include up to three (3) sessions, every sick (6) months of face-to-face confidential counseling.
CLOSING DATE
Friday, September 30th 5 p.m.