Position: Family Court Specialist

Salary: $ 50,185/yr

Department: Domestic Relations Counseling Bureau Location: 820 County-City Building

Description:

This position is full-time, non-exempt and is covered under the Saint Joseph County Employee Policy Manual.

Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Shift Times: Monday through Friday

Essential Functions:

(May perform any or all of the below listed duties. These should be interpreted as examples of the work and are not all-inclusive. Functions may be changed at any time depending upon operational requirements of the department and within the parameters of the post held by employee.)

· Conducts office and field investigations and interviews parents, minors, and other case-related persons (i.e., school officials, law enforcement personnel, social service personnel); makes residential visits for evaluation of minor’s home environment and living conditions.

· Obtains, reviews, and evaluates medical and mental health records and other pertinent medical information; may arrange for psychiatric or psychological evaluations or other behavioral health assessments.

· Conducts civil and criminal history investigations in ascertaining facts for determining the best interests of the children, reporting any perceived abuse/neglect as required by State Statutes and other laws concerning childcare and protection.

· Facilitates discussions and communications between the parties with the goal being to help the parties reach an equitable settlement of their differences.

· Prepares and submits confidential reports to the Court outlining findings, case facts, assessments, and recommendations.

· Maintains complete and accurate documentation concerning all data reviewed, compiled, evaluated, and recorded to include statistics and activities conducted.

· Conducts presentations on high conflict, co-parenting, and parenting skills.

· Conducts mediations, facilitating the discussion of legal issues between involved parties.

· Maintains complete and accurate documentation concerning all data reviewed, compiled, evaluated, and recorded to include statistics and activities conducted.

· Testifies or gives depositions in court/judicial proceedings as required.

· Provides counseling and manages and monitors family members assigned to a caseload.

· Coordinates, consults, schedules, and reports on case management interventions.

· Advocates for families and provides referrals and resources for services to family members.

· Advises clients of fees and payments due, collects supporting financial data.

· Maintains working knowledge of Indiana Family Law, Codes and Statutes.

· Attends all staff meetings and advances knowledge and skills through conference and seminar attendance.

· Stays abreast of current standards and practices.

· Performs other DRCB services as required.

Qualifications:

Master’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in social work, psychology, counseling or closely related field preferred, and two years of direct service experience in social work, counseling or human services related to children or families. English/Spanish fluency or forensic interviewing certification may be given special consideration. College transcripts required upon hiring. Possession of valid driver's license, own transportation, and demonstrated safe driving record. Free from any criminal convictions that would prevent mediator certification.

· Knowledge of family dynamics and child development.

· Knowledge of social, cultural, economic, psychological, and legal issues influencing attitudes and behaviors of clients and their families.

· Knowledge of interviewing techniques.

· Knowledge of professional ethics relating to social work or counseling.

· Knowledge of Indiana family law.

· Knowledge of the court system.

· Word processing skills, advanced spreadsheet skills, digital data processing skills.

· Skill in operating and monitoring the functioning of equipment, machinery, tools, and/or materials used in performing the essential functions including computer keyboard, printer, fax machine, copy machine, telephones, scanners, calculator, etc.

· Ability to work effectively with individuals and families experiencing emotional distress.

· Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

· Ability to evaluate, audit, deduce, and/or assess data and/or information using established criteria.

· Ability to utilize a wide variety of reference, descriptive, and/or advisory data and information.

· Ability to apply principles of influence systems, such as motivation, incentive, and leadership.

· Ability to exercise independent judgment to apply facts and principles for developing approaches and techniques to problem resolution.

· Ability to exercise judgment, decisiveness, and creativity required in situations involving the evaluation of information against sensory, judgmental, or subjective criteria, as opposed to that which is clearly measurable or verifiable.

· Ability to plan, organize and implement schedule for completion of work assignments.

· Ability to actively listen to others and negotiate solutions to problems.

· Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.

· Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations.

Other Information:

PHYSICAL DEMANDS -- Strength, dexterity, coordination, and vision to use a keyboard and computer monitor daily. Hearing and speaking ability to communicate with the public, other agencies, and court staff. Dexterity and coordination to reach for, grasp, and handle files and single pieces of paper; occasional bending and stooping; occasional lifting of objects weighing up to 25 lbs. such as files, stacks of papers, reference, and other materials. Moving from place to place within an office; some reaching for items above and below desk level. Traveling to residences, maneuvering stairs, throughout rooms in a residence. WORKING CONDITIONS -- Generally clean work environment with limited exposure to conditions such as dust, fumes, odors, or noise. Video display terminal is used daily. Periodic contact with angry and upset individuals. Required to arrange transportation for field travel and/or use his/her own personal vehicle.