This is an unclassified position that serves at the pleasure of the Court. Under the general direction of the Court Administrator and Family Resource Coordinator, the Family Resource Specialist (FRS) would be responsible for conducting evaluations/assessments and services to assist litigants, their children, and the court. The FRS would be involved with mediation, co-parent coaching, and family needs assessments, and other services within his/her field as requested. Secondarily, the FRS may engage in case management services and monitor compliance with parenting orders. The FRS has frequent contact with the Judge and magistrates of the court. Some examples of the general nature and level of work being performed by this individual are listed below; however, this is not an exhaustive list of all duties to be performed. Other duties may be assigned.
- Bachelors or Graduate degree in Counseling, Social Work, or Marriage and Family Therapy.
- Licensed to practice in Ohio as a professional counselor, social worker, or marriage and family therapist.
- Three (3) years of clinical experience with individuals, couples and families. Family forensic experience preferred.
- General knowledge of the legal system to include Ohio civil and criminal statutes and court process and procedure;
- Mediation background preferred;
- Ability to handle and resolve conflict;
- Ability to operate database systems, create spreadsheets and use word processing programs;
- Ability to listen and observe in a skilled and professional manner;
- Ability to evaluate and communicate effectively, both orally and written;
- Ability to deal with many variables, define and solve problems, collect, analyze and interpret data, establish facts and determine specific action, evaluate and improve process and/or program efficiency/effectiveness;
- Ability to interpret and implement policies, procedures, governmental code and standards of their profession;
Must possess a valid Ohio Driver’s License and have an acceptable driving record.
Evaluation:
- Conduct brief, forensic family investigations in pending Court cases referred by the Judge and magistrates to determine child’s best interest regarding custody and parenting time through joint and individual parent and child interviews, and interviews with other family members or relevant persons and collection of relevant collateral information from various sources
- Analyze and evaluate complex interpersonal and family relationships, which require the application of specialized family counseling skills and knowledge of domestic violence, substance abuse, child abuse, behavioral disorders, and mental illness
- When applicable, identify normal and dysfunctional interaction between family members and assess the needs of family members for appropriate outside agency assistance or further investigation to assess the need for referrals to appropriate outside entities
- Communicate to the Court Administrator and/or Family Resource Coordinator all matters concerning case status and coordination
- Write comprehensive and well-organized reports
- Serve as a witness providing expert testimony
- Maintain records of appointments
- Adhere to evidence-based practices for assessment and evaluation of child custody and parenting time; including but not limited to the use of a variety of inventories and testing measures
- Adhere to legal and professional standards and procedures
- Remain current on existing research on topics related to child custody, parenting time, evaluations, grant opportunities, and program funding;
- Write clear and succinct grant proposals and requests for program funding;
- Maintain confidentiality with regard to information received and observed as a function of the position
- Work on special projects as assigned
Case Management:
- Monitor mental health or alcohol/drug use treatment of parents by obtaining treatment updates from providers
- Monitor parental compliance in facilitating mental health or alcohol/drug use treatment for child(ren)
- Monitor supervised parenting time by obtaining updates from agency/entity providing the supervision
- Monitor alcohol and drug testing results, and request court orders as needed
- Facilitate communication between parents by helping to reduce inter-parental conflict, including reviewing emails, monitoring Our Family Wizard communications, text messages, and other forms of electronic communication
- Maintain records of appointments
- When applicable, identify normal and dysfunctional interaction between family members and assess the needs of family members for appropriate outside agency assistance or further investigation to determine additional referrals to appropriate outside entities
- Maintain confidentiality regarding information received and observed as a function of the position
Dispute Resolution Services
- Conduct screenings and intake sessions for mediation, including Judge Fuller’s Settlement Week Program, co-parent coaching, and other dispute resolution programs as requested.
- Conduct individual and joint mediation sessions, co-parent coaching sessions, and be involved in neutral evaluation sessions as requested;
- Provide and store proper documentation for consent for services;
- Provide and store proper documentation for agreements reached in sessions;
- Provide outcome notices for the court after mediation and co-parent coaching sessions;
- Coordinate duties and responsibilities with the Family Resource Coordinator;
- Provide data collection mechanisms for research, as requested;
- Maintain confidentiality with regard to information received and observed as a function of the position
Other:
- Work on special projects as assigned;
- Attend various training sessions, video conferences, and workshops;
- Coordinate case updates with GAL and attorneys on the case;
- Hold as confidential, all aspects of the job;
- Perform typing, word processing, and related computer operations; and
- Work overtime and outside of typical work schedule/business hours as required
- Travel as required for programming, court-related continuing legal education seminars, court cases, etc.
NON-ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Performs related non-essential functions required.
I. JOB REQUIREMENTS
Equipment: Individual uses the following equipment: computer, printer, scanner, fax machine, calculator, telephone, and copier.
Critical Skills/Expertise:
- Communicate professionally and effectively with internal and external customers, both orally and in writing;
- Organize and prioritize work assignments, multi task with accurate focus and refocus in a fast paced environment;
- Deliver excellent customer service, externally and internally;
- Efficiently operate computer programs such as, but not limited to, Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and agency specific programs (e.g. Courtview, SmartBench, Zoom, AV equipment);
- Proficiency in grammar, writing, mathematical skills, spelling, and punctuation;
- Thorough knowledge, adherence and aptitude to follow safety policies, procedures and practices;and
- Thorough knowledge, adherence and aptitude to follow federal, state, county, and department policies and procedures, laws and regulations.
- Knowledge of child and adult developmental psychology, the changing family life cycle, behavior, and psychopathology; family dynamics and systems theory; effects of divorce on children; and ethnic and cultural issues
- Knowledge of professional standards, practices and techniques of custody evaluation and investigative methods
- Understanding and maintenance of the differences between forensic and clinical roles
- Working knowledge of domestic relations court practices, procedures, and applicable statutes and rules as it pertains to child custody and parenting time, including “best interest of the child” standard
- Skill in interviewing and facilitating communication with individuals from diverse backgrounds and assisting parties in identifying and resolving conflict
- Excellent observation, listening, oral, and writing skills
- Skill in writing comprehensive reports with internal consistency where conclusions and recommendations are based on data and existing research when applicable
- Skill in testifying effectively as an expert witness in court proceedings including maintaining consistency with data contained in the evaluation
- Ability to submit Evaluation Reports utilizing the following guidelines: (1) Allocation of Parental Rights and Responsibilities within 115 days from time of assignment (2) Brief Focused Evaluation within 85 days from time of assignment
- Ability to work with high conflict families
- Ability to use therapeutic confrontation when inconsistent data is presented
- Ability to understand, respect, and empathize with parties from diverse backgrounds and socio-economic groups; remain neutral, objective, and non-combative; exhibit good intuition and reading of people; identify and control conflict dynamics
- Ability to work under stress and time constraints and meet report deadlines
- Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment
- Ability to communicate courteously and cooperatively with the public, management, and co-workers
- Ability to maintain collegial working environment conducive to mutual exchange of ideas and information
- Strong organizational and time management skills
- Ability to learn electronic case management programs
II. DIFFICULTY OF WORK
Work consists of complex, varied, standardized and non-standardized tasks requiring application of numerous laws, rules, standards, regulations, and procedures. Judgment is needed in selecting the most pertinent guidelines in interpreting precedents and in adapting methods or procedures to fit facts and conditions.
III. RESPONSIBILITY
Individual receives general guidance allowing for the planning of procedures and methods to obtain objectives. Work is not necessarily reviewed. Individual makes critical decisions independently regarding professional judgment, assessments, and evaluations. Errors are usually detected within the office in which they occur possibly affecting work of others and requiring expenditure of time to correct.
IV. PERSONAL WORK RELATIONSHIPS
Individual has daily contact with co-workers, public and private sector agencies, and the general public. The purpose of these contacts is to obtain information, answer questions, and perform assessments and evaluations.
V. PHYSICAL EFFORT AND WORK ENVIRONMENT
Physical Requirements:The physical requirements of the position are identified as sedentary work, which may require the lifting of up to twenty-five (25) pounds.
Physical Activity:Individual performs the following physical activities of the position: manual dexterity, talking, hearing, listening, reaching, stooping, kneeling, crouching, standing, lifting, moving around, and repetitive motions.
Visual Activity:Individual performs work where objects being viewed are close to the eyes.
Job Location:The minimum work conditions for the position indicate that the individual is not exposed to adverse environmental conditions.
