Court Mediator

Superior Court, County of Santa Clara • Santa Clara, CA

4d

About The Position

Under direction, the Court Mediator provides orientation, mediation, evaluation, and Court-ordered investigations in child custody and visitation cases. The position may also provide mediation and investigations in Juvenile Dependency and contested relative guardianship cases. This journey-level role works closely with judicial officers, attorneys, county agencies, and unrepresented litigants. It is distinguished from the Senior Mediator position, which has supervisory authority over assigned Family Court Services staff.

The work is generally performed indoors in a clean environment, with limited exposure to dust, fumes, odors, and noise. The role involves field travel and requires the ability to drive. Incumbents may work under difficult and stressful conditions, including frequent deadlines, limited time constraints, and periodic contact with angry or confrontational individuals. The position requires independent work as well as collaboration. Essential functions include frequent use of Court technology and regular, tactful interaction with the public.

Applicants must submit an online application and attach a resume and, if applicable, a California State psychotherapist license. Candidates selected by a screening panel may take a written and/or oral examination. The Court is an equal opportunity employer and provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities.

Requirements

• Meet either of the following qualification paths: hold a California State license as a psychotherapist or other related licensure and have at least two years of experience in Family Court Services, family counseling, and/or clinical assessment; or hold a master's degree in psychology, social work, marriage and child counseling, or a substantially related behavioral science, and have at least five years of experience in Family Court Services, family counseling, and/or clinical assessment.
• Understand family systems and pathology, crisis intervention, child development, childhood trauma and abuse, clinical issues relating to children, domestic violence, parental chemical dependency, and child custody research sufficiently to assess children's mental health needs.
• Have diagnostic skills and familiarity with normal and dysfunctional interaction patterns.
• Know community resources for appropriate and legally mandated reports or referrals.
• Know California Court systems and procedures related to family law, visitation, custody, parties' rights, and mediation.
• Understand, apply, and explain legal terminology and procedures, and accurately follow Court processes, rules, policies, and procedures.
• Work effectively with high-conflict families, including those dealing with domestic violence, substance abuse, child abuse, and criminal behavior.
• Interact appropriately with judges, Court staff, attorneys, and the public; follow oral and written instructions; organize and maintain records; meet Court deadlines; and prepare standardized forms accurately.
• Communicate effectively orally and in writing; work under pressure and in stressful situations; exercise judgment, confidentiality, tact, and initiative; and cooperate courteously with others.
• Use Court technologies effectively and efficiently; work independently and within time constraints; adapt to changing circumstances; and use sound judgment.
• Review and analyze highly sensitive information that may be unsettling and/or explicit.
• Possess and maintain the ability to drive for field travel.
• Regularly use a computer keyboard and read a video display terminal; periodically sit for long periods; and lift objects weighing up to 10 pounds.

Nice To Haves

• Bilingual Spanish-speaking ability is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Help the Court and families resolve child custody and visitation disputes by providing mediation services.
• Conduct investigations and assessments and prepare recommendations as required by law and directed by the Court.
• Provide mediation and investigations in Juvenile Dependency and/or contested guardianship cases as directed by the Court.
• Provide orientation and parent education services to parties involved in disputes.
• Observe and assess risk factors, including domestic violence, child abuse, and potential danger to self or others, and take appropriate action, including required statutory reporting.
• Testify in Court as the Court's expert witness and be subject to cross-examination.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Benefits

• Choice of health, dental, and vision plans.
• Membership in the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS), as permitted by law.
• Life insurance.
• Paid holidays.
• Vacation leave.
• Sick leave.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level