Custody and Visitation Mediator

State of North Carolina•New Hanover County, NC

About The Position

The 6th Judicial District Court, serving New Hanover and Pender counties, seeks a mediator for its Custody and Visitation Mediation Program. The program provides uniform mediation services under NC General Statutes §50-13.1 for cases involving unresolved custody and/or visitation issues concerning children under 18, with the goal of reducing litigation. The mediator reports to the Chief District Court Judge and is supervised by the Court Manager for District Court. Work hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. The salary range is $64,654 to $104,904. The mediator conducts orientations and mediation sessions in a structured, confidential, non-adversarial setting; uses neutral techniques to help parties resolve disputes cooperatively; and assists them in developing written parenting agreements that serve the best interests of children. The position also involves applying knowledge of child development and family dynamics, communicating with courts and the court community, and managing cases in a timely manner. Applicants must have a master's degree in psychology, social work, family counseling, or a comparable human relations discipline, plus two years of experience relating to child development, family dynamics, or comparable areas. At least 40 hours of mediation-technique training from an instructor qualified by the North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts is required to provide mediation services; this training may be completed before or during employment. A valid North Carolina driver's license is required.

Requirements

Master's degree in psychology, social work, family counseling, or a comparable human relations discipline.
Two years of experience relating to child development, family dynamics, or comparable areas.
At least 40 hours of training in mediation techniques from an instructor qualified by the North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts; this may be obtained before or during employment.
Valid North Carolina driver's license.
Knowledge of child development and family dynamics, mediation and negotiation techniques, case management principles, report formulation, and time management.
Skills in oral and written communication, analysis, conflict resolution, public speaking, Microsoft Word, and general office equipment, including computers, printers, and telephones.
Ability to use neutral mediation techniques, help parties assess the impact of arrangements on children, maintain neutrality, diffuse threatening situations, support resolution, manage cases and timelines, draft parenting agreements, and use computer hardware and software.

Nice To Haves

Two or more years of experience in mediation or negotiation.
Public speaking skills.
Knowledge of childhood trauma and resilience.

Responsibilities

Work with parties in pending cases involving unresolved custody and visitation issues for minor children to help reduce litigation.
Conduct orientation sessions explaining the custody mediation process to clients.
Provide a structured, confidential, non-adversarial setting that facilitates cooperative resolution of custody and visitation disputes.
Facilitate mediation sessions using neutral mediation techniques to help parties reach agreements.
Use knowledge of child development and family dynamics to assist parties in making decisions.
Assist parties in developing parenting agreements that serve the best interests of children, and put those agreements into writing.
Interact with courts and the court community to foster confidence in custody mediation and provide accurate information.
Manage cases and meet program goals in a timely manner.
Assist parties in evaluating how possible custody and visitation arrangements may affect the child.
Maintain neutrality, assist with the resolution process, and diffuse threatening situations if necessary.