Custody and Visitation Mediator

State of North Carolina•Cumberland, NC

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The 14th Judicial District Court, Cumberland County, seeks a mediator to provide uniform services in the Custody and Visitation Mediation Program in accordance with NC General Statutes §50-13.1. These cases involve unresolved issues regarding the custody and/or visitation of children under the age of 18 in an effort to reduce litigation of custody and visitation disputes.

Requirements

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 using general office equipment including computers, printers, and telephones.
Ability to use neutral techniques of mediation obtained through training and experience; assist the parties in evaluating the impact on the child of specific custody and visitation arrangements that they might be considering; maintain neutrality in the treatment of the parties; diffuse a threatening situation if necessary; assist in the resolution process; manage cases and meet program goals in a timely manner; draft parenting agreements and use computer hardware and software.
Must possess a valid NC Driver's License.
Master's degree in psychology, social work, family counseling, or a comparable human relations disciple and two (2) years of experience relating to child development, family dynamics or comparable areas.
At least forty (40) hours of training in mediation techniques by a qualified instructor of mediation as determined by the North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts (NCAOC).

Responsibilities

Conduct orientation sessions advising clients of what to expect in the custody mediation process.
Provide a structured, confidential, non-adversarial setting to facilitate the cooperative resolution of custody and visitation disputes and minimize the stress and anxiety to which the parties and especially the child is subjected.
Facilitate mediation sessions using the neutral techniques of mediation to assist the parties in resolving the issues in dispute.
Employ knowledge of child development and family dynamics during the mediation process to assist parties in making decisions regarding the custody and visitation of their child/children.
Assist the parties to develop custody and visitation agreements that are in the child's best interest.
Prepare the written parenting agreement in accordance with the party's mutual decisions.
Interface with the court community and the community at large to foster and enhance knowledge of and confidence in custody mediation services.