Custody Evaluator/Social Worker - Counselor

Hamilton County Government • Cincinnati, OH

2d • Onsite

About The Position

This position involves investigating contested custody cases, conducting interviews with litigants and their children, assessing parental functioning and relationships, and documenting family communications. The role requires gathering collateral information from community resources, synthesizing data to provide recommendations to judicial officers, and testifying in court. Additionally, the position involves teaching a "Parenting Through Transitions" class, mediating pre- and post-decree cases, evaluating cases for dispute resolution, facilitating drug and alcohol screens, and assisting the Court with reconciliation efforts. The role also includes participating in staff meetings, trainings, and ongoing education, scheduling court hearings, maintaining professional licenses, and mentoring co-workers. Other duties include maintaining a computer statistical database and assisting with case management systems.

Requirements

• Master’s Degree in Social Work or Counseling
• 2 years of experience as a social worker, counselor, or in a related field.
• Knowledge of clinical interviewing techniques, conflict/dispute resolution techniques, divorce and family dynamics, and child developmental issues, as well as court procedures, legal concepts, and legal language.
• Knowledge of applicable procedures and practices of the Court of Domestic Relations; including familiarity with the Court’s Local Rules, personnel policies, and proper courtroom etiquette.
• Basic computer and office equipment skills including Microsoft Word, Excel, and Zoom Video Communications.
• Ability to write clearly without grammatical/spelling errors or omissions.
• Ability to interview challenging, high-conflict clients.
• Ability to assess family dynamics and capacity to parent.
• Ability to interview children of varying ages and provide clinical insight as to their best interests.
• Ability to advocate for the best interest of the child.
• Ability to provide recommendations based on sound professional practice.
• Ability to provide clear testimony in court trials.
• Ability to manage extensive caseload including a high level of accountability.
• Ability to understand and navigate community resources.
• Ability to work under pressure, maintain composure in dealing with potentially difficult litigants, and accept constructive criticism and direction.
• Must be professional at all times and able to work cooperatively and respectfully with all attorneys, litigants, Court employees, and persons from other courts, agencies, and related departments.
• Maintain punctual and regular attendance, proper dress, and a positive attitude.
• Skill in assessment of divorce dynamics; managing high-conflict adults in an interview format, interviewing children and other involved parties.
• Skill in writing clear, concise reports with sound recommendations and testifying to explain recommendations.
• Skill in completing tasks on time and free from excessive and/or recurring mistakes.
• Skill in maintaining deadlines.
• Organizational ability, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence.
• Communication with staff and others, both orally and in written form.
• Operation of basic office machines, equipment, and Windows-based computer systems.
• Courteous telephone etiquette.
• Valid license to practice Social Work and/or Counseling issued by the State of Ohio, Counselor and Social Worker Board.

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with the Court’s Local Rules, personnel policies, and proper courtroom etiquette.

Responsibilities

• Investigate, perform interviews, and write reports for contested custody cases.
• Interview litigants and their children, assess parental functioning and parent/child relationships utilizing clinical techniques with a focus on family dynamics and child development issues.
• Document communication between family members.
• Gather pertinent collateral information from community resources such as therapists, medical providers, and schools.
• Collect and synthesize data to generate comprehensive, well-written recommendations for judicial officers to assist in resolving cases.
• Testify at court proceedings to support the recommendations.
• Teach “Parenting Through Transitions” class.
• Mediate pre- and post-decree cases to resolve parenting issues.
• Evaluate cases for the neutral evaluation dispute resolution process.
• Facilitate drug and alcohol screens and provide the Court a written report summarizing the results.
• Assist the Court with litigants considering reconciliation.
• Participate in staff meetings, supervision, in-service trainings, and ongoing education to enhance professional knowledge.
• Schedule court hearings and send correspondence to parties and counsel, as needed.
• Maintain professional license.
• Mentor co-workers and review and edit co-workers’ reports.
• Maintain computer statistical database, including recording result codes and closing cases in the court management system.
• Perform any and all other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Wellness Program that offers cash incentives, free wellness screenings, and more.
• Access to Marathon Health Clinics in Cincinnati, offering services such as primary care, illness and injury care, labs, medication dispensing, and wellness services - all at no cost!
• Generous paid time off including vacation, personal days, sick leave, and 11 government holidays.
• Employee Assistance Program which offers support for a variety of work/life issues and includes up to 10 free counseling sessions per year.
• Flexible, tax-free spending accounts for costs related to healthcare, dependent care, and parking/transportation.
• Participation in the Ohio Public Employees Retirement System (OPERS).

What This Job Offers

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