Dependency Mediator (Closes 11/16/26)
About The Position
The Dependency Mediator provides alternative dispute resolution through mediation for litigants in dependency matters. The mediator encourages and facilitates resolution of disputed issues by fostering joint problem solving, consensus building, and exploration of alternative settlements. The position is based in the Fifth Judicial District Family Division’s Alternative Dispute Resolution Program. If hired, the employee will work for the partner agency Community Family Advocates. The mediator conducts confidential, court-based sessions, helping parties communicate, understand one another’s perspectives and positions, consider children’s needs, and resolve disputes. The role also includes preparing session paperwork, maintaining session data, serving as an information source to the court and collaborative agencies, and supporting dependency case processing and case flow. The position has no supervisory responsibilities.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, child development, or a related field, plus at least 2 years of professional experience in social services, therapeutic or counseling work, or related experience working with children and families; alternatively, an equivalent combination of education and experience that meets the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
- Complete at least 40 hours of mediation training through the Pennsylvania Council of Mediators, Mediation Council of Western Pennsylvania, or a similar entity within 6 months of hiring.
- Complete 5 Continuing Mediation Education credits annually.
- Obtain Act 33, Act 34, and FBI clearances.
- Have a valid driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Solid understanding of the justice system.
- Ability to identify complex problems, review relevant information, develop and evaluate options, and implement solutions.
- Ability to prioritize and multitask.
- Ability to work independently and maintain professional conduct at all times.
- Ability to perform each essential duty satisfactorily, with reasonable accommodations where applicable.
Nice To Haves
- Experience in the field of Child Welfare.
Responsibilities
- Conduct confidential, court-based mediation in dependency matters.
- Help parties communicate and understand one another’s perspectives, positions, and needs, including the needs of the children, to resolve disputes.
- Observe, receive, and obtain information from all relevant sources.
- Promote confidence in mediation and support participants’ self-determination by helping them understand their own needs and interests and those of others.
- Draft relevant paperwork at the conclusion of mediation sessions, such as case agreements and outcome reports, and ensure parties understand the agreement.
- Collect data and assist with data maintenance for completed sessions.
- Serve as an information source to the court and collaborative agencies.
- Follow the ethics and Standards of Conduct adopted by the Pennsylvania Council of Mediators and the Court’s Mediation agreement with the parties.
- Perform other duties related to dependency case processing to support dependency case flow.
- Perform additional tasks and duties as required by the employer.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
