Child Custody Recommending Counselor/ Probate Investigator I/Ii

General Information

Under the administrative direction of the Family Court Services Supervisor, Managing Attorney - Professional Services, General Counsel, and consistent with the requirements of the California Family Code, Probate Code, and State and Local Rules of Court, this position:

• Conducts child custody and visitation mediations, investigations and evaluation;

• Conducts initial and review investigations connected with Guardianships and Conservatorships;

• Conducts interviews where minor(s) are intending to marry or establish a domestic partnership;

• Prepares reports and recommendations for the Court, and testifies, in connection with the work described above.

• May perform related duties as assigned.

Distinguishing Characteristics:

The court mediator/investigator classification differs from other social services, Child Custody Recommending Counseling, and investigation roles in that the CCRC/investigator candidates are appointed by the Superior Court and, consistent with applicable laws, must not only carry out their responsibilities with objectivity and fair-mindedness, but also with due regard for fostering the best interests of the children and adults that are the focus of their work. The classifications of court CCRC/investigators I and II are differentiated by years of court mediation and investigation experience and job performance.

Examples of Duties (With or Without Reasonable Accommodations)

• Identify, gather, and assess relevant information through office interviews and field investigation with, adults and children who are the subject of the court proceedings, other family members and interested parties, medical and mental health professionals, child and adult protective services workers, school administrators and teachers, law enforcement personnel, and others.

• Interview the parties involved in custody/visitation disputes, and prepare custody/visitation evaluations, reports, agreements, and recommendations.

• Conduct investigations for new petitions for Guardianships of minors and Conservatorships of adults, and for periodic reviews, and prepare reports and recommendations.

• Conduct interviews where minor(s) are intending to marry or establish a domestic partnership and prepare reports and recommendations.

• Provide testimony in Court.

• Utilize objective, analytic, and evaluative thinking, exercise sound independent judgment within legal and policy guidelines, and consult with supervisors and peers when appropriate.

• Effectively utilize the professional knowledge, skill, and experience described in the Qualifications section below.

• Understand, interpret, explain, and apply a wide variety of complex, specialized behavioral, psychological, and legal information.

• Maintain confidentiality of Court documents and records.

• Communicate clearly, concisely, and effectively in English, (and when required for the position, specified additional languages), both orally and in writing.

• Exercise tact, objectivity, sensitivity, discretion, courtesy and judgment in handling highly emotional issues and situations with a variety of people from a variety of socio-economic and cultural backgrounds.

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with judicial officers, Court and County employees, members of the public and others encountered in the course of work.

• Manage time and work to complete multiple concurrent assignments within established deadlines.

• Work in any of the Court locations and conduct home visits and other field investigations.

Minimum Requirements & Qualifications (With or Without Reasonable Accommodation)

Level I:

Education: Master's degree from an accredited institution in psychology, social work, marriage, family and child counseling, or other behavioral sciences substantially related to marriage and family interpersonal relationships.

Experience: At least two (2) years' experience in counseling or psychotherapy, or both, preferably in a setting related to the areas of responsibility of the Family Law Court and with the ethnic population to be served. Additional education or experience may substitute for the requirements described above at the sole discretion of the Court.

Knowledge of the California Court system and family law procedures; relevant community resources; adult psychopathology and the psychology of families; child development; child abuse; clinical issues relating to children; effects of divorce and domestic violence on children; and child custody research sufficient to enable assessment of the mental health needs of children.

Computer Skills: Basic proficiency in the use of personal computer and MS Word.

Level II: In addition to the requirements for level I, a minimum of one (1) year of employment as a Court Mediator/Investigator I.

Desirable Qualifications:

Current California license as a LCSW, MFT, or Psychologist, or a Doctorate in a related discipline and bilingual proficiency in Spanish.

Important Recruitment Information

THIS RECRUITMENT IS CONTINUOUS AND MAY CLOSE WITHOUT NOTICE, UPON RECEIPT OF SUFFICIENT NUMBER OF QUALIFIED APPLICANTS.

TO APPLY:Please visit our website atwww.ventura.courts.ca.gov. For consideration please apply online. Please contact Court Human Resources at (805) 289-8618 if you are unable to access the application online.

APPLICATION EVALUATION:All applications will be reviewed to determine whether or not the stated requirements are met. A comparative screening based on knowledge, skills and abilities required for the position, the department and the Ventura Superior Court, will be conducted to determine which of the applicants will be selected for invitation to the recruitment processes. Applications will be evaluated and ranked according to criteria that most closely meet the needs of the position, department, and the Ventura Superior Court. It is essential that applicants provide as much detail as possible and answer all parts of the application.

INTERVIEW PROCESS:The oral exam and selection interviews may be consolidated into one process. Following the evaluation of applications, qualified candidates will be invited to a combined oral and selection interview with the hiring deputy executive officers.Date: TBD

PERSONAL QUALIFICATIONS:All applicants must possess the personal qualifications generally recognized as essential to being an outstanding public employee, including integrity, initiative, dependability, courtesy, good judgment and ability to work with others as a team and follow instructions.