3% COLA increase effective October 2024; approximate annual rate range from $92,652.04 - $118,382.06

Under general supervision, provides professional counseling and mediation services related to family law matters or juvenile court matters, including child custody/visitation and premarital assessments to individuals and families referred by the Superior Court; performs safety risk assessments; writes detailed reports and makes recommenda­tions on custody, parenting plans and interventions needed based on clinical assessments in family law matters or mediated agreements in juvenile court matters; and performs related duties as assigned.
Distinguishing Characteristics
A Child Custody Recommending Counselor performs fully qualified licensed counseling/mediation within Family Court Services. Duties and responsibilities are carried out with considerable independence within a framework of established policies and procedures.
 
Employees in this class typically report to the Family Court Services Supervisor and may take work direction from a Senior Child Custody Recommending Counselor in designated districts.
 
Child Custody Recommending Counselor differs from the class of Senior Child Custody Recommending Counselor in that the latter serves as acting supervisor and provides work direction and training in the supervisor's absence in designated districts.

For full position details, please visit the job description by clicking here.

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a master's degree or PhD in psy­chology, counseling, family therapy, social work or other directly related field and two (2) years of increasingly responsible experience providing licensed child custody investigations, family or mediation counseling or psycho­therapy; or an equivalent combin­ation of education, training and experience.
Experience in a superior court is desired.
Licenses; Certificates; Special Requirements:

• A valid California Class C driver's license and the ability to maintain insurability under the Court's vehicle insurance program.
• Current State of California license as a Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Marriage, Family and Child Therapist (LFMT), Clinical Psychologist or Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) is required and must be maintained as a condition of continued employment.

Knowledge of: 

• Principles and practices of mental health; mental illness issues and psychiatric diagnoses, symptoms and impairments;
• Methods and techniques of individual and group counseling, conflict resolution, crisis management and mediation;
• Characteristics and signs of abuse, domestic violence and substance abuse;
• Clinical issues relating to family dysfunction and child behavior/development;
• Juvenile delinquency and dependency issues;
• Child development and factors contributing to the development of behavioral issues;
• Governmental and private community resources and referral agencies;
• Relevant legal terminology, court operations and courtroom procedure; courtroom etiquette and conventions;
• Federal, state and local laws, regulations and court decisions applicable to area of assigned responsi­bility including laws related to child custody, visitation and parental rights;
• Research methods and statistical analysis techniques;
• State regulations pertaining to client confidentiality;
• Court ordinances, codes, procedures and practices regarding computer hardware, software and data security;
• Principles and practices of sound business communication; correct English usage, including spelling, grammar and punctuation;
• Safety policies and safe work practices applicable to the work.

Ability to: 

• Communicate effectively with upset, emotional, mentally disabled or mentally ill children and adults in order to provide accurate evaluations;
• Diffuse conflict, maintain neutrality and gather, assess and discuss relevant information necessary to protect and advocate for children's best interest in emotionally charged and sensitive situations;
• Mediate and facilitate the development of agreements and parenting plans;
• Demonstrate sensitivity to and understanding of individuals with diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, ethnic and disability issues;
• Prepare clear, concise and comprehensive studies, reports, correspondence and other written materials;
• Maintain confidentiality of court proceedings, documents and records;
• Understand, interpret, explain and apply applicable laws, ordinances and policies;
• Operate a computer and use standard business and operations support software;
• Represent the Court effectively in interactions and negotiations and dealings with the public, service providers and justice partners;
• Use tact and diplomacy when dealing with sensitive, complex and/or confidential issues and situa­tions;
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with all those encountered in the course of work.

he physical and mental demands described on the job description, or by clicking here are representative of those that must be met by employees to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The Superior Court of California, County of San Bernardino is an Equal Opportunity Employer- M/F/D/V.