What are the responsibilities and job description for the Forensic Family Evaluator position at Cuyahoga County Domestic Relations Court?
Job Title: Forensic Family Evaluator
Department: Family Evaluation Services
Reports to: Director of Family Evaluation Services
Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. This position may require some work beyond normal business hours.
FLSA Status: Exempt
SUMMARY:
Graduate degree in Counseling, Social Work, or Marriage and Family Therapy required. Must be licensed as an LISW/LPCC/LMFT in Ohio.
Please visit the court's website for the complete posting and job description.
This is an unclassified position that serves at the pleasure of the Court pursuant to the Ohio Revised Code. Under the general direction of the Director of Family Evaluation Services, the Forensic Family Evaluator primarily conducts evaluations related to contested child custody and parenting time disputes. Secondarily, the Forensic Family Evaluator may engage in Case Management services and monitor compliance with parenting orders. The Forensic Family Evaluator has frequent contact with the judges and magistrates of the Court.
Some examples of the general nature and level of work being performed by this individual are listed below; however, this is not an exhaustive list of all duties to be performed. Additional duties may be assigned.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.
Evaluation
Conduct forensic family investigations in pending Court cases referred by judges and magistrates to determine child’s best interest regarding custody and parenting time through joint and individual parent and child interviews, and interviews with other family members or relevant persons and collection of relevant collateral information from various sources
Analyze and evaluate complex interpersonal and family relationships, which require the application of specialized clinical and forensic family counseling skills and knowledge of domestic violence, substance abuse, child abuse, behavioral disorders, and mental illness
When applicable, identify normal and dysfunctional interaction between family members and assess the needs of family members for appropriate outside agency assistance or further investigation to assess the need for referrals to appropriate outside entities
Write and submit comprehensive well-organized reports on time
Serve as a witness providing expert testimony
Maintain records of appointments
Adhere to evidence-based practices for assessment and evaluation of child custody and parenting time; including but not limited to the use of a variety of inventories and testing measures
Adhere to legal and professional standards and procedures
Remain current on extant research on topics related to child custody and parenting time, and evaluations
Maintain confidentiality with regard to information received and observed
Other duties and work on special projects as assigned
Case Management:
Monitor mental health or alcohol/drug use treatment of parents by obtaining treatment updates from providers
Monitor parental compliance in facilitating mental health or alcohol/drug use treatment for child(ren)
Monitor supervised parenting time by obtaining updates from agency/entity providing the supervision
Monitor alcohol and drug testing results, and request court orders as needed
Facilitate communication between parents by helping to reduce inter-parental conflict, including reviewing emails, monitoring Our Family Wizard communications, text messages, and other forms of electronic communication
Maintain records of appointments
When applicable, identify normal and dysfunctional interaction between family members and assess the needs of family members for appropriate outside agency assistance or further investigation to determine additional referrals to appropriate outside entities
Maintain confidentiality regarding information received and observed as a function of the position
Facilitate compromises between parents on minor issues pertaining to parenting of children
Other duties and work on special projects as assigned
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.
Knowledge of child and adult developmental psychology, the changing family life cycle, behavior, and psychopathology; family dynamics and systems theory; effects of divorce on children; and ethnic and cultural issues
Knowledge of professional standards, practices and techniques of custody evaluation and investigative methods
Understanding and maintenance of the differences between forensic and clinical roles
Working knowledge of domestic relations court practices, procedures, and applicable statutes and rules as it pertains to child custody and parenting time, including “best interest of the child” standard
Skill in interviewing and facilitating communication with individuals from diverse backgrounds and assisting parties in identifying and resolving conflict
Excellent observation, listening, oral, and writing skills
Skill in writing comprehensive reports with internal consistency where conclusions and recommendations are based on data and extant research when applicable.
Skill in testifying effectively as an expert witness in court proceedings including maintaining consistency with data contained in the evaluation.
Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment
Ability to communicate courteously and cooperatively with the public, management, and coworkers
Strong organizational and time management skills
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $69,374.89 - $72,834.53 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Salary : $69,375 - $72,835