CASEWORKER-FRIEND OF THE COURT

CASEWORKER– FRIEND OF THE COURT

Supervised By: Friend of the Court and Deputy Friend of the Court

Supervises:No supervisory responsibility

Position Summary:

Under the supervision of the Friend of the Court and Deputy Friend of the Court, writes stipulated orders and makes recommendations regarding custody, support and visitation provisions in both pre and post judgment cases. Responds to complaints regarding custody and visitation issues and acts as an informal mediator to assist parents in resolving disputes.

Essential Job Functions:

An employee in this position may be called upon to do any or all of the following essential functions. These examples do not include all of the duties, which the employee may be expected to perform. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily.

1. Investigates, evaluates and creates custody and visitation arrangements for minor children in divorce and paternity actions and writes reports and recommendations and stipulated orders for the Circuit Court. May include interviews with parents, children, CPD workers, counselors, teachers, police officers and others. Evaluates the prospective home(s) and current homes of children and parents for safety and appropriateness.

2. Provides informal dispute resolution in custody and visitation matters pending before the court. Attempts to develop channels of communication between parents to establish a more cooperative working relationship. Attempts to educate parents and children on the effects of divorce and the skills necessary to resolve areas of difficulty. Deescalates conflicts.

3. Investigates complaints regarding custody and visitation matters; may involve dispute resolution conferences. Initiates enforcement actions upon clients who are not in compliance with the court order, sends notices or prepares statement of facts for initiation of show cause hearing.

4. Regularly confers with divorcing parties and others to discuss Friend of the Court procedures and policies, answer questions, and discuss issues and complaints related to domestic relations cases.

5. Conducts investigations based on motions and referral orders regarding change of custody or visitation and related matters. May include consulting with schools, counselors and others to evaluate the motion and make recommendations.

6. Conducts investigations regarding child support and prepares reports with recommendations for the Court.

7. Investigates and makes recommendations on the amount of time a non-custodial parent should spend with a child in accordance with the child’s best interest.

8. Drafts orders, stipulations, and other legal documents between the parties on the matters of custody, visitation, support, medical coverage and change of domicile.

9. Answers questions and responds to complaints by telephone, letter and in person during spontaneous walk-in visits.

10. Develops programs to assist parents to more effectively cope with divorce and to educate them on ways they can help their children cope with divorce.

11. Calculates child support. Accesses, on-line demographic and wage estimate reporting sites to assist in related calculations.

12. Meets with judges and attorneys and occasionally testifies in court.

13. Performs other duties as directed.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Minimum Qualifications:

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, abilities and minimum qualifications necessary to perform the essential functions of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the job.

Requirements include the following:

· Bachelor’s Degree in social work, counseling, psychology, or related field and two years of progressively more responsible casework experience, preferably with family counseling and familiarity with domestic relations law.

· The county, at its discretion, may consider an alternative combination of formal education and work experience.

· Michigan Vehicle Operator’s License.

· Completion of mediation and related training offered by the State Court Administration Office after employment.

· Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of the State of Michigan domestic law and mediation and conflict resolution.

· Considerable knowledge of the State of Michigan Friend of the Court system, court procedures and practices, analyzing and researching statutes and case law, the psychological and financial impacts of divorce on parents and children, preparing and interpreting legal documents, and applicable local, state, and federal laws, rules, and regulations.

· Skill in analyzing and interpreting financial documents and maintaining case files and reports.

· Skill in assembling and analyzing data, and preparing comprehensive and accurate reports.

· Skill in effectively communicating ideas and concepts orally and in writing.

· Demonstrated ability to maintain professional integrity and respect for parents, children, and families, including the ability to effectively meet and deal with the public.

· Ability to establish effective working relationships and use good judgment, initiative and resourcefulness when dealing with County employees, contractors to the county, representatives of other governmental units, professional contacts, elected officials, children and families and the public.

· Ability to assess situations, solve problems, work effectively under stress, within deadlines, and in emergency situations.

· Skill in the use of office equipment and technology, including Microsoft Suite applications, database entry and the ability to learn new software programs applicable to the position.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works both in an office and in the field. While in the office, the employee is regularly required to communicate in person and by telephone, read regular and small print, view and produce written and electronic documents, and enter data on a computer keyboard with repetitive keystrokes. The employee must be mobile both in an office setting and in the field with the ability to stand, sit, stoop and kneel, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, and reach with hands and arms. The employee must lift or push/pull objects of up to 15 lbs. without assistance. Accommodation will be made, as needed, for employees required to lift or move objects that exceed this weight.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works both in the office and at other work sites, regularly travels between work sites using a motor vehicle. Though applicable safety procedures are documented and utilized, the incumbent may be exposed to unsanitary or unhygienic materials, individuals, and situations in the course of performing required duties. The employee may occasionally be exposed to outside weather conditions and dangerous situations. The noise level in the work environment can range from quiet to very loud.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $52,723.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

Salary : $52,723 - $-1