Current Employment Opportunities

Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Job Descriptions

• Director/Coordinator of ADR

• Counselor/Mediator of ADR

• Other

Director/Coordinator of ADR

PROGRAM DIRECTOR, ADR: (General Description) Summary: Under general direction, plans, develops and implements the court-annexed alternative dispute resolution program on a statewide basis. Duties:  Assists with formulating policies and procedures related to alternative dispute resolution and works with counsel in drafting legislation and rules designed to achieve ADR related court goals. Plans and prepares the ADR budget and closely monitors expenditures. Certifies outside ADR providers according to legislative criteria; coordinates training, prepares materials, designs evaluation systems and participates in the evaluation of outside providers. Organizes educational seminars on ADR for judges, court staff, attorneys, and other professionals. Gathers data, analyzes statistics, and prepares annual reports and summaries of judicial ADR activities. May conduct mediation and facilitation sessions as needed. Qualifications: Master's degree in behavioral science or related field and four years of ADR experience; Juris Doctorate degree preferred. Must possess a working knowledge and understanding of the state court system and a high level of expertise in mediation, conflict resolution and behavioral modification.

ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION ADMINISTRATOR: Superior Court of Arizona, Mohave County, Conciliation Court. Kingman, AZ. Summary: This position serves at the pleasure of the Presiding Judge of the Superior Court and under the general supervision of the Superior Court Administrator. Duties: Performs professional and administrative work involved in the management and administration of alternative dispute resolution activities of the general and limited jurisdiction courts including but not limited to: Conciliation Court Services, Justice Court Mediation, School Peer Mediation, Expedited Child Support/Visitation and Superior Court Dependency Case program. Qualifications: Requires Master’s Degree in marriage and family counseling, social work, psychology, sociology, law or closely related field from an accredited college or university and five (5) years of relevant progressively responsible experience in social services, court programs, mediation, arbitration or closely related field that includes three (3) of management and/or supervisory experience. Salary: $2,538 - $2,665 biweekly (2009).

FORECLOSURE MEDIATION COORDINATOR: Administrative Office of the Courts, Carson City, NV. Summary: Under the direction of the Foreclosure Mediation Supervisor of the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC), this position provides timely and accurate day-to-day coordination of the foreclosure mediation program, its activities and related work as assigned in a confidential fashion. Duties: Typical duties include collecting and analyzing program statistics and performance indicators, including demonstrated cost savings and caseload and caseflow management, explain and apply program policies, track timelines for required reports and actions and generate reminders/notices, maintain case management database, coordinate the following activities: timely and accurate assignment of mediators for owner-occupied residences that have received a Notice of Default (NOD), draft, negotiate, and review assignments to various cases, maintain calendar of available mediation facilities, organize Mediation Program meetings, assist in the organization of public relations activities regarding the process of the foreclosure and mediation program. Qualifications: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in a related field (court, business or public administration) and two to three years experience in the field. Salary: $38,523.60 – $61,950.96. (2009)

FAMILY LAW FACILITATOR/SELF HELP CENTER ATTORNEY: Superior Court of California, County of Siskiyou. Summary: Duties: Develop, plan, implement and administer a Family Law Facilitator Program pursuant to Family Code Section 10000 et seq; Mediation of complex family law matters such as paternity, temporary or permanent child/spousal support and parentage proceedings. Interview self-represented litigants to identify all legal issues presented by their circumstances and review evidence presented. Draft stipulations to include all agreed upon issues related to family support, health insurance and paternity issues; Prepare child support and spousal support calculations and schedules using required computer software or web-based programs. Provide information to litigants not represented by counsel on matters of process and procedure. Provide educational materials to the public and respond to public inquiries. Provide information and access to services to incarcerated self-represented litigants as the need arises. Provide information on process and procedural matters to litigants through the delivery of programs. Design contents of, and conduct clinics for, self-represented litigants in many different areas of law as identified and needed in the community. Develop, plan, implement and administer self-help grant programs. Distribute necessary court forms and provide assistance in completing forms. Provide legal assistance to self-represented litigants to facilitate and expedite family law proceedings related to child support, spousal support and health insurance matters. Provide information and direction to customers, and assist with any other responsibilities to enable the court to be responsive to the self-represented litigants needs and to assist them in obtaining meaningful access to services. Meet with court officials, state and county departments, community organizations and others to assess the need for and identify services that will assist the court in resolving child and spousal support disputes and improves access to the Family Court for financially disadvantaged litigants or other self-represented litigants. Perform research activities as needed to provide facilitator or self-represented litigant services. Provides referrals to local child support agency, family court services, attorneys and other community agencies and related resources. Trains and oversees work of support staff. Develop informational and legal documents to support all aspects of family law and specific civil proceedings. Perform other related duties as assigned. Qualifications: Candidates must be a current member of the California State Bar and be in good standing.  Have a minimum of five years experience as an attorney in the practice of law, litigation and mediation of legal disputes or other experience that would have developed the required knowledge and abilities.  Candidates should have a significant practical experience in the fields of family law, guardianship and other areas of law appropriate to the position. Salary: $71,570.83 - $86,994.79 (2008)

COORDINATOR OF DISPUTE RESOLUTION PROGRAMS: New York Unified Court System. Summary: The Coordinator of Dispute Resolution Programs works under the general direction of the Deputy Chief Administrative Judge for Management Support, and is responsible for implementation of the court-annexed Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) programs and the Community Dispute Resolution Program (CDRP) established pursuant to Article 21-A of the Judiciary Law. The Coordinator oversees all dispute resolution projects, establishes guidelines for qualification of neutrals throughout the Unified Court System, develops and implements standards and procedures for monitoring the performance of court-annexed dispute resolution programs, and performs related duties. Duties: Provides technical assistance in the development and implementation of ADR and CDRP programs. Approves and monitors all training programs that qualify neutrals and mediators to handle cases referred by the Unified Court System. Oversees all lists of dispute resolution neutrals and mediators. Prepares and coordinates the dissemination of information about dispute resolution programs to judges, attorneys, the public, and other interested parties. Supervises, evaluates, and monitors the performance of court-referred alternative dispute resolution programs. Reviews applications for funding of dispute resolution programs and makes recommendations to the Deputy Chief Administrative Judge for Management Support. Inspect, examine and audit the fiscal affairs of local community dispute resolution programs. Develops rules, forms and operating procedures. Consults with judges, non-judicial personnel and representatives of outside agencies concerning the oversight of and the provision of funds to community dispute resolution programs. Prepares an annual report on the effectiveness of ADR and community dispute resolution programs including information on the operating budget, the number of referrals, categories or types of cases referred; number of parties serviced, number of disputes resolved, nature of resolution, amount and type of awards, duration and cost of hearing and other information needed in reporting to the Governor and the legislature. Qualifications: Admission to the Bar and five (5) years of administrative experience; or Master`s degree in Public or Business Administration from an accredited college or university and seven (7) years of administrative experience; Bachelors` degree from an accredited college or university and eight (8) years of administrative experience.

ASSISTANT COORDINATOR OF ALERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION PRORAMS: New York Unified Court System. Summary: Under general direction, an Assistant Coordinator of Alternative Dispute Resolution Programs is responsible to the Coordinator of Dispute Resolution Programs in implementing, monitoring, and evaluating court-annexed Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) programs and the Community Dispute Resolution Program (CDRP) established pursuant to Article 21-A of the Judiciary Law. The Assistant Coordinator evaluates the effectiveness of all dispute resolution projects, oversees developing and implementing standards and procedures for monitoring the performance of court-annexed dispute resolution programs, assists in establishing guidelines for qualification of neutrals throughout the Unified Court System, oversees day-to-day office operations, and performs other related duties. Duties: Supervises, evaluates, and monitors the performance of court-referred alternative dispute  resolution programs. Provides technical assistance in the development and implementation of ADR and CDRP  programs. Monitors all training programs that qualify neutrals and mediators to handle cases referred by the Unified Court System. Consults with judges, non-judicial personnel and representatives of outside agencies concerning the oversight of and the provision of funds to community dispute resolution programs. Develops rules, forms and operating procedures. Assists in screening, hiring, and training professional and clerical staff, supervises and evaluates their work, and recommends promotions. Oversees all lists of dispute resolution neutrals and mediators. Prepares and coordinates the dissemination of information about dispute resolution programs to judges, attorneys, the public, and other interested parties. Inspects, examines and audits the fiscal affairs of local community dispute resolution programs. Assists in preparing an annual report on the effectiveness of ADR and community dispute resolution programs including information on the operating budget, the number of referrals, categories or types of cases referred; number of parties serviced, number of disputes resolved, nature of resolution, amount and type of awards, duration and cost of hearing and other information needed in reporting to the Governor and the Legislature. Qualifications: Admission to the Bar and five (5) years of administrative experience; OR Master's degree in Public or Business Administration from an accredited college or university and seven (7) years of administrative experience.

FAMILY COURT MEDIATOR: Multi-Door Dispute Resolution, 515 5th Street, NW. Duties: The incumbent, assigned to Family Court, will mediate matters administered by the Multi-Door Dispute Resolution Division. Incumbent will mediate the settlement of Domestic Relations and Child Protection cases, including such issues as custody, visitation, child and spousal support, property, and, in neglect matters, treatment plan and adjudication issues. Incumbent will schedule and manage mediation cases, draft mediated agreements, evaluate mediators, and participate in the design and delivery of mediator training. Incumbent also will prepare and submit periodic case management reports. Qualifications: A Bachelor's degree in the social sciences, plus specific mediation training (at least one 40-hour mediation course) and at least four (4) years of experience mediating domestic relations and/or child protection cases. Acceptable experience includes mediation provided to families through court-based Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) programs, community mediation centers, government agencies, or private practice. Relevant education may include law, social work, counseling, psychology or related social science disciplines. Please submit with your application a copy of your most recent performance evaluation, if applicable. Salary: $69,764 - $90,698 (2008)

ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE PROGRAM DIRECTOR: Salt Lake City, Utah, Administrative Office of the Courts. Summary: The Utah Courts have an excellent opportunity for an individual with a strong background in alternative dispute resolution (ADR).  The Program Director for ADR is responsible for the administration of mediation and other dispute resolution programs throughout the state, providing training and educational opportunities to a variety of stakeholders,  as well as, the supervision of a professional mediation and administrative staff.  Duties: The Program Director designs, organizes and manages existing ADR programs; administers the ADR budget; develops and coordinates educational opportunities for ADR providers, judges, lawyers and the public; and delivers presentations before a variety of audiences.  In addition, the Program Director supervises the work of mediation and administrative staff and is responsible for all aspects of performance management, and is expected to research and review literature for best practices and innovative programs in the field, and determine potential application to the Utah courts. Maintains the roster of ADR providers and serves as staff to the Judicial Council’s ADR committee. Qualifications: A Bachelor’s degree is required with preference given to a Master’s degree or juris doctorate. The ideal candidate must have extensive mediation experience, and demonstrated work experience to include management of staff and budgets.  The Program Director must have the ability to communicate effectively, analyze information, recommend appropriate actions, and to establish and maintain effective working relationships throughout all levels of the organization. Travel is required. Salary: $50,000 to $75,000 DOE. (2008)

COURT ADR RESOURCES DIRECTOR: Maryland Mediation & Conflict Resolution Office (MACRO), Annapolis, MD. Summary: The major focus of the Court ADR Resources Director is to work collaboratively with judges, lawyers and other appropriate court personnel in Maryland’s Circuit Courts across the state to help advance their court ADR programs. Duties: Functions include helping courts; identify ADR needs, apply for MACRO grant funds, identify training needs, design and develop pilot programs, draft or amend rules, procedures and forms, formulate action plans, promote and increase awareness about ADR programs, analyze evaluative data, monitor ADR programs and problem solve. This position also works closely with the District Court ADR office to help support its goals. Responsible for developing and coordinating a new Court ADR Network to enhance communications for all court ADR program coordinators and administrators in the circuit and District web based data collection and reporting system. Assists in coordinating ADR public awareness campaign and works collaboratively with staff in all aspects of MARO’s multi-faceted work. Qualifications: Juris Doctorate and completion of 40 hours of mediation training. 5 years of relevant professional experience in law, dispute resolution, court administration, or related field. Salary: $52,443-$62,885. (2007)

DISPUTE RESOLUTION COORDINATOR/MEDIATOR: Portage County Court of Common Pleas,  Ravenna, OH. Summary: Portage County Court of Common Pleas, Division of Domestic Relations seeks an individual to create and develop a court based mediation program servicing the Portage County Domestic Relations Court. Duties: The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned. Serves as the primary mediator for the Portage County Domestic Relations Court.  Types of disputes to be mediated will be common to those found in the Domestic Relations Court. Builds relationships/partnerships through community outreach in furtherance of the program. Supports efforts to attain financial sustainability of the program which may include grant search, application, and administration. Serves as liaison between the local courts and the Supreme Court of Ohio in implementing the program. Performs confidential administrative functions, with attention to detail, such as typing correspondence, reports, agreements and notices and adheres to terms of the grant.  Provides information to attorneys and litigants regarding mediation. Drafts a local rule and referral process for mediation. Provides supervision of support staff as needed.  Performs other duties related to the position as assigned. Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in business, management, law, social work, project/process management, conflict management/resolution or in a related field; at least one year of experience mediating disputes with sound knowledge the mediation process, ethics, applicable state laws and standards of practice and five or more years of relevant progressively responsible professional experience providing direct service to families, businesses and working with diverse populations are required. Must have ability to maintain confidences, exercise sound judgment and discretion, work collaboratively and maintain effective working relationships with court, staff, the judges, magistrates, community agencies, school employees, and the general public. Must have completed a minimum twelve hours of basic mediation training and at least forty hours of specialized family or divorce mediation training or equivalent formal training program approved by the Supreme Court of Ohio.  Completion of the Domestic Abuse Issues for Mediators and Other Professionals training provided by the Supreme Court of Ohio and 40 hours of civil mediation training is preferred. Willingness to receive additional training recommended by the Supreme Court of Ohio is required. Salary: $40,000 - $50,000. (2007)

CHIEF CIRCUIT MEDIATOR: U.S. Court of Appeals, Eleventh Judicial Circuit, Atlanta, GA. Summary: The Kinnard Mediation Center of the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Judicial Circuit has an opening for the position of Chief Circuit Mediator. This is an executive position consisting of legal and administrative responsibilities. The Chief Circuit Mediator, who serves under the direction of he Chief Judge and the Circuit Executive of the Eleventh Circuit, presides at mediations in civil appeals and oversees the work of professional staff in three offices within the Eleventh Circuit. The primary purpose of circuit mediation is to settle appeals and any related cases. Duties: Duties of circuit mediators include reading discussions of procedural and substantive legal issues, conducting analyses of an appeal’s settlement value, and probing each party’s interest in an effort to help the parties create and explore options to continued litigation. Qualifications: Graduation from an accredited law school, practice before the highest court of a state or territory of the United States, and at least ten years of post-graduate experience, a substantial portion of which involved trial and appellate work in federal courts. Significant training and experience in mediation. Knowledge of and experience working with the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and the Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure. Thorough knowledge of all aspects of civil law and legal procedures. A comprehensive understanding of the dynamics, costs, impacts, and strategies of the litigation process. The ability to analyze complex legal and practical aspects of an appeal. An aptitude for collaborative problem-solving and consensus building processes. The ability to deal persuasively and tactfully with strong-willed and sophisticated counsel and parties and to develop creative and practical solutions in appeals involving a wide range of disputes and personalities. The ability to work independently without supervision, exercising judgment and discretion to maintain party confidences, control direction of negotiations, and modify the subsequent course of proceedings. At least three years of extensive supervisory experience in court or executive management that demonstrates thorough knowledge of the basic concepts, principles, and theories of management; the ability to understand the managerial policies applicable to the court; and the ability to exert strong leadership in the mediation program, which is a vital component of the appeal process. Salary: $126,487 to $154,600. (2007)

ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION ADMINISTRATOR: Superior Court of Arizona Mohave County,  Conciliation Court, Kingman, AZ. Summary: This position serves at the pleasure of the Presiding Judge of the Superior Court and under the general supervision of the Superior Court Administrator. Duties: Performs professional and administrative work involved in the management and administration of alternative dispute resolution activities of the general and limited jurisdiction courts including but not limited to: Conciliation Court Services, Justice Court Mediation, School Peer Mediation, Expedited Child Support/Visitation and Superior Court Dependency Case program. Qualifications: Requires a Master’s Degree in marriage and family counseling, social work, psychology, sociology, law or related field from an accredited college or university and five (5) years of increasingly responsible management experience in a court, social service or justice-related organization of which three (3) years were in a managerial or supervisory position. Salary: $2,479.20 - $2,603.20/bi-weekly. (2007)

VOLUNTEER & CDR COORDINATOR (JUDICIARY COORDINATOR 2): Superior Court of New Jersey, Counties of Atlantic and Cape May. Summary: Under the direction of the Court Executive 2B (Operations Division Manager), is responsible for oversight of all Complementary Dispute Resolution (CDR) programs and oversight of all vicinage volunteers. Duties: Plans the implementation of new CDR and volunteer projects/programs and evaluates the effectiveness of existing programs. Acts as a lead, assisting divisional coordinators in assessing specific program needs. Serves as vicinage liaison to the Statewide Volunteer and CDR Committees. Develops annual plans for Volunteer staffing, budget, and training needs. Develops communication plan to advocate the Judiciary’s volunteer programs, including networking with community organizations, judges and attorneys. Develops administrative systems to recruit, screen and train volunteers; organizes special events and recognition ceremonies; designs brochures, public service announcements, literature, etc. for distribution to the general public an disputants; assists with community education and bar outreach programs for the vicinage. Recruit top-notch volunteers to serve the needs of the Judiciary. Performs related duties as required. Qualifications: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree. Five years of professional experience in the area of program evaluation, development, analysis, program administration or administrative research. Applicants who do not possess the required education may substitute experience on a year-for-year basis. A master’s degree may be substituted for one year of experience as indicated above. Salary: $54,180.62 - $84,438.98. (2006)

COURT EXECUTIVE 2A: Office of Trial Court Services, Programs and Procedures Division, AOC, Trenton, New Jersey. Summary: The Judiciary is looking for a person with strong leadership, managerial, training and administrative skills to serve as Court Executive 2a with the responsibility for managing a statewide program or programs, including the Complementary Dispute Resolution (CDR) program. Duties: Under the general direction of the manager of the Special Programs Unit within the Programs and Procedures Division, the individual will promote uniformity and quality of “best practices” and work with vicinages to ensure effective implementation of standards; provide direction and feedback on policy and programmatic issues to various vicinage coordinators; develop special training programs as needed; coordinate and assist with training programs such as the annual law clerk mediation training program and the basic mediation training programs; provide staff support to the Supreme Court Committee on Complementary Dispute Resolution and the Advisory Committee on Mediator Standards; and work with other AOC divisions to develop and foster pilot projects and monitor and evaluate CDR programs at the state level. Qualifications: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree. Five years of professional administrative and/or program management experience, three of which shall have included responsibility for program development and/or implementation and for supervision of staff. Applicants who do not possess the required education may substitute paraprofessional and professional experience on a year-for-year basis. A master’s degree may be substituted for one year of experience. A law degree may be substituted for two years of experience. Experience as a mediator and as a mediation trainer is desirable. Salary: $66,896 - $97,257. (2006)  

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JUDICIARY COORDINATOR 2: Superior Court of New Jersey, Camden Vicinage. Summary: Under the direction of the Court Executive 2B (Operations Division Manager), is responsible for oversight of all Complementary Dispute Resolution (CDR) programs and use of Judiciary volunteers within the vicinage. Duties: Plans the Implementation of new CDR and volunteer projects and programs and evaluates the effectiveness of existing programs. Acts as a lead worker in assisting program coordinators at the division level in assessing program needs and recruiting volunteers targeted to meet those needs. Develops annual plans for volunteer staffing, budget, and training needs. Develops communication plans and networks with judges attorneys, and community organizations to explain the needs of the Judiciary’s programs and recruit top-notch volunteers to serve the needs of the Judiciary. Serves as liaison to the Statewide Volunteer and CDR Committees. Develops administrative systems to recruit, screen and train volunteers; organizes special events and recognition ceremonies; designs brochures, public service announcements, and literature for distribution to the general public and disputants; assists with community education and bar outreach programs for the vicinage. Performs related duties as required. Qualifications: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree. Five years of professional experience in the area of program evaluation, development or analysis, or program administration or administrative research. Applicants who do not possess the required education may substitute experience on a year-for-year basis. A master’s degree may be substituted for one year of experience. A law degree may be substituted for two years of experience. Salary: $54,180.62 - $84,438.98. (2006)

DIRECTOR OF EARLY SETTLEMENT MEDIATION: Oklahoma. Summary: Panhandle Program Coordinates mediation services for a four county area in the Panhandle and  Northwest Oklahoma, working with the state court system, local communities and area school. Duties: conduct mediation sessions, schedule mediation and coordinate assignments of volunteer mediators; develop working relationships with judges and court officials; recruit, train and certify volunteer mediators; develop and deliver workshops and outreach regarding mediation services to area schools and community groups. The job will require a minimum of 60% travel. Qualifications: Demonstrated ability to perform the duties above; a Bachelors Degree in Education, Human Resources or related field is preferred, Masters Degree highly desired; must have a valid Oklahoma drivers license and reliable transportation; must have attended or can attend basic and advanced mediator training programs from the Administrative Office of the courts and become certified in order to retain position; must have good oral/written communication, supervisory skills and the ability to prioritize work assignments. (2006)

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Archived ADR Positions 1992-2005