Current Employment Opportunities

Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Job Descriptions

• Director/Coordinator of ADR

• Counselor/Mediator of ADR

• Other

Director/Coordinator of ADR

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)

JUDICIARY COORDINATOR 2: Superior Court of New Jersey; Somerset, Hunterdon and Warren  Counties. Summary: The General Operations Division is seeking a professional who has the ability to influence, motivate and challenge others, adapting his/her leadership to a variety of situations; think creatively, using imagination to develop new insights into situations; apply innovative solutions and design new methods and procedures; make sound, well informed and objective decisions, driving change to accomplish organizational goals. Duties: Under the general direction of the Court Executive 2b (General Operations Division Manager) and other supervisory personnel, this individual will develop, administer, and monitor the effectiveness of the Vicinage Judiciary Volunteer and Community Dispute Resolution (CDR) programs across three counties. Specific duties will include, but not limited to: developing policies and procedures to ensure compliance with established best practices; planning, coordinating and implementing associated recruiting, training and recognition programs and events; providing direction and coordinating the actions of associated program coordinators; developing communications and recruiting plans; conducting training sessions and orientation programs; addressing community organizations, public forums, media and professional organizations; formulating plans for the effective utilization of available funds and other resources; serving as lead worker, providing feedback, mentoring and coaching to volunteers, team members and non-subordinate employees; and performing other related duties as assigned. Qualifications: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree. Five years of professional experience in program evaluation, program development, coordination, program 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. A law degree may be substituted for two years of experience. Ability to develop administrative control systems using Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint) and Lotus Notes would be helpful. Salary: $53,118.25 - $82,783.31. (2005)

CONCILIATION SERVICES DIRECTOR: Judicial Branch of Arizona, Maricopa County. Duties: The principal responsibilities of the Director include: directs and manages the functions of the conciliation services department; develops and implements departmental policies and procedures; reviews and evaluates the effectiveness of programs and services; oversees staff development and training; represents the department in meetings and activities with other departments, agencies and organizations; responds to inquiries and complaints; oversees the development of and monitors the departmental budget; reviews and evaluates the job performance of supervisory and professional level staff; develops procedures in response to new laws or rules and ensures their effective implementation; awareness of domestic violence, substance abuse and child abuse issues. Qualifications: The ideal candidate must possess the minimum of a Master’s Degree in Social Science, Public Administration or a Law Degree from an accredited institution. They must also have 7 years of post-graduate experience in strategic planning and oversight, experience in executive leadership positions requiring the management of operations and staff of a clinical, court, law or conciliation department. Specific training or education in mediation and child custody evaluation may also meet the post-graduate experience requirement. Salary: $65,000 - $75,000. (2005)

DIRECTOR OF CONCILIATION SERVICES: Phoenix, Arizona. Summary: The Trial Courts of Arizona in Maricopa County seek a Director of Conciliation Services.  Conciliation Services was established in 1962 after the Arizona Legislature enacted Conciliation Services Law (ARS 25-381). Conciliation Services offers conciliation counseling for parties contemplating divorce, mediation of child custody and parenting time plans for families of divorce, mediation of child custody and parenting time plans for families of divorce, post-divorce or in paternity actions. Conciliation Services also provides evaluation services to the Court when parents are unable to agree upon a parenting plan. Finally, Conciliation Services provides and oversees parent education programs for families involved in divorce and/or custody disputes.  The position requires significant professional and management experience, knowledge and insight. The successful candidate will manage a large Court department of approximately 30 professional staff and 15 support staff and a budget of $2.3 million, under the direction of Family Court Administrator. Duties: Directs and manages the functions of the conciliation services department. Develops and implements departmental policies and procedures; Reviews and evaluates the effectiveness of programs and services; Oversees staff development and training; Represents the department in meetings and activities with other departments, agencies and organizations; Responds to inquiries and complaints; Oversees the development of and monitors the departmental budget; Reviews and evaluates the job performance of supervisory and professional level staff; Develops procedures in response to new laws or rules and ensure their effective implementation; Awareness of domestic violence, substance abuse and child abuse issues. Qualifications: The ideal candidate must possess the minimum of a Master's Degree in Social Science, Public Administration or a Law Degree from an accredited institution. They must also have seven years of post-graduate experience in strategic planning and oversight, experience in executive leadership positions requiring the management of operations and staff of a clinical, court, law or conciliation department. Specific training or education in mediation and child custody evaluation may also meet the post graduate experience requirement. Salary: $65,000-$75,000. (2005)

ADR COORDINATOR: Maryland Judiciary, Annapolis, MD. Duties: Responsible for the maintenance of existing ADR programs; promoting new programs; assisting with ADR conferences and trainings; and traveling to other District Court locations as needed, screens civil cases for ADR, makes referrals and follows up for the results of these referrals. Where a day of trial ADR program is in place, assists, evaluates, and trains the ADR professionals, keeps statistical records and analysis of these programs, works closely with District Court judges, clerks, ADR professionals, attorneys, staff and interested individuals to ensure that the programs meet local needs, develops and promotes new programs, including developing orientation programs and written materials for ADR volunteers and the public and suggesting innovative ideas for improvement for all ADR programs and assists other ADR staff members with special projects. Qualifications:  Bachelor's Degree and completion of a basic 40 hour mediation course with experience as a mediator, OR completion of the 8-hour facilitated settlement conference course with experience as a facilitator, minimum of three years of law or court related experience, particularly in the area of mediation and prior experience with District Court ADR program preferred. Skills/Abilities: Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills. Ability to develop rapport quickly and easily; ability to demonstrate flexibility/adaptability; ability to prioritize and manage multiple assignments; ability to understand and carry out complex instructions; and ability to accurately prepare and summarize a variety of records, reports, and documents, ability to interact with all levels of management and the public, knowledge of business English, including proper grammar, spelling and punctuation; knowledge of basic legal terminology and civil procedure, knowledge of the various forms of ADR and how they can be used in the court context, experience with standard office equipment, ability to work with the mainframe, WordPerfect, Word, EXCEL and ACCESS, must be able to travel to various court locations throughout the state and ability to perform all of the essential functions of this position. Salary Range: $19.62 per hour (no benefits). (2005)

CIVIL AND COURT MEDIATION PROGRAM COORDINATOR: Northern Virginia Mediation Service, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia. Duties: The Program Coordinator effectively manages 1) The on-site General District Court and Small Claims Court Programs for Arlington, Fairfax, Falls Church, and Loudoun; 2) The General Apprenticeship Program; 3) The internship program; 4) The Supreme Court Contract Program; 5) Case management for referrals from state and federal agencies; and 6) NVMS Paper File and Electronic Database Records Administration. The Program Coordinator also has responsibility for assisting with 1) general case management and office coverage in order to provide clients, customers, vendors and the general public with a timely, effective and professional experience when working with NVMS and 2) to assist the Executive Director and other staff as needed. Qualifications:  We seek a combination of the following credentials, skills and abilities: four year college degree preferred, knowledge of and experience in conflict resolution, mediation and/or community mediation, excellent communications skills and ability to work with individuals in a court environment, knowledge and experience using MS Word and Access database software, experience in scheduling, case management, and volunteer management, attention to detail and responsiveness in working with clients, staff other constituents, ability to work with and supervise interns and other staff in a positive, team-oriented manner, fluency in Spanish and Virginia Supreme Court mediator certification is a plus. Salary range: $25,000 to $30,000 per year (depending upon experience).  Benefits include a positive, team-oriented work environment, access to training/professional development courses, vacation, holidays, sick leave, SEP retirement plan and partially paid health insurance. (2005)

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.

PROJECT COORDINATOR: Michigan Supreme Court State Court Administrative Office Office of Dispute Resolution. Summary: Reporting to the Office of Dispute Resolution Director, the Project Coordinator coordinates specialized areas of mediation that are offered through Community Dispute Resolution Program (CDRP) centers. Duties: Overseeing all aspects of administering the Access and Visitation grant; implementing family division and probate applications of mediation (divorce, guardianship, conservatorship, permanency planning, juvenile); providing technical assistance to CDRP centers; serving as liaison between CDRP centers and courts to develop referral systems; developing public education materials and mediator training for specialized domestic relations and probate mediation services; serving as liaison to Alternative Dispute Resolution organizations to promote coordination of ADR initiatives; assisting the ODR Director in other projects LOCATION: Michigan Hall of Justice, Lansing, MI. Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Conflict Resolution, Public Administration, or a closely related area. Master's degree or Juris Doctor preferred and three to five years of experience involving domestic relations mediation, project development, and evaluation methodologies. Salary Range: $50,947.20 to $66,231.36. (2004)

ADR SPECIALIST IV: Phoenix, Arizona. Summary: Responsible for a wide range of complex projects that involve planning, researching, training, analyzing and implementing effective alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods, operations, programs, policies and educational programs statewide which result in improving and increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of the Arizona court system. Duties: Develops, promotes and analyzes court ADR policies, standards and practices statewide. ADR Fund grant administration; evaluates grant applications for ADR Fund and assists courts with developing ADR project proposals, objectives and measurements. Provides recommendations, prepares reports and designs systems and procedures for ADR court programs; develops new or improved programs and expands ADR usage in justice courts; develops ADR training curricula and serves as faculty for various ADR educational programs for court volunteer mediator pools, judicial officers and court staff statewide; organizes and produces conferences and special ADR training segments statewide; staffs relevant Supreme Court committees, task forces and workgroups. Maintains cooperative working relationships with the ADR court community and other governmental and private agencies in order to achieve general organizational goals as well as specific project goals. Qualifications: Advanced degree in criminal justice, law, social science or public administration; seven years' experience in a variety of court or government-related positions, including five years' experience in alternative dispute resolution techniques and serving as faculty in teaching ADR methods, benefits and program establishment; working knowledge of state and national alternative dispute resolution issues facing the courts in the handling and processing of civil cases; excellent oral and written communication skills; experience in organizing and prioritizing workload and managing multiple projects simultaneously; ability to work effectively with judges, court staff and the public; ability to travel statewide for ADR training sessions and site visits. Salary $48,639. (2004)

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Archived ADR Positions 1992-1999