National Center for State Courts

 

Improving Justice through Leadership
and Service to the Courts

     

  

Current Employment Opportunities

ADR Positions Main

Counselor/Mediator of ADR

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Counselor/Mediator of ADR

ATTORNEY NEGOTIATOR (BILINGUAL): Domestic Violence Unit, District of Columbia Courts. Washington, D.C. Summary: Incumbent is responsible for identifying and determining whether preliminary matters exist (i.e. process of service, jurisdiction and motions). Duties: Reviews cases, interviews the litigants, identifies issues, and negotiates issues related to custody, child support, visitation, counseling, property damage, and distribution of property, using alternative dispute resolution techniques and skills. Clearly represents the status of the case to the judicial officers. Acts as a liaison between litigants and the judicial officers. Negotiates conflicting issues in domestic violence cases, with the goal of reaching an agreement. Writes proposed orders in a clear, concise and complete manner for the judicial officers and prepares settlement agreements for complex domestic violence cases. Meets regularly with the Domestic Violence Judicial Officers and Project Director for identification of procedural problems and assists with and prepares memoranda of law (where appropriate) on questions pertaining to domestic violence. Monitors changes in legislation that impact domestic violence cases. Performs other duties as assigned. Qualifications: A law degree, admission to the practice of law before the Courts of the District of Columbia plus at least five years of general practice including at least three years of experience in negotiations in the area of Family Law. Must be able to speak, interpret, read and write Spanish fluently. Salary: $92,723 - $113,007 (2009).

FORECLOSURE MEDIATION CLERK: Administrative Office of the Couts; Carson City, NV. Summary: Under general supervision, the Foreclosure Mediation Clerk performs a broad variety of administrative support to the Foreclosure Mediation Program. Duties: Typical duties include answering phones as needed and provide information or transfer calls as necessary, processing incoming mail daily, record request for foreclosure mediation, endorse, record, and receipt foreclosure mediation fees, assist the public with request for foreclosure mediation, data entry into case management system and tracking spreadsheets, assist Foreclosure Mediation Coordinators with document processing, notify Foreclosure Mediation Coordinator when necessary documents are received, proof request for mediation for completeness and accuracy before they are distributed (file stamp, signatures, docket entries), retrieve records and correspondence files when requested, maintain records and other documents; daily file documents, create new files, keep records orderly, moving files from open to closed area when case closes, and reorganizing files on shelves as necessary, copy documents as requested for public and foreclosure mediation or AOC staff; process small copy work requests, scan documents into the electronic document management system throughout the day, print envelopes and mail copies of mediation material and other correspondence, and perform other duties as assigned. Qualifications:  High School Diploma or equivalent education and 3 years of clerical experience and administrative support experience which includes one or more of the following areas: maintaining records and files; preparing a variety of materials using a personal computer or word processor; performing secretarial duties in support of professional staff; OR 1 year as an Administrative Assistant II in Nevada State Service; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience. Salary: $30,192.48 – $47,606.40. (2009)

FORECLOSURE MEDIATION COORDINATOR: Administrative Office of the Courts; Carson City, NV. Summary: 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 processing applications from mediators, making recommendations to certify, plan, organize, assign, supervise, and review the work of assigned foreclosure mediators, collect and analyze 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, monitor performance and training plans for mediators, 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 and conduct Mediation Program meetings, carry out public relations activities and serve as liaison to courts, State Bar, and other agencies regarding the process of foreclosure and mediation program, prepare certificate of completion at end of mediation, and coordinate performance evaluations for participating mediators, program objectives, and training requirements. Qualifications: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in a related field (court, business or public administration) and one to five years experience in the field; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience on a year-for-year basis. Salary: $41,906.16 – $74,082.24. (2009)

FAMILY MEDIATOR: Superior Court of California, Marin County. Summary: The Family Mediator is responsible for meeting with parents to provide information and assistance in resolving their disputes regarding child custody, dependency, visitation and other parental concerns. This class is distinguished from that of the Manager, Family Court Services, in that the latter supervises this position. Duties: Manages a mediation caseload of families referred by the Family Law Court as required by law. Interview parties involved in disputes to assist them in developing written agreements regarding custody, visitation and related interests; drafts legally binding agreements for parents and processes them through the court. Provides brief intervention services and refers clients to community resources when extended intervention, long term counseling or other services are required. Reviews and analyzes medical, educational, social service, psychiatric, psychological, law enforcement and Court reports, evaluations and documents. May interview and/or consult with litigants, attorney and other family members, teachers, counselors and other interested parties to gather information and explore alternative solutions. May interview and assess children to determine their needs when involved in disputed issues. Prepares and maintains case files and mediation reports. Qualifications: As provided by Family Code Section 3161, possession of a master's degree in psychology, social work, marriage, family and child counseling, or other behavioral science substantially related to marriage and family interpersonal relationships, and two years experience in counseling or psychotherapy, or both in a setting related to areas of responsibility of the family conciliation court and with the ethnic population to be served. Salary: $68,224 - $82,368. (2009)

ADMINISTRATIVE SPECIALIST 4: Superior Court of New Jersey, Cumberland, Gloucester, Salem Vicinage. Summary: Conducts Family Division mediation proceedings in a multi-county vicinage. Duties: The Judiciary is seeking a customer service oriented individual responsible for mediations and handling confidential social investigations for court and conducting interviews with clients of the Family Division. Specific duties will include maintaining accurate records, implementing legislative enactments and court rules relating to case processing, conducting the Parent Education Program monthly and performing other related duties as assigned. Travel within the tri-county vicinage will be required. Qualifications: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in behavioral or social science, as specified in the Domestic Violence Hearing Officer Program Standards. Five years of professional experience including three years of experience in the areas of domestic violence or family crisis. Admission to the NJ Bar and one year of experience in Family Law (which shall include work involving domestic violence) may be substituted for one year of the required experience. Salary: $57,835.61 - $90,135.17. (2008)

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)  

MEDIATOR: Superior Court of California, County of Contra Costa, Family Court Services. Summary: The Superior Court in Contra Costa County is inviting applications from qualified applicants interested in a position with the Court as a Family Court Services Mediator. Under direction of the Family and Investigative Services Manager, incumbents provide mediation services in custody and/or visitation disputes as required by California Family Code Section 3170 as well as custody evaluation services as appropriate. Duties: Typical tasks include but are not limited to: conducts group/parent orientation programs and parent education related to mediation and court procedures pertaining to child custody; explains the mediation process to parents; conducts mediation of child custody and visitation disputes; may conduct child custody/visitation evaluations; facilitates agreements and/or modifications of agreements between parents regarding custody and visitation; investigates and evaluates cases for court reports regarding parenting plans that best meet the needs of children; investigates cases involving domestic violence; prepares a wide variety of reports, correspondence, dispositions and court testimony regarding assigned cases; makes recommendations to the court regarding the disposition of disputed cases; testifies in court in contested cases; makes referrals to community resources for further services; provides oral in-camera reports to judicial personnel. Qualifications: Possession of a master’s degree in psychology, social work, marriage, family and child counseling, or other behavioral science substantially related to marriage and family interpersonal relationships. (Completion of educational requirements as set forth in Rule 5.225 and Rule 5.230 of the California Rules of Court is desirable). Two years of experience in counseling or psychotherapy, or both, preferably in a setting relating to the areas of responsibility of the family court and with the ethnic populations to be serviced. (Additional post-degree counseling and/or psychotherapy experience is desirable). License is not required, although possession of one of the following professional licenses is desired: a valid license as a LCSW, or MFT issued by the State of California Board of Behavioral Science Examiners, or a valid license as a Psychologist issued by the State of California Board of Medical Quality Assurance, Psychology Examining Committee. Knowledge of: principles and techniques used in family mediation and the function of mediation services in the courts; procedures and techniques used in child custody and visitation evaluations; general knowledge of the law, regulations and court procedures governing the operation of family court services programs in California and of community resources available to clients. Ability to: analyze and evaluate complex interpersonal and family relationships which requires the application of specialized counseling skills; effectively communicate orally and in written form; and prepare reports in a clear and concise manner. Salary: $64,066.18 - $77,872.87. (2007)

INDIVIDUAL, MARRIAGE & FAMILY THERAPIST: AOC, Judiciary of Guam. Summary: This is complex professional family counseling work. Duties: Employees in this class perform the full range of complex professional duties which involves providing clinical treatment, including independent work in specialized areas of the profession. Qualifications: Graduation from a recognized college or university with a Master’s degree in Social Work, Psychology or closely related field, and possession of a valid license in individual, marriage and family therapy issued by the Guam Board of Allied Health Examiners. Minimum Knowledge, Abilities and Skills: Knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques of counseling. Knowledge of local laws relating to family matters. Knowledge of the techniques of effective marital, family, group and child counseling. Knowledge of the dynamics of human behavior pertinent to diagnostic or treatment interviews. Knowledge of the problems of personal and social adjustment. Ability to utilize relevant personality theory, casework methods, supervision and consultation in clinical practice. Ability to interpret and apply pertinent laws, rules, regulations and other program guidelines. Ability to function constructively under pressures and risks involved in working with persons having complex social, emotional and related problems. Ability to prepare accurate case histories and factual reports. Ability to work effectively with the public and employees. Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing. Skill in interviewing and developing diagnostically based treatment plans. Salary: $33,811. (2006)

FAMILY COUNSELOR – MEDIATOR (DIVORCE AND SCHOOL PEER MEDIATION TRAINER): Mohave County Superior Court, Conciliation Court. Duties: Position is primarily responsible for the development, coordination, and facilitation of education training programs for divorce mediation and school peer mediation. May also assist in conducting divorce mediations. Qualifications: Ideal candidates should possess a Master’s Degree in Marriage and Counseling, Social Work, Psychology, Family or Adult Education or related field from an accredited college or university (or willingness to obtain the required degree upon appointment); a minimum of 40 hours in a nationally accredited mediation training course or other relevant training organization and two or more years of progressive responsible counseling, mediation and/or education-related experience. Excellent organizational, analytical, human relations and communication skills are preferred. Salary: $1,524.80 Bi-weekly. (2006)

ADMINISTRATIVE SPECIALIST 4: Superior Court of New Jersey. Summary: Conducts Family Division mediation proceedings in a multi-county vicinage. Duties: The Judiciary is seeking a customer service oriented individual responsible for mediations and handling confidential social investigations for court and conducting interviews with clients of the Family Division. Specific duties will include maintaining accurate records, implementing legislative enactments and court rules relating to case processing and performing other related duties as assigned. Travel within the tri-county vicinage will be required. Qualifications: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in behavioral or social science, as specified in the Domestic Violence Hearing Officer Program Standards. Five years of professional experience including three years of experience in the areas of domestic violence or family crisis. Admission to the NJ Bar and one year of experience in Family Law (which shall include work involving domestic violence) may be substituted for one year of the required experience. Salary: $53,118.25 - $82,783.31. (2006)

ADMINISTRATIVE SPECIALIST 4: Superior Court of New Jersey, Burlington County. Duties: The Judiciary is seeking a compassionate leader to mediate issues in abuse/neglect cases, involving the Division of Youth and Family Services, Law Guardians, attorneys representing the Office of the Attorney General, and parents. This position is also responsible for developing policies or procedures to ensure efficient operations; planning, implementing, and evaluating Family Division programs or projects; resolving disputes, conflicts, or problems regarding programs or services; facilitating discussion among state, vicinage, county, or local officials; and keeping abreast of current trends, laws, and rules. The position may serve as a back-up for other Family Division Programs and performs related duties as required. Qualifications: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a graduate degree or certification of advanced training in a behavioral or social science and completion of a recognized mediation training program consisting of 40 hours of instruction. Four years of professional experience in one or more of the following areas: mediation, counseling, family intake, crisis intervention, custody/visitation dispute investigations and child support. The professional experience shall have included supervised clinical experience in mediation. At the discretion of the Assignment Judge relevant experience may be substituted for either the graduate degree or clinical experience, or both. NOTE: In special circumstances and at the request of the Assignment Judge, the Administrative Office of the Courts may temporarily approve for a 1-year period an applicant who has not yet completed the specialized family mediation training, provided the applicant has at least 3 years of experience as a mediator or a combination of mediation experience and service in the Family Part, has co-mediated in a CDR program with an experienced family mediator, and certifies to the intention to complete the specialized training within 1 year following the temporary approval. Salary: $53,118.25 - $82,783.31. (2006)  

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ASSISTANT GENERAL COUNSEL: Atlanta Housing Authority, GA. Summary: Reporting to the General Counsel and Chief Legal Officer, the successful candidate will provide legal advice to internal clients on a broad range of legal matters. Duties: Coordinate matters related to civil, administrative, and other cases to formulate defenses or to initiate legal action against other persons or entities. Manage the administrative hearing process including contracting full evidentiary hearings, preparing findings and documenting conclusions and/or recommendations. Provide regulatory and administrative guidance to the Housing Choice Program, including reviewing Administrative Hearing decisions. Analyze and coordinate monetary and other claims, including making recommendations for settlements, alternative dispute resolution, or judicial action. Monitor and coordinate with outside legal counsel in litigation and other assigned matters, including review of strategy, transactional documents, pleadings, and preparation of witnesses for testimony. Interpret laws, rulings, and regulations related to all AHA matters and confer with expert outside counsel on specialty matters. Respond to inquiries from law firms and advocacy groups regarding program participants, residents, landlords, and program properties; and manage litigation directly related to the Housing Choice Voucher and Public Hearing Program. Provide regulatory and legal advice as it relates to housing and resident issues. Draft, review and negotiate contracts, agreements and change orders. Qualifications: Must possess a JD and have a minimum of 10 years experience practicing in a top tier law firm, major corporate law department or administrative agency with expertise related to the substantive areas which impact the business of AHA, i.e. resident issues, landlord/tenant matters, corporate/government affairs. Requires membership to the Georgia Bar or must be admitted within 11 months of employment. Demonstrated experience as a mediator is a plus. Experience conducting administrative hearings is a plus. Must have excellent analytical legal research and writing skills, superior communication skills and the ability to synthesize information in an environment that is often very fluid and fast-paced. Must have the ability to customize the Department’s work product and/or advice to the needs of each particular client while juggling numerous issues ranging across multiple areas and disciplines. Requires proficiency in current office technology and software applications. (2006) Top

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CLIENT SERVICES COORDINATOR: Multi-Door Dispute Resolution, 515 5th Street, NW, Washington, D.C. Summary: This position is the first point of contact for the Director’s Office and the Family, Community, and Civil ADR clients of the division, who require program information and referral to appropriate Multi-Door services or other court staff. Duties: The incumbent receives all queries from the public, clients, counsel, court staff, neutrals, and visitors and directs clients to appropriate staff in the Family and Community and Civil Branches and responds to requests for information and assistance. Provides administrative assistance to all staff and programs in the division, including organizing and coordinating trainings, in-services and meetings, as well as confirming the scheduling of mediation. Provides technical assistance to staff on database functions as well as word processing training to staff, interns, and volunteers. Performs other duties, as assigned. Qualifications: Four years of administrative experience in a highly complex and fast-paced environment. Experience in a court setting is preferred. Equivalent levels of relevant education or administrative experience may be substituted. Please submit a copy of your most recent performance evaluation, if available, with your application. Salary: $43,557 – 456,624. (2008)

ADR STAFF ASSISTANT: District of Columbia Courts, Multi-Door Dispute Resolution. Summary: Incumbent will provide alternative dispute resolution (ADR) program and administrative support to the Multi-Door Dispute Resolution Division. Duties: Duties include monitoring and coordination of the division’s strategic planning efforts; design and delivery of mediator instructional materials and initial and ongoing training classes; editing and production of client and visitor informational materials; and ADR case management back-up support as needed. Incumbent will also respond to inquiries about ADR programs and activities, coordinate meetings, and maintain web-based ADR information and literature for staff and neutrals. Incumbent will coordinate projects and work directly with the Director of the Multi-Door Dispute Resolution Division on collecting and analyzing data and budget preparation. Qualifications: A Bachelor’s degree in the social sciences, humanities, or business, plus 2 years of administrative experience working with public and/or non-profit organizations. Equivalent combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted. Strong interpersonal and communication skills are essential. Salary: $50,703-$65,912. (2007)

PRINCIPAL COURT ANALYST: Office of Alternative Dispute Resolution and Court Improvement Programs, Cohoes, New York. Duties: With substantial independence from supervision, Principal Court Analysts work individually or as team leaders on projects that involve research and confidential analysis, planning, and other related work in one or more of the following areas: budget development and court finance; personnel administration; resource allocation; and court system management and administration. As team leaders, Principal Court Analysts supervise Senior Court Analysts, Court Analysts, and Junior Court Analysts assigned to a single study component of a large and complex project. Qualifications: One year in the Senior Court Analyst title; or Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and three years of relevant experience; or Master’s degree in public or business administration from an accredited college or university and two years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.  Salary: $57,053 (2007)

SENIOR COURT ANALYST: Office of Alternative Dispute Resolution and Court Improvement Programs, Cohoes, New York. Duties: Under supervision, Senior Court Analysts work individually or as team leaders, on projects that involve research and confidential analysis, planning and other related work in one or more of the following areas: budget development and court finance; personnel administration; resource allocation; and court system management and administration. As team leaders, Senior Court Analysts supervise Junior Court Analysts and Court Analysts assigned to field or research projects of narrow scope. Qualifications: One year in the Senior Court Analyst title; or Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and three years of relevant experience; or Master’s degree in public or business administration from an accredited college or university and one year of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Salary: $51,298 (2007)

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ADR Positions

Archived Counselor Positions 1992-2005