Family Court Services Counselor I - Fresno Superior Court

Job Details

Salary : $75,046.00 - $95,846.00 Annually

Location : B.F. Sisk Courthouse 1130 O Street Fresno, CA

Job Type: Full-time

Job Number: FSC00557

Department: Family Court Services

Opening Date: 05/03/2024

Closing Date: Continuous

Description

Responses to the three (3) job related vignettes below must be submitted with the application for consideration.

This recruitment will remain open until filled. Applications received by Thursday, May 16th, 2024 at 4:00 p.m. will be considered first.

Tentative Exam Dates:

Written and Oral exams: Wednesday, May 29, 2024

Selection interview: Wednesday, June 5, 2024

Salary Range:

NON-LICENSED $36.08 - $43.87/hr.
LICENSED $37.90 - $46.08/hr.

DEFINITION: Under general direction, serves as a Family Court Services Counselor for the Superior Court in Family Law and Dependency cases, and performs related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: The Family Court Services Counselor series is utilized in the Fresno Superior Court. The series exists to provide a variety of services to the Court including: confidential/non-recommending mediation; child custody recommending counseling; assessment and recommendation regarding minor's request to marry or establish a domestic partnership; dependency court mediations; stepparent adoption investigations; freedom from parental custody and control investigations; and other services related to the Family Law and Juvenile Court Divisions.

Incumbents are directed by the Court to mediate cases in an attempt to facilitate a settlement of the contested issues in a way that will serve the best interest of the child. Incumbents are also directed by the Court, in specific cases, to provide the Court with developmentally and psychologically appropriate investigative reports and/or recommendations.

Typical Tasks

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES: The information listed below is meant to provide samples of essential job functions and responsibilities for positions in this classification. This list is neither inclusive nor exclusive, but indicative of several types of duties performed.

All duties are subject to limitations established in the Court Human Resources policies, guidelines, and labor contract provisions. All duties are performed in accordance with California State Law, Rules of Court, and established statutes, rules, and procedures.

Typical tasks:

Serves as a mediator in confidential/non-recommending Tier 1 mediation cases and shall use their best efforts to effect a settlement of the contested issues that is in the best interest of the child.
Serves as a counselor in Tier 2 sessions and obtains additional collateral information as directed by the Court. The Tier 2 Counselor shall also submit a report to the court that provides additional assessment and collateral information, as directed by the Court.
Serves as a counselor in Tier 3 and At-Court Child Custody Recommending Counseling sessions and makes recommendations to the Court as to custody, parenting time and related services.
Serves as a counselor in underage marriage/registered domestic partnership cases and submits reports and recommendations to the Court.
Serves as an investigator and reviews, evaluates and writes a report and recommendation regarding petitions related to stepparent adoptions and/or freedom from parental custody and control proceedings.
Serves as a mediator for Juvenile Dependency Court cases as assigned.
May provide psycho-educational information and/or make appropriate referrals to community service providers depending upon the need and circumstances in each case.
Takes initiative to make appropriate Suspected Child Abuse Reports to Child Protective Services as needed.
Provides court testimony as required.
Compiles statistics as directed, including but not limited to timely and accurate case management (Odyssey) entries/data.
Effectively manages a caseload and provides all documents to the Court in a timely manner.
Participate in the staffing of cases.
Attend staff meetings.
Punctual and regular attendance.
Uses interpersonal and conflict resolution skills in maintaining appropriate boundaries and effectively dealing with parents, judicial officers, colleagues and other court staff to maintain a supportive and productive work environment.
May perform other Family Court Services functions as required.

Minimum Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master's Degree in either Marriage, Family and Child Counseling, Social Work, Psychology, or other behavioral science substantially related to marriage and family interpersonal relationships.

Experience: Two (2) years of full-time paid, professional experience in counseling or psychotherapy, preferably with emphasis in family interpersonal relationships.

OR
Any combination of relevant education and/or experience that would demonstrate the individual possesses the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities as determined by the Court Executive Officer.

License: A valid California class C driver's license or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions.
Additional Information

EXPECTED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

As applicable to assigned areas of responsibility.

Knowledge of:

Principles and techniques of interviewing adults and children;
Conflict resolution skills, adult psychopathology and the dynamics of family dysfunction;
Child development, child abuse, clinical issues relating to children, the effects of divorce on children;
Substance abuse and domestic violence and the effect on children and families;
Child custody research sufficient to enable a mediator/counselor to assess the best interest of children;
The Court system of California and the procedures used in Family Law and Dependency cases;
Resources in the community that parents can be referred to for assistance;
Basic computer applications and processes; and
The Court has ten core competencies, of which nine are significant for this position. They include: Continual Learning, Flexibility, Strategic Thinking, Conflict Management, Team Building, Accountability, Problem Solving, Oral Communication and Written Communication.

Skills and Ability to:

Assess families with multiple and complex psychological, social, cultural and economic issues;
Identify and address physical, emotional and sexual abuse, as well and the effects on children;
Directly address and assess significant issues that impact the health, safety and welfare of children;
Compose clear, concise and assertive reports, based on assessment of the parties interviewed and analysis of the information gathered;
Good self-care skills due to the emotional and sometimes disturbing nature of the information disclosed in session;
Ability to establish rapport and relate well with people in emotional or trying circumstances;
Provide customer service that enhances the public's trust and confidence in the judicial system and work cooperatively with the public, court staff and other agencies and professionals;
Use patience, tact and courtesy to establish rapport with Judicial Officers, co-workers and the public;
Strong oral and written communication skills and an ability to work closely with and be a productive part of the Family Court Services staff;
A high degree of maturity and integrity;
The ability to work independently to accomplish the work assignment;
Work under pressure and meet deadlines;
Complete assigned tasks in a timely and accurate manner;
Handle complex case assignments and extra caseload as needed;
Adapt work habits to new or unexpected circumstances;
Cooperatively participate in performance supervision and review
Operate modern office equipment including copiers, computers, word processors, fax machines and printers;
Type and enter data at a speed necessary for successful job performance;
Give verbal and written instructions in a clear and concise manner;
Comprehend and follow verbal and written instructions;
Maintain regular and consistent work hours
Oral Expression: The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand;
Oral Comprehension: The ability to listen and to understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences;
Written Expression: The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand;
Written Comprehension: The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

WORKING CONDITIONS: The incumbent will primarily work in a climate-controlled office setting under artificial lighting. Incumbent may also be required to travel and occasionally be exposed to a variety of altering weather conditions (extreme cold or hot weather).

Physical Demands:

Strength, dexterity, coordination and vision to use a keyboard, computer monitor and other office equipment on a daily basis and for extended periods of time;
Fine finger manipulation, dexterity and coordination to handle files and single pieces of paper;
Forceful and repetitive gripping, grasping, and pinching;
Occasional lifting and carrying of objects weighing up to 10 lbs. such as files, stacks of paper, and other materials;
Frequent reaching for items on shelves, above, at and below desk / shoulder level;
Exerts up to 20 lbs. of force occasionally, and/or up to 10lbs of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move, torque, twist, push and pull objects;
Frequently sit for extended periods; frequently stand for extended periods; and frequently walk, move, bend, stoop, lift and stretch;
Able to move to different locations such as, but not limited to: various departments, other court facilities, and desk assignments based on the operational needs of the Court;
Must be able to traverse inside and outside over uneven ground and pavement;
Perform repetitive writing, typing, copying, filing, scanning and document stamping;
Employees are regularly required to verbally communicate, both in person and by telephone;
Corrected hearing and vision to normal range.

BACKGROUND INVESTIGATIONS: Convictions, depending on the type, number and date, may be disqualifying. Court employees shall be subject to a modified background investigation and fingerprinting. False statements or omission of facts regarding background or employment history may result in disqualification or dismissal.

REQUEST FOR REASONABLE ACCOMODATIONS: The Superior Court of California, County of Fresno is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process may contact the Human Resources Department at (559) ###-#### or via email at . Individuals with hearing and/or speech impairments may also contact Human Resources for this position through the use of the California Relay Service by dialing 711.

SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTION VIGNETTES:

Vignette #1:Instructions: For Vignette #1, please read the following case summary and answer Question 1 and Question 2 and submit as 1 attachment.

Vignette #1:
The parents were married in 2009 and separated in 2020 (their divorce is pending). They have two children: a twelve (12) year old son and an eight (8) year old daughter. The parents have requested modifications to the custody and visitation orders approximately three (3) times since 2019. Their current order grants them joint legal and physical custody, primary residency with the mother, and custodial time with the father during the 1st, 3rd and 5th weekends, and every Wednesdays evening for two (2) hours after school and for three (3) non-consecutive, one (1) week periods during the summer break from school. The father has petitioned the Court requesting a 50/50 custody plan such as alternating weeks with each parent.

In his petition to the court, the father reports the following:

He expressed concern that the mother is leaving the children with her new boyfriend when he is available and that he should be given the opportunity to care for the children during these periods instead.
He expressed concern that the mother does not support his relationship with the children and he believes that the mother is actively trying to turn the children against him. He stated "I'm afraid she is brainwashing my kids".
He agreed that he and the mother do not communicate. He stated that he avoids communication with her because she is "critical and asks too many questions" about his time with the children. He stated that to avoid conflict with the mother, he will text message the 12-year-old if he needs to change an exchange day or time.

In her written response, the mother reports the following:
- She expressed concern that the father is unable to understand that the children "do not like to visit" with him.
- She states that she has provided a very stable home for the children where they each have their own room, unlike at the father's where the children share a room.
- She expressed concern that the father may be abusing alcohol during his custodial time.
- She reported she and the father do not communicate because the father does not listen to her or take her advice seriously; he is "like talking to a brick wall". She agreed that it is easier to have the children pass messages to the father at this time.

You are facilitating a confidential mediation (Tier 1) with the parents only. In the Tier 1 session you will focus on helping the parents to resolve their areas of disagreement and create an agreed upon parenting plan. If the parents do not reach an agreement, you will not make a recommendation to the court regarding custody and parenting time.

For Vignette 1, Please answer the following:
Taking into consideration the best interest of the children, what are the 3 areas of concern that you want to explore during your mediation with the parents?
Why are these areas of concern important?
Vignette #2:
Instructions: For Vignette #2, please read the following case summary and complete Part 1 and Part 2 and submit as 1 attachment.

Vignette #2: Sally and Jessie have two children in common: Jennifer eight (8) years old and Steven, six (6) years old. The mother, Sally, and the father, Jessie, will be interviewed separately due to a current Retraining Order.

You have reviewed the following documents in the Court file:

A court order dated 11/24/19 from a recent Domestic Violence hearing. The Order states that the mother was given a three (3) year restraining order against the father. The Restraining Order does not list the children as protected parties; however, it does grant sole custody to the mother and unsupervised, day visits with the father three (3) times each week.
A Police Report (filed with the Court by the father) from an incident on 1/1/21 that states that the mother was arrested for a DUI. The report states that the children were in the car at the time the mother was arrested, therefore, the father was contacted by law enforcement to come get the children. The father was encouraged by the police officer to petition the Court for custody of the children as soon as possible.
- During your CCRC interviews with each parent, the mother reports:
  - She acknowledges that she was arrested for a DUI on New Year's Day but that it has been almost three (3) years since her previous DUI and that she was just barely over the legal limit (however, the police report suggests otherwise).
  - She expressed concern that the father is always too busy to really spend time with the children and she has always been the primary care provider for the children.
  - She also suggests that the father is just trying to take the kids away from her so that he does not have to pay child support.
- The father reports:
  - He acknowledges that he was arrested in 2019 after he pushed the mother because she would not stop yelling at him. The father denies having poor anger control and stated that it is just the mother because she makes him "so mad sometimes."
  - The father states that he thinks that the mother is a good parent, but that she has become too "social" lately and has reverted back to old habits of drinking too much with her friends.
  - The father states that he has made several changes since the children were placed in his care in January. He stated that he now works from 8:00am to 4:00pm, Monday through Friday to be more available to the children.
- The children report the following:
  - Neither of the children report any physical violence by the father, but they describe that he yells and has a lot of rules.
  - Statements made by both children support the father's concerns that the mother drinks with the neighbors multiple times each week.
  - It is clear that the children miss the mother and would like to spend time with her.
  - The children also report that they like having their own room at the father's house.

For Vignette 2, Please answer the following:
PART 1 -
Based on the geographical distance between the parents, the children must reside primarily with one parent during the school days. Which parent would you recommend the children reside with primarily? What are the three (3) most significant factors that influenced your recommendation?

PART 2 -
What services below, if any, would you recommend for the mother and the father? Why do you feel the service(s) are important in this case?

Substance abuse assessment
12-Step Program AA/NA
Parenting Program
Co-Parenting Program
Anger Management
Counseling

Vignette #3:Instructions: For Vignette #3, please read the following scenario and write your answer accordingly and submit as 1 attachment.

Vignette #3: You have returned to work on Monday, after being out unexpectedly on Thursday and Friday of the week prior. As an FCS Counselor you are generally expected to work from 7:30 am to 4:00 pm, with a half hour lunch; however, as an FCS Counselor you have flexibility to work beyond your normal work schedule as needed. You arrive on Monday and realize the following:

You have three (3) pending assignments that are all due by 4:00 pm on Tuesday. You anticipate that one (1) of the pending assignments will take at least three (3) hours to complete. You anticipate that the other two (2) pending assignments will take at least one to two hours each to complete. You had planned to complete these pending assignments during your "paperwork time" on Friday, however, you were out unexpectedly.
You have three (3) Tier 1 appointments scheduled for Monday at 8:00 am, 10:00 am and 1:00 pm, with each appointment lasting anywhere between one (1) and two (2) hours depending on the complexity of the family's issues.
You have two (2) Tier 1 appointments on Tuesday at 8:00 am and 10:00 am.
You are approved to be off from noon to 4:00 pm on Tuesday.
You have not reviewed the case files for any of your Monday or Tuesday appointments.

For Vignette 3, Please answer the following:
How do you prioritize each task and why?

Medical, Dental, Vision, and Prescription health benefits:
Choice of Blue Shield (HMO, PPO, HDHP) or Kaiser (HMO, HDHP) health plans effective on your first day of employment. Choice of Delta Dental DPPO or Metlife Dental DHMO plans effective on your first day of employment. Vision coverage through Superior Vision or Kaiser Vision is also available effective on your first day of employment. The Court pays towards employee coverage plus an additional amount per year for family health benefit premiums.

Flexible Spending Accounts:
Medical and dependent care reimbursement accounts available. Set pre-tax dollars aside to pay for eligible medical, dependent care, and qualified parking expenses.

Basic Life/AD&D Insurance:
$15,000 Basic Group Life/AD&D insurance provided by employer.

Short Term Disability Insurance (STD):

STD administered through California State Disability Insurance (SDI).

Retirement:
The Fresno Superior Court participates in the Fresno County Employees Retirement Association (FCERA). Placement in Benefit Tier I or Tier V is contingent upon a candidate's recent employment circumstances. Additionally, FCERA has reciprocity with several California public retirement systems. More information about FCERA can be found at Retirement benefits are integrated with Social Security.

Vacation/Sick:

Paid Time Off (PTO) is initially accrued at the rate of approximately 17 days per year based on being on a continuous paid status; pro-rated for hours worked. Accrual rate increases based on length of service.

Paid Holidays:
The following is a schedule of Court recognized paid holidays for Court employees:
January 1 - New Year's Day
Third Monday in January - Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
February 12 - Lincoln's Birthday
Third Monday in February - President's Day
March 31 - Cesar Chavez' Birthday
Last Monday in May - Memorial Day
June 19 - Juneteenth
July 4 - Independence Day
First Monday in September - Labor Day
November 11 - Veteran's Day
Last Thursday in November - Thanksgiving Day
Friday following Thanksgiving
December 25 - Christmas Day

Additional Benefits Available:

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Deferred Compensation (457b, 457 Roth)
Group Universal Life Insurance
Cancer Insurance
Heart & Stroke Insurance
Home and Auto Insurance
Identify Theft Protection
Accident Insurance
Tuition Reimbursement

01

Have you submitted 1 attachment fully answering Vignette #1?

02

Have you submitted 1 attachment fully answering Vignette #2?

03

Have you submitted 1 attachment fully answering Vignette #3?

04

In this role, you will be tasked with mediating various cases on your own. Mediation will be your primary role. Using the text box below, please share details of your training, education, and/or experience in the following areas:a. Mediation?b. Custody and Visitation Issues?

05

I understand that if my application does not include the required responses to all three (3) vignettes, my application will NOT be considered.

Required Question

Fresno Superior Court

06/01/2024

Fresno,CA