Mediation/Arbitration Officer

Job Description

Family Court's mission is to provide equal access to justice for the families and children under its jurisdiction in a manner that is fair and efficient and that maintains the public's trust and confidence in an independent and accountable judiciary.

We strive each day to build an atmosphere that ensures all members of the public are treated with courtesy, dignity, and respect. We strive to have the same environment for our staff and value a diverse workforce.

We offer career opportunities that make a difference in people's lives every day. Come join our team where our goal is to operate Family Court through great staff across the state.

Please note: FREE parking is available in New Castle County for Family Court staff.

Family Court's mission is to provide equal access to justice for the families and children under its jurisdiction in a manner that is fair and efficient and that maintains the public's trust and confidence in an independent and accountable judiciary.

We strive each day to build an atmosphere that ensures all members of the public are treated with courtesy, dignity, and respect. We strive to have the same environment for our staff and value a diverse workforce.

We offer career opportunities that make a difference in people's lives every day. Come join our team where our goal is to operate Family Court through great staff across the state.

Please note: FREE parking is available in New Castle County for Family Court staff.

This class is responsible for expediting the processing of court petitions filed with Family Court by performing mediation and/or arbitration of civil and criminal cases.

Essential functions are fundamental, core functions common to all positions in the class series and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class. Since class specifications are descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents can complete job duties of similar kind not specifically listed here.

Interviews petitioner to assess nature of complaint, relief sought and explain procedures for filing petition.
Conducts mediation session with petitioner and respondent to define issues, assess relief sought and negotiate mutually acceptable terms; prepares consent orders stating conditions of agreement and submits to judge for an approval.
Acts as hearing officer for delinquent/criminal complaints; conducts fact finding session with parties involved and imposes appropriate conditions to provide for restitution and prevent repeated offenses; follows up with parties involved to insure compliance with court order.
Mediates emergency petitions to obtain temporary agreement; prepares report to judge when agreement can't be reached describing issues, parties' positions and recommendations for appropriate action.
Conducts custody, visitation and special investigations as directed by judge; obtains and evaluates background information on social, psychological, emotional and family stability; prepares report with findings and recommendations and disposition of case.
Prepares and maintains accurate statistical records of number, type and disposition of cases.
Provides information on court functions and jurisdiction and assistance to clients by community referral.

Essential functions are fundamental, core functions common to all positions in the class series and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class. Since class specifications are descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents can complete job duties of similar kind not specifically listed here.

Interviews petitioner to assess nature of complaint, relief sought and explain procedures for filing petition.
Conducts mediation session with petitioner and respondent to define issues, assess relief sought and negotiate mutually acceptable terms; prepares consent orders stating conditions of agreement and submits to judge for an approval.
Acts as hearing officer for delinquent/criminal complaints; conducts fact finding session with parties involved and imposes appropriate conditions to provide for restitution and prevent repeated offenses; follows up with parties involved to insure compliance with court order.
Mediates emergency petitions to obtain temporary agreement; prepares report to judge when agreement can't be reached describing issues, parties' positions and recommendations for appropriate action.
Conducts custody, visitation and special investigations as directed by judge; obtains and evaluates background information on social, psychological, emotional and family stability; prepares report with findings and recommendations and disposition of case.
Prepares and maintains accurate statistical records of number, type and disposition of cases.
Provides information on court functions and jurisdiction and assistance to clients by community referral.

Requirements

Applicants must have education, training, and experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas:
1. Applicants must possess at least one of the following:

A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university, OR
Four years of work experience within the court system involving case management, social service, case processing, or direct customer service, OR
Four years of experience in dispute resolution, OR
An associate degree from an accredited college or university and either (i) two years of work experience within the court system involving case management, social service, case processing, or direct customer service, or (ii) two years of experience in dispute resolution.

2. Six months experience in case management, which includes assessing, planning, developing, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating options and services to meet an individual's human service needs.
3. Six months experience in interviewing using structured or unstructured interview techniques to obtain facts, explore issues, and identify courses of action.
4. Six months experience in interpreting laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies, and procedures.
5. Knowledge of mediation or arbitration.

Applicants must have education, training, and experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas:

1. Applicants must possess at least one of the following:

A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university, OR
Four years of work experience within the court system involving case management, social service, case processing, or direct customer service, OR
Four years of experience in dispute resolution, OR
An associate degree from an accredited college or university and either (i) two years of work experience within the court system involving case management, social service, case processing, or direct customer service, or (ii) two years of experience in dispute resolution.

2. Six months experience in case management, which includes assessing, planning, developing, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating options and services to meet an individual's human service needs.

3. Six months experience in interviewing using structured or unstructured interview techniques to obtain facts, explore issues, and identify courses of action.

4. Six months experience in interpreting laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies, and procedures.

5. Knowledge of mediation or arbitration.