Salary : $85,862.40 - $104,332.80 Annually
Location : 2260 N St., Merced, CA, CA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 26-27-01
Division: Family Court Services
Opening Date: 07/16/2026
Closing Date: 7/31/2026 4:30 PM Pacific

CLASSIFICATION DESCRIPTION

DEFINITION:
Under general direction, the Child Custody Recommending Counselor mediates disputes involving custody and visitation issues as adjunct to judicial action; prepares a variety of court reports and recommendations; performs related duties. Performs independentwork, conducts investigations for probate conservatorships, guardianships and cases involving child custody disputes. Also attends hearings as necessary; consults with judicial officers, attorneys, and parties involved in assigned cases; prepares reports and recommendations for the court.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:
This classification provides a variety of services to the Court including: mediation, child custody recommending counseling and other investigator roles. This is a single level professional class responsible for mediation activities at the court.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.

1. Serves as Mediator in mediation cases and shall use their best efforts to effect a settlement of the custody or visitation dispute that is in the best interest of the child

1. Conducts Court-ordered child custody evaluations under California Rules of Court, Rule 5.220, as assigned.

1. Within time frames that meet Court and statutory requirements, prepares reports to the Court containing all required and requesting information

1. Interviews parents, children, and collateral parties (relatives, friends, attorneys, medical and psychiatric staff, various county departments, State agencies, and other concerned parties)

1. Serves as a Counselor in Child Custody Recommending Counseling sessions and makes recommendations to the Court as to custody of or visitation with the child

1. Serves as Mediator in mediation cases and shall use their best efforts to effect a settlement of the custody or visitation dispute that is in the best interest of the child
2. Reviews, evaluates and writes a report, rationale and recommendation regarding petitions related to all assigned cases within the establish time frames
3. Maintains case records of contacts including collateral contacts and compiles statistics as directed
4. Effectively manages a caseload and provides required reports and agreements to the Court in a timely manner; attends hearings and testifies in Court as required
5. Interviews, makes recommendations and submits reports for pre-age marriages, stepparent adoptions and/or freedom from parental custody and control proceedings (valid licensure as a Marriage and Family Therapist or Licensed Clinical Social Workers required)
6. Attends hearings and testifies in Court as required
7. Cooperates with other government agencies, such as Child Protective Services, law enforcement agencies, the Public Defender's office and the District Attorney's office on a regular basis when working on cases
8. Conducts education classes for the public dealing with the issues of divorce, separation, child custody, visitation and child development as directed
9. Maintains current knowledge in relevant subject matter, including relevant clinical and mediation literature, recommends changes in policy or rules for compliance; attends staff and other work-related meetings, workshops, seminars, and other continuing education opportunities, as directed
10. Other duties as assigned

Supervisory Duties: None
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
Education:

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master's Degree or equivalent in social work, psychology, marriage, family and child counseling or related behavioral science substantially related to marriage and interpersonal relationships

Experience:

• (2) Two years of experience in family and divorce counseling or psychotherapy, or both, preferably in a setting related to the areas of responsibility of the family conciliation court and with the ethnic population to be served

License, Certification and/or Special Requirements:

• A valid class C California driver's license may be required. The requirement will be reviewed on a position basis in accordance with ADA regulations.

Desirable License or Certificate:

• Possession of a valid Licensed Clinical Social Worker or Marriage, Family and Child Counselor license as issued by the State of California.

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL & MENTAL DEMANDS

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Necessary Employment Standards
Knowledge of:

• Interviewing, mediation and negotiation methods, techniques and procedures
• California court system including the statutes and procedures used in family law, juvenile and probate court
• Issues of child abuse or abandonment, and, drugs and alcohol
• Common medical and psychiatric terminology and conditions
• Individual and family counseling techniques
• Public and private community resources and referral agencies
• Adult psychopathology and the psychology of families
• Child development, child abuse, clinical issues relating to children, the effects of divorce on children, the effects of domestic violence on children, and child custody research sufficient to assess the mental health needs of children
• Modern office methods and technology including the use of a personal computer and related software such as word processing, spreadsheets, databases, case management systems, and scheduling programs
• Written and oral communication standards, including correct usage of grammar, spelling, and punctuation
• Basic accounting and auditing practices
• Organizational and administrative methods and procedures of the Court is desired

Skill/Ability to:

• Gather and analyze data, evaluate facts and evidence, interpret directions, procedures and regulations, and develop appropriate comprehensive and factualresponses
• Understand legal/judicial procedures, laws and local rules, legal terminology, documents and procedures related to case evaluation and processing
• Evaluate and make recommendations concerning the effectiveness of counseling technique and procedures.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of Court staff, judicial partners, elective and appointive bodies and members of the general public; work effectively with and assist individuals of various ages and diverse cultural backgrounds; deal tactfully and courteously with all
• Work independently and prioritize work with excellent organization skills
• Work well under pressure, meeting multiple and sometimes conflicting deadlines. Must be available to work weekends and overtime as directed
• Communicate effectively, both written and oral to and/or with members of the public, attorneys,vendors, co-workers, supervisors, managers, and judicial officers
• Maintain confidential information in accordance with legal standards and/or other regulations
• Follow Court Rules and Regulations/Personnel Policies, Safety Procedures, Court Code of Ethics and Court Harassment Prevention Policy.
• Demonstrate cooperative behavior with co-workers and management.
• Maintain a professional appearance and demeanor as defined in the Court Code of Ethics.
• Successfully complete fingerprinting and criminal record check with the Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigation

Data Utilization: Requires the ability to review, classify, categorize, prioritize, and/or analyze data. Includes exercising discretion in determining data classification, and in referencing such analysis to established standards for the purpose of recognizing actual or probable interactive effects and relationships.

Human Interaction: Requires the ability to apply principles of persuasion and/or influence over others in coordinating activities of a project, program, or designated area of responsibility.

Equipment, Machinery, Tools, and Materials Utilization: Requires the ability to operate, maneuver, and/or control the actions of equipment, machinery, tools, and/or materials used in performing essential functions.

Verbal Aptitude: Requires the ability to utilize a wide variety of reference, descriptive, and/or advisory data, and information.

Mathematical Aptitude: Requires the ability to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division; the ability to calculate decimals and percentages; the ability to utilize principles of fractions; and the ability to interpret graphs.

Functional Reasoning: Requires the ability to apply principles of influence systems, such as motivation, incentive, and leadership, and to exercise independent judgment to apply facts and principles for developing approaches and techniques to resolve problems.

Situational Reasoning: Requires the ability to exercise judgment, decisiveness, and creativity in situations involving the evaluation of information against sensory, judgmental, or subjective criteria, as opposed to that which is clearly measurable or verifiable.

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.
Vacation:

10 days paid vacation each year for the first 5 years of employment

15 days accrual during the second 5 years

20 days accrual after 10 years

25 days accrual after 20 years
Sick Leave:

Unlimited sick leave accumulation

*Accrual is based on work hours:

• 5 years = 10,400 regular scheduled hours
• 10 years = 20,800 regular scheduled hours
• 20 years = 41,600 regular scheduled hours
• 25 years = 52,000 regular scheduled hours

Holidays:

14 paid holidays

Employee Assistance Program:

6 free visits per incident per year. Available to qualifying dependents.
Health Insurance:

Major group medical, dental and vision currently paid for by the Court for the employee and medical, dental and vision care for eligible dependents with 50% of the premium paid by the Court.

Life Insurance:

Management employees - $5,000 with premium paid by Court PLUS additional life insurance provided by Court ($30,000 to $80,000 depending on position).

Retirement:

Court employees are covered by the Merced County Employees' Retirement Association (MCERA), a Defined Benefit Retirement System governed by the County Employees' Retirement Act of 1937.
01

Do you possess a Master's Degree in social work, psychology, marriage, family and child counseling or related behavioral science from an accredited college or university?

• Yes
• No

02

Do you have (2) two years of experience in family and divorce counseling or psychotherapy?

• Yes
• No

Required Question