Salary : $120,272.67 - $146,191.52 Annually
Location : Superior Court of CA, County of Santa Clara, CA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 26/2700NOV
Department: Family Court Services
Opening Date: 11/03/2026
Closing Date: 11/17/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Definition/Description DEFINITION:
Under direction, this position provides orientation, mediation, evaluation, and Court-ordered investigations in child custody/visitation Court cases and may provide mediation, investigations in Juvenile Dependency and contested relative guardianship Court cases.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:
This is a journey level position that works closely with judicial officers, attorneys, county agencies, and unrepresented litigants. This class is distinguished from the Senior Mediator class in that the latter has supervisory authority of assigned Family Court Services staff.
Typical Tasks/Representative Duties REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES:
• Assists the Court and families in resolving child custody and visitation disputes by providing mediation services; provides investigations, assessments, and recommendations as required by law and as directed by the Court;
• Provides mediation and investigation in Juvenile Dependency and/or contested guardianship cases as directed by the Court;
• Provides orientation and parent education services for the parties involved in disputes;
• Observes and assesses risk factors, including domestic violence and child abuse issues and potential for danger to self and others; takes appropriate action including statutory reporting requirements;
• Testifies in Court as the Court's expert witness, subject to cross-examination;
• Performs other related duties as required.
Employment Standards/Typical Qualifications EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS:
• A California State license as a psychotherapist or other related licensure, and at least two (2) years of experience in Family court services, family counseling and/or clinical assessment;
-OR-
• A master's degree in psychology, social work, marriage and child counseling, or other behavioral science substantially related to marriage and family interpersonal relationships, and at least five (5) years of experience in Family court services, family counseling and/or clinical assessment;
• Bilingual Spanish speaking ability is highly desirable.
Knowledge of:
• Family systems and pathology, crisis intervention techniques, child development, effects of childhood trauma and abuse, clinical issues relating to children, the effects of domestic violence, and parental chemical dependency on children and child custody research sufficient to enable the counselor to assess the mental health needs of children;
• Diagnostic skill and familiarity with both normal and dysfunctional interaction patterns;
• Community resources in order to make appropriate and/or legally mandated reports or referrals;
• California Court systems and procedures related to family law, visitation, custody, rights of parties, mediation, etc.
Ability to:
• Understand, apply, and explain legal terminology and procedures;
• Accurately implement and comply with court processes, rules, policies, and procedures;
• Work with and effectively manage families in high conflict who may also be dealing with issues of domestic violence, substance abuse, child abuse, and criminal behavior;
• Interact appropriately with judges, court staff, attorneys, and the public. Follow oral and written instructions; organize and maintain records; work effectively to meet court deadlines; prepare standardized forms accurately; communicate effectively orally and in writing; work well under pressure and in stressful situations; exercise good judgment, confidentiality, tact and initiative; work cooperatively and courteously with others;
• Effectively and efficiently use Court technologies;
• Understand and follow written and oral instructions; work independently; work with time restraints; work under pressure; adapt to varying circumstances, and use sound judgment in the performance of duties.
• Review and analyze information which is highly sensitive and may be unsettling and/or explicit.
Supplemental InformationWORKING CONDITIONS:
The work environment is generally clean, inside buildings, with limited exposure to dust, fumes, odors, and noise. Possess and maintain ability to drive for field travel. Incumbents will be working under sometimes difficult and stressful conditions, with frequent deadlines and expectation to produce high quality work under limited time constraints as well as periodic contact with angry and confrontational individuals. The ability to work independently as well as closely with others is required.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Specific tasks and duties may vary between assignments, however, the following are considered essential functions expected of the Mediator classification:
• Frequent and ongoing use of Court technology to conduct a variety of functions;
• Regular contact with the public, with the ability to converse and respond appropriately with tact and decorum.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
• Dexterity, coordination, and/or ability to use a computer keyboard and read a video display terminal on a regular basis;
• Sitting for long periods of time is periodically required;
• The ability to lift objects weighing up to 10 lbs.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:
This recruitment requires the submission of an on-line application. No paper applications will be accepted.
An electronic copy of your Resume and California State License (if applicable) as a psychotherapist must also be submitted as attachments to this application submission.
EXAMINATION:
A screening panel will be convened to select those applicants deemed most qualified to participate in a written and/or oral examination. The examination process will include one or more of the following: application appraisal; written examination; oral examination.
BENEFITS:
The Court offers a benefits package includes a choice of health, dental and vision plan, membership in the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) as permitted by law, life insurance, paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
The Court offers a benefits package that includes life insurance, a choice of health and dental plans, a vision plan, membership in the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS), paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
01
Please describe your experience with clinical assessment of Substance Abuse, Mental Health, Domestic Violence, Child Maltreatment, Parent/ Child Relationship Quality and Post Separation Parenting. What was your role in the resolution of family-based issues?
02
Please describe your experience working with people who are distressed, traumatized and/or hostile, have a history of violence, substance abuse, or mental illness, or who may present other serious challenges.
03
Briefly describe your relevant work experience in the following areas: social work, child protection, mediation, domestic violence services, behavioral sciences, and investigations. Please indicate how/where this experience was obtained.
04
Describe your understanding of the basic principles of mediation.
05
What are the most important considerations in assessing the following issues:a. Domestic Violenceb. Child Abusec. Substance Abuse
06
Do you have a California State license as a psychotherapist or other related licensure, and have at least two (2) years of experience in Family court services, family counseling and/or clinical assessment?
07
Do you have a master's degree in psychology, social work, marriage and child counseling, or other behavioral science substantially related to marriage and family interpersonal relationships and at least five (5) years of experience in Family court services, family counseling and/or clinical assessment?
08
I understand that for my application to be considered, I must complete required supplemental questionnaires as part of the application screening and selection process. The information I provide will be reviewed and used to determine my eligibility to move forward in the selection process. Incomplete responses, false statements, omissions, or partial information may result in disqualification from the selection process.
09
I understand that for my application to be considered, I must thoroughly complete the work experience and education portions of the application form, to demonstrate my qualifications for this job.
10
Authorization and Release. I have applied for employment with the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara ("Court") and have provided information about my current and/or previous employment. I authorize the Court to investigate all statements made in my application for employment and to obtain any and all information concerning my former/current employment. This includes my job performance appraisals/evaluations, wage history, disciplinary action(s) if any, and all other matters pertaining to my employment history.I authorize my former and current employers and references to release contents of my employment record with their organizations and to provide any additional information that may be necessary for my application for employment with the Court, whether the information is positive or negative. I hereby release all such agencies and/or individuals who furnish such information, and the Court, from liability for damages, which may result from furnishing or receiving the information requested.
Required Question
