Los Angeles Superior Court is the largest unified trial court in the United States. Its 580 judges and commissioners work in one of the 40 facilities within the Court's 12 judicial districts and are supported by more than 4,500 full-time Court employees. The Court has an annual budget of more than $855 million. Located in Southern California, Los Angeles County is geographically one of the nation's largest counties, covering 4,084 square miles and, with over 10,400,000 residents, is also one of its most populous counties.
ABOUT THE POSITION The Mental Health Clinician (Family Court Services Specialist) performs highly responsible professional duties in order to ensure that high conflict separation and divorce child custody cases are appropriately resolved. Incumbents utilize two primary means in order to resolve disputes of parents/parties involved: mediation, resulting in agreements which become court orders or evaluation, resulting in custody recommendations to the court. These types of disputes may involve parents who are divorcing or obtaining a legal separation or parents who are establishing paternity, or establishing restraining orders in domestic violence cases. Cases are frequently highly emotional and incumbents in this class must carry out their work within ethical boundaries, demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of family law and court policies and procedures while also utilizing, as needed, applicable counseling, interviewing, evaluation, and referral skills.
For a detailed job description, please click here. Please note the requirements in the job description may vary from the requirements in this bulletin. Applicants must meet the requirements stated in this bulletin.
SELECTION REQUIREMENTS: To qualify, you must meet the following selection requirements at the time of filing:
A Master's Degree from an accredited college, university or program in social work; psychology; marriage, family and child counseling; or other behavioral science substantially related to marriage and family relationships -AND- Five years of post-Master's Degree PAID, VERIFIABLE, and RECENT FULL-TIME experience, within the last 7 years, in the field of family counseling or clinical assessment -AND- a current license from the California Board of Behavioral Sciences in marriage and family therapy, clinical social work or clinical psychology.
SUBSTITUTION: Documentation verifying completion of the Los Angeles County Superior Court Family Mediation and Conciliation Intern Program may substitute for two years of the post-Master's Degree experience requirement received at the time filing.
Note: Credit for experience is given based on a 40-hour workweek. Part-time experience is credited on a part-time ratio, i.e., working 20 hours per week for two months equals one month of experience. No additional credit is given for overtime.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:
The ideal candidate will possess the following desirable qualifications:
Knowledge of effective interview methods and techniques to assess adults and children.
Knowledge of medical and mental health terminology, including understanding of medical diagnoses.
Ability to work independently and consult with supervisor regarding cases as appropriate.
Ability to interview and communicate with a variety of people from different backgrounds.
Experience working with high conflict parents and children including blended family issues.
Experience working with persons who have problems with drugs, alcohol, child abuse, domestic violence and mental health issues.
Experience working in a Court environment demonstrating familiarity with legal procedures.
Experience providing timely assessments to the Court.
Ability to communicate fluently in Spanish.
Licenses; Certificates; Special Requirements: 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.
Degree Verification: A legible copy of your college diploma -OR - transcript(s) (unofficial are acceptable) with the degree posted from the college or university must be submitted within 10 business days from application submission.
Los Angeles Superior Court is the largest unified trial court in the United States. Its 580 judges and commissioners work in one of the 40 facilities within the Court's 12 judicial districts and are supported by more than 4,500 full-time Court employees. The Court has an annual budget of more than $855 million. Located in Southern California, Los Angeles County is geographically one of the nation's largest counties, covering 4,084 square miles and, with over 10,400,000 residents, is also one of its most populous counties.