Seeking a Court Services Officer - Juvenile Matters to provide a full range of alternative dispute resolution, case management and court-related administrative services relative to child protection cases at one or more Juvenile Matters court locations. The successful candidate may be assigned the following duties: manage court dockets; conduct conferences and pre-trials with parents, attorneys and the Department of Children and Families; utilize mediation and negotiation skills to facilitate settlement of cases before trial that are in the best interests of the children; confer with the presiding judge to discuss status of cases and procedural issues; provide guidance for involved parties on legal issues, juvenile court procedures and other social issues related to child protection; conduct emancipation investigations and prepare recommendations for the court; monitor cases for compliance with court ordered expectations, continuance dates and referrals for professional services; review written status reports from the Department of Children and Families and other agencies; coordinate with the Department of Children and Families, Office of the Attorney General, private and court-appointed counsel and other related persons and agencies to ensure preparation for court hearings; assist in training new Court Service Officers; assist supervisor with special projects with statewide impact; and perform related duties as required.

DIVISION

Superior Court

CLASS DEFINITION

This class is accountable for independently providing the full range of alternative dispute resolution, case management and court-related administrative services relative to child protection cases at one or more Juvenile Matters court locations.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works under the general supervision of the Manager of Court Services Officer Programs or other employee of higher grade.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

May lead/supervise lower level employees and volunteers as assigned.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Manages court dockets and, in conjunction with the Juvenile Matters Clerk's office, schedules neglect, uncared for, termination of parental rights, dependency and emancipation cases for the Juvenile Matters court; conducts conferences and pre-trials with parents, attorneys and the Department of Children and Families and utilizes mediation and negotiation skills to facilitate settlement of cases before trial; develops agreements between the parties which provide for the best interests of the child and are judicially acceptable; confers with the presiding judge to discuss case status, court policies and procedures; may make recommendations for scheduling of hearings; provides guidance, technical assistance and training for involved parties on legal issues, juvenile court procedures, and other social issues related to child protection; conducts emancipation investigations and prepares recommendations for the court; reviews and evaluates court files for completeness and accuracy; monitors all cases for compliance with court ordered expectations, continuance dates and referrals for professional services; reviews written status reports from the Department of Children and Families and other agencies; attends court hearings as required and prepares written summaries of the proceedings for judicial review and incorporation into court files; coordinates with the Department of Children and Families, Office of the Attorney General, private and court-appointed counsel and other related persons and agencies to ensure adequate preparation for court hearings; prepares statistical and administrative reports and correspondence related to court operations; may assist in training new Court Services Officers; may supervise volunteers in the performance of case monitoring duties; furnishes court testimony as required relative to case activities; serves as liaison to public and private agencies; may assist supervisor with a variety of special projects with statewide impact; interviews individuals and family members as directed by the court; participates on a variety of committees; performs related duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITY

Considerable knowledge of family dynamics and child development; considerable knowledge of the social, cultural, economic, psychological and legal issues influencing the attitudes and behaviors of clients and their families; considerable knowledge of relevant state and federal laws, statutes and regulations pertaining to child protection and the Department of Children and Families; considerable knowledge of relevant agency policies and procedures; considerable knowledge of and ability to utilize multi-party mediation and negotiation skills; considerable interpersonal skills; considerable oral and written communication skills; computer skills; considerable ability to relate to different cultural and economic backgrounds.

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING

General Experience:

A Bachelor's degree in the social sciences or a related field and three years of professional experience in social work, counseling or human services related to child welfare or child development. A Master's degree in the social sciences or a related field is preferred.

Substitutions Allowed:

A Master's degree in the social sciences or a related field may be substituted for one additional year of the General Experience.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT

Incumbents are required to have a valid Connecticut motor vehicle operator's license and a motor vehicle available for daily use.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Incumbents may be exposed to some risk of injury from assaultive/abusive clients.