Lead Family Relations Counselor

DIVISION

Family

CLASS DEFINITION

This class is accountable for independently performing a full range of tasks relative to the resolution of family and interpersonal conflict in the family relations and criminal sessions of the court and for acting as a working lead for Family Relations Counselors.

GUIDELINES FOR CLASS USE

This class may be assigned to: 1) Satellite office locations (maximum of one per location). 2) Principal office locations with no Assistant Family Services Supervisor (maximum of one Lead Family Relations Counselor per each seven professional positions except that principal offices with satellite location(s) may have a Lead Family Relations Counselor if there are less than seven positions. Professional positions are defined as non-supervisory and non-lead positions in the Family Relations Counselor classification series.) 3) Principal office locations with an Assistant Family Matters Supervisor (maximum of one per each additional seven professional positions in excess of fourteen).

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Receives general direction from an employee of higher grade.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

Leads Family Relations Counselors as assigned.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Performs the full range of duties as outlined in the specification for Family Relations Counselor II; for approximately seventy-five (75%) of the time, conducts a full range of family evaluations involving disputed issues of child custody, visitation and family finances and prepares dispositional recommendations; may be assigned the more complex and difficult cases; may provide staff training and assistance; may act as lead person in a satellite office location; may supervise the staff and operations of an office in the supervisor's absence; performs special projects as assigned; performs related duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITY

Considerable knowledge of complex family and interpersonal dynamics involved in divorce and family violence situations; considerable knowledge of a variety of dispute resolution mechanisms; considerable knowledge of the various legal and financial elements affecting the economics of divorce including tax consequences, valuation of pensions, businesses, and evaluation of assets; considerable knowledge of social, cultural, economic, psychological, and legal issues influencing the attitudes and behaviors of clients and families; considerable knowledge of relevant state and federal laws; considerable knowledge of child development and the impact of divorce on children; considerable knowledge and skills necessary to obtain the confidence of judges and attorneys to effectively negotiate complex issues between opposing attorneys in divorce cases; considerable interpersonal skills; considerable oral and written communication skills; considerable interviewing and counseling skills; considerable ability to objectively analyze highly conflicted and/or violent situations an the ability to utilize logical, defensible judgment in recommending appropriate solutions or dispositional options; considerable ability to relate to different cultural and economic backgrounds; ability to lead and train professional staff.

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING

General Experience:

A Bachelor's degree and four (4) years of experience providing family and marital counseling, mediation, and dispute resolution services.

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; may be exposed to disagreeable conditions when performing home visits or interviewing incarcerated clients.