Job Description
Custody Mediator Fifth Judicial District of Pennsylvania Pittsburgh, PA Job Details Full-time $175 a day 1 day ago Qualifications Court record maintenance Microsoft Outlook Professional ethics Client rapport building Courtroom procedure Conflict resolution for legal services Bachelor's degree Video conferencing software Emotional safety support Collaborative technology platforms Microsoft Teams SharePoint Family law Video conferences (communication methods) Documentation Handling Facilitation in mediation Court-related public interaction Video conferencing systems operation Full Job Description
JOB ANNOUNCEMENT
Position:
Custody Mediator Classification:
Professional Independent Contractor Location:
Family Division, Adult Section 440 Ross Street Pittsburgh, PA 15219 Job Status:
Independent Contractor; Roster-Based Appointment Salary:
$175 per completed mediation session; $75 for sessions unable to proceed SUMMARY:
The Fifth Judicial District of Pennsylvania, Family Division, is seeking qualified professionals to join the Custody Mediator Roster. Mediators serve as neutral and impartial facilitators, assisting parties in resolving custody disputes through structured, confidential mediation conducted via Microsoft Teams. This role requires a strong commitment to neutrality, the ability to conduct non-biased mediation, and the professionalism needed to guide high-conflict conversations objectively and respectfully. Mediators must operate within established court procedures and demonstrate sound understanding of custody processes to ensure accurate documentation and smooth case flow throughout the judicial system. This is not employment and not a contractual engagement. Mediators accept scheduled assignments and invoice the Court monthly for services rendered. All mediations are conducted remotely via Microsoft Teams and Mediators provide their own computer equipment and private workspace. ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Conduct custody mediation sessions as a neutral, impartial third party, ensuring each participant has a fair and balanced opportunity to be heard. Facilitate discussions without bias, personal influence, or advocacy, maintaining a non-directive and objective approach. Apply working knowledge of custody procedures, case pathways, and post-mediation processes to ensure accurate documentation and appropriate case handling. Review custody filings and case information through DCR and Generations, including identifying Domestic Violence waivers, reviewing case history, and understanding the procedural status of each case. Maintain a consistent weekly schedule; commitment of at least one full day weekly (9:00 AM, 11:30 AM, 1:30 PM sessions). Uphold strict confidentiality and always maintain professional boundaries. Conduct all sessions from a private, confidential workspace and maintain reliable technology for virtual mediation. QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
Bachelor's degree and practical experience in law, psychology, counseling, family therapy, conflict resolution, or a related field. Demonstrated ability to conduct neutral, unbiased mediation in accordance with professional ethical standards. Familiarity with child-custody processes, court procedures, and related terminology, or the ability to quickly learn and apply this knowledge effectively. Successful completion of:
40 hours of approved divorce/custody mediation training and 10 hours of domestic-violence or child-abuse training. Proof of mediation professional liability insurance. Completion of 4 supervised mediations totaling at least 10 hours under a qualified mediator. Commitment to 10 hours of continuing education annually in family mediation. Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to remain calm, neutral, and objective in high-conflict environments. Ability to navigate and interpret custody case information using Department of Court Records (DCR) and Generations systems. High proficiency in Microsoft Teams, Outlook, SharePoint, and OneDrive, and comfort conducting professional virtual sessions. Ability to work independently, meet strict deadlines, and maintain accuracy in a high-volume, procedural environment. Proven ability to maintain neutrality, fairness, and non-biased facilitation in emotionally charged or adversarial settings. Strong understanding of child-custody terminology, court processes and procedural requirements, or the ability to learn and apply this knowledge. Ability to work within established custody workflows, including understanding how mediation outcomes affect subsequent hearings or scheduling steps. Exceptional conflict-resolution skills with the ability to manage highly emotional situations calmly and professionally. Excellent verbal communication, active listening, and rapport-building skills. Strong organizational skills, accuracy, and attention to detail in documentation and case reporting. High technological proficiency and comfort multitasking across virtual meeting platforms and court data systems. HOW TO APPLY
Applications shall be submitted via email to Please include: Cover letter Resume Proof of required training Proof of professional liability insurance Fifth Judicial District of Pennsylvania Family Division, Adult Section - Human Resources 440 Ross Street, 5th Floor Administration Pittsburgh, PA 15219 FAX:
412-350-0088 The Family Division values a diverse and culturally competent roster of professionals. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
EMPLOYER
