A Family Lawyer is a legal professional who deals with family-related issues and domestic relations. Most family law practices focus on representing clients in a divorce and the issues related to divorce such as the division of marital property, child custody and support, and alimony.
This is a professional position that facilitates discussion, negotiation, and settlement in family law cases by providing a psychological assessment of the family that identifies the needs of the child(ren); the strengths and limitations of each parent; the capacity for co-parenting. The Child Access Assessment does not include a diagnostic treatment. Instead, the assessment is used as an ADR tool which provides direction and encouragement to the parties, their advocates, and the court. The Assessor uses a collaborative approach that seeks creative ways to reach a mutual solution that meets the needs of the child(ren). Specific duties vary but include interviewing parents and children; reviewing collateral documents and information; preparing court reports that facilitate solution-oriented discussion; providing testimony when indicated; implementing legislative enactments, and court rules relating to the case; and keeping abreast of the current research, and legislation. Employees in this classification receive managerial supervision from the Director of Family Court Services. Must have masters degree in a mental health field plus 2 years experience working with children & families. Formal Education & Training in child development, child & adult psychopathology, interview techniques, family systems, domestic violence & child abuse, and an interest in forensic practice is preferred. By formal training or work experience, the Child Access Assessor should have a working understanding of the complexities of the divorce process, and an understanding of man issues, including legal, social, familial and cultural involved in custody and visitation issues. Additionally, the Child Access Assessor shall be required to become familiar with the statutes and case law governing child custody and its legal proceedings.
Examples of Work:
Employees in this class may perform any or all of the below listed duties. These should be interpreted as examples of the work and are not necessarily all-inclusive. The Role of the Mental Health professional when conducting a Child Access Assessment is to provide the Court with a psychosocial assessment of the family that identifies children's needs and parenting strengths and weaknesses. The Child Access Assessment model as practiced in Harford County is a 5-interview session model. Conducting psychosocial family assessments that identify the child(ren)'s need and each parent's strengths and limitations in meeting those needs as directed by order of referral from the court. In conducting Child Access Assessments, the Mental Health Assessor provides: Multiple interviews with the family 1 conference with parties and counsel to provide notice of recommendations Information from relevant collateral contacts (including child(ren)'s school, day care, DSS, etc.) An oral report placed under oath on the record at a Court Hearing Recommendations to the Court referrals for community services if appropriate Drafting of Parenting Plan document for review by counsel if parties exercise their option to use the information generated by the assessment to settle their dispute.
Job Types:
Full-time, Part-time, Contract Pay:
$73,500.00 - $90,000.00 per year
Benefits:
401(k) Dental insurance Flexible schedule Flexible spending account Health insurance Health savings account Life insurance Paid time off Professional development assistance Retirement plan Vision insurance
