DIRECTOR OF FAMILY COURT COUNSELING SERVICES

DEFINITION

Under supervision of the Chief Judge/Presiding Family Judge, the Family Court Counseling Director designs, plans, implements, maintains and evaluates current Family Court Counseling programs; on an ongoing basis, assesses the needs of children and families in litigation and develops innovative programs; supervises counselors and support staff, and maintains an active caseload as prescribed by the Chief Judge and Presiding Family Judge. Also performs related work as required.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Provide family court counseling services designated under Wisconsin Statute 767.405.

Employ, train, supervise and evaluate FCCS staff in the administration of programs providing parent education, mediation and custody/placement studies, consistent with professional standards and Wisconsin law.

Direct and coordinate the work of FCCS staff.

Administer and manage funding for FCCS, including the preparation and presentation of the FCCS budget to the County Executive and Board.

Monitor, evaluate and develop quantitative data concerning the operations of FCCS, and report annually to the chief Judge and consult regularly with the Presiding Judge of the Family Division and judges as requested.

In consultation with the judiciary, develop innovative programs and procedures necessary to efficiently and effectively meet the needs of children and families in litigation.

Communicate and interact with appropriate community organizations, professionals and interest groups to understand emerging issues and concerns; represent the court in providing information to the public regarding family court.

Maintain FCCS records pursuant to Wisconsin Statutes and local court rules.

Ensure that court reports are timely and appropriately prepared and distributed.

Ensure that FCCS staff are trained, prepared and available to attend hearings and provide testimony in court as needed.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

Education and Experience: Requires a master's degree in one of the behavioral sciences from an accredited graduate school and five years of professional experience working with families. Additional credit will be awarded for family court counselor experience and/or management experience.

Within one year of employment, obtain the State of Wisconsin mental health professional certification/license and have a State of Wisconsin driver’s license.

Knowledge, Skills, an Abilities: Knowledge and demonstrated skill in the application of theories, practices and techniques of counseling as applied to families going through family court; knowledge of supervisory techniques and practices; management skills as demonstrated by progressively greater levels of supervisory responsibility in a relevant field; ability to organize, direct, supervise and coordinate the work of the professional staff serving the family courts; knowledge and understanding the programs and functions of the family court; knowledge of community resources and how to utilize them effectively; ability to participate in community planning; ability to guide and develop the professional staff; skill in public relations; ability; ability to prepare technical and administrative reports; ability to give expert witness testimony relative to child custody trials and related divorce matters.

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