Forensic Evaluator & Screening Specialist

• Conducts forensic parenting time evaluations consistent with Idaho Rules of Family Law Procedure 1004 and Brief Focused Assessments consistent with Idaho Rules of Family Law Procedure 1005 including investigation, providing a detailed report and court testimony;
• Conducts family law case screenings to determine the potential for alternative dispute resolution options for families;
• Participates in Interdisciplinary Settlement Conferences to assist in resolution of court related matters with litigants and essential court staff;
• Provides resources to parties in civil court;
• Offers information related to child development, such as age-appropriate schedules and the effect of conflict on children;
• Identifies and resolves blocks to negotiating a parenting plan;
• Provides instruction on developmental needs and age-appropriate parenting schedules.

• Performs research on related material to assessments, i.e. impact of conflict on children;
• Presents educational material to community agencies regarding children's needs and developmental issues;
• Mentors interns;
• Performs other court related duties as required.

• A master's degree in social work, counseling, marriage and family therapy or a related field from an accredited college or university, required;
• Maintain current LMSW, LPC, or LMFT licensure within the State of Idaho;
• Idaho professional clinical license or a licensed social worker in independent practice preferred;
• Idaho Supreme Court recognized custody mediator preferred;
• A minimum of three years' experience working with families and individuals in crisis, preferred;
• Knowledge of the psychological and developmental needs of children, especially as those needs relate to decisions about child custody and access;
• Knowledge of family dynamics, including, but not limited to, parent-child relationships, blended families, and extended family relationships;
• Knowledge preferred in assessing the effects of separation, divorce, domestic violence, substance abuse, child alienation, child maltreatment including child sexual abuse, the effects of relocation, sexual orientation issues, and inter-parental conflict on the psychological and developmental needs of children, adolescents, and adults;
• Knowledge of the significance of culture and religion in the lives of parents;
• Knowledge of safety issues that may arise during the evaluation process and their potential effects on all participants in the evaluation;
• Knowledge of when and how to interview or assess adults, infants, and children;
• Knowledge of how to collect and assess relevant data and recognize the limits of the reliability and validity of different sources of data;
• Knowledge preferred of how to address issues such as general mental health, medication use, and learning or physical disabilities;
• Knowledge preferred of how to apply comparable interview, assessment, and testing procedures that meet generally accepted forensic standards to all parties;
• Knowledge of when to consult with or involve additional experts or other appropriate persons;
• Knowledge of how to inform litigants, children, other participants, and collateral sources, of the purpose, nature, and method of the evaluation and the limits of confidentiality;
• Knowledge of how to prepare for and give testimony at deposition or at trial;
• Knowledge of how to maintain professional neutrality and objectivity when conducting child custody evaluations;
• Knowledge of the fundamental legal rights of those who are part of the evaluation process and shall conduct themselves in such a manner as to not violate or diminish those rights;
• Knowledge of how to consider the legal and professional standards, laws, and rules applicable to the jurisdiction in which the evaluation is requested;
• Skill in the facilitation and presentation to small and large groups;
• Skill in communicating with culturally diverse populations;
• Skill in developing trust, confidence, and cooperation of persons;
• Ability to independently plan work assignments;
• Ability to exercise professional judgment;
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively;
• Ability to write reports clearly documenting relevant facts and conclusions;
• Ability to maintain confidentiality;
• Ability to maintain cooperative working relationship with employees and the public.

• The incumbent may be required to work beyond normal business hours in order to meet the requirements of the court, attend meetings, or make presentations;
• The incumbent is subject to a criminal history check.

• Work is performed primarily in an office environment and the employee in this class is subject to inside environmental conditions;
• Flexible schedules may be considered after a six-month probationary period. Flexible schedules are subject to the discretion of the Family and Domestic Violence Programs Manager and acceptable employee performance.
• May be required to lift up to 20 lbs.;
• Requires sufficient personal mobility and physical reflexes, which permits the employee to function in a general office environment to accomplish tasks.

Ada County