Job Abstract

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 assessment. Instead, the assessment, used as an ADR tool, 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 children. 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 a case; and keeping abreast of current research, Court rules, and legislation.

Employees in this classification receive managerial supervision from the Director of Family Court Services.

This position is 100 percent in-person and will require employee to be in office. Remote work is not available for this position.

Pursuant to Section 2-501 of the Courts and Judicial Proceedings Article of the Annotated Code of MD, this position serves at the pleasure of the Circuit Court Judges.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: (Examples are illustrative only)
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.

Conducting Psychosocial family assessments that identify the child(ren)’s needs and each parent’s strengths and limitations in meeting those needs as directed by an order of referral from the court. In conducting Child Access Assessments, the Mental Health Assessor provides:

• Multiple interviews with the family members.
• 1 interview with parties and counsel to provide notice of any recommendations
• Information from relevant collateral contacts (including child(ren)’s school, daycare, 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
• Collection of fees per the Order of referral
• Drafting of the Parenting Plan document for review by counsel if parties exercise their option to use the information generated by the assessment to settle their dispute

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Work is essentially sedentary with occasional walking, standing, bending, and carrying items under 25 pounds, such as books, files, and papers.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
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

The Assessor is expected to systemically conceptualize family dynamics; co-parenting; identify children’s developmental needs (intellectually, psychologically, socially, and physically); identify parenting strengths and liabilities, including identifying the need to proceed to rule out underlying psychopathology that compromises parenting. However, when conducting Child Access Assessments, the Assessor is not required to provide a formal DSM diagnosis. In the forensic setting, that role is limited to the psychologist since the psychologist is licensed or certified to perform and interpret psychological testing in addition to clinical interview information. Additionally, in the role of conducting a Child Access Assessment, the Assessor does not provide treatment services and instead, will refer for treatment service.

The Mental Health professional conducting a Child Access Assessment is expected to actively intervene and apply clinical skills, psycho-educational skills, conflict resolution skills, and referral skills in the following circumstances:

1. In crisis situations (involving domestic violence, delusional thinking. abandonment)
2. In managing heightened emotional states (including anger, rage, depression, and anxiety)
3. In managing complex family systems (including stepfamilies and extended families)
4. In managing complex multidisciplinary case management services

EDUCATION:
Must have a Master's Degree in a mental health field.

EXPERIENCE:
Minimum of two (2) years of clinical experience working with children and families.
An interest in Forensic practice is preferred.

LICENSE:
Must have one of the following licenses:

• Licensed Clinical Social Worker - Certified (LCSW-C)
• Licensed Master of Social Work (LMSW)
• Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC)
• Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor (LGPC)

Possession of a valid Class “D” or Class “C” non-commercial motor vehicle operator’s license with no more than three (3) points valid in the State of Maryland.