Description

This is highly responsible professional work, mediating cases referred by the county court and circuit family court for mediators with dual certifications. The Mediator advises parties of the mediation process, assists parties in resolving disputes, and prepares settlement agreements for review by the county or family circuit courts and incorporation of agreements into orders, as appropriate. The Mediator is also responsible for maintaining required statistical data. Working relationships are established with judges, court personnel, attorneys, and the general public. The Mediator shall be required to travel to any of the Miami-Dade County Court buildings as needed to mediate in-person or remotely. The Mediator exercises independent judgment and works under the supervision of the Alternative Dispute Resolution Director.

This position is eligible for a hybrid remote work/onsite schedule after a 90-day period, as outlined by existing Circuit policies and procedures.

Responsibilities

It is the mediator's responsibility to facilitate discussions and communications between the parties. The goal is to help the parties reach an equitable settlement of their differences.

• Reviews cases referred to the program for appropriateness, reviews case files, confidential reports and other materials pertinent to the case.
• Conducts mediations, facilitating the discussion of legal issues between involved parties for court referred cases.
• Advises parties concerning the mediation process.
• Prepares type written settlement agreements, court orders or no agreement reports on all cases mediated.
• Prepares related type written documents to dispose of cases; submits agreements and documents to parties and judge for review and incorporation into final orders.
• Drafts court orders and forms to expedite case processing.
• Prepares and maintains statistical records and reports.
• Completes continuing education training on a regular basis to maintain mediation certification; and stays abreast of current standards and practices for certified and court appointed mediators.
• Performs other office related work as required.

Qualifications

• Certified in Family Mediation required.
  • Dual certification in County or Dependency preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Social Work, Mental Health, Behavioral or Social Science or related field.
  • Master’s or Juris Doctor degree preferred.
• Five (5) years of experience as a certified mediator. Considerable experience in the legal system. Must be computer literate to include proficiency in Microsoft Office, Outlook and ZOOM Remote Platform.
• Bilingual in English/Spanish or English/Creole preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

• Thorough knowledge of Florida law, court rules and statutes pertaining to the required areas of Mediator certification.
• Ability to mediate in-person and remotely through Zoom platform.
• Thorough knowledge of conflict resolution techniques and negotiations processes and practices.
• Considerable knowledge of group dynamics and interaction.
• Considerable knowledge of and ability to apply methods of data collection and analysis.
• Ability to maintain integrity, impartiality, and professional competence are essential qualifications.
• Ability to prepare and maintain confidential case records.
• Ability to maintain an objective view point and offer non-judgmental alternatives in highly emotional situations.
• Ability to deal with the very personal and the sensitive nature of certain family dynamics/issues.
• Ability to apply specialized knowledge to individual cases and problems.
• Ability to prepare for hearings, hear difficult cases, mediate multi-issue cases and prepare related documents including mediated agreements, reports to the court and any other documents necessary for case management.
• Ability to present material clearly and logically in oral and written form to pro se and represented parties.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to work independently and establish work priorities.
• Ability to listen, talk, walk, sit, stand, reach with hands and carry a court file.
• Ability to travel to all court facilities is required.

Physical Demands

Work involves a significant amount of standing, walking, sitting, talking, listening, and reaching with hands and arms; must be able to transfer up to 10 pounds.

Licenses Certifications

Certification by the Florida Supreme Court in Family Mediation required. Dual certification in County preferred. Valid Florida driver’s license with an approved insurance carrier required if personal vehicle will be used to travel between courthouse locations.

Working Conditions

Moderate noise; business office setting.