Job Description

The Court Investigator serves as a neutral fact finder and advocate for the best interests of the children. The Investigator conducts residential placement evaluations and submits written and oral reports of their findings, including recommendations, in disputed placement cases, including, but not limited to, all non-parental requests for placement, domestic violence referrals, modifications of permanent parenting plans, and all requests to share joint placement of children. In addition, the Investigator, as an officer of the Court, testifies in hearings held in the matters as needed. This position will focus on emergency investigations under the direction of the assigned Superior Court Judge. This position will also oversee the Title 26 GAL registry.
Benefits Information:
Cowlitz County offers a generous benefits package which includes:

• Medical/Dental/Vision (includes dependent coverage)
• VEBA/Health Retirement Account for those who qualify
• Retirement through Washington State Public Employees Retirement System
• Life Insurance
• Deferred Compensation plans available (457b)
• Vacation, Bonus and Leave Days Paid
• 10 Paid Holidays
• Reasonable work hours

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The County*
Cowlitz County is a great place to live and work. Located along the Columbia River less than an hour from the Cascade Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, Cowlitz County provides an abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities and easy access to the Arts. The I-5 corridor runs right through Cowlitz County providing quick access to the Vancouver, Washington and Portland, Oregon metropolitan areas.

Job Duties

• Carries a full caseload of referents which includes conducting personal interviews and home visits with parents, non-parents, intervenors, and minors as it relates to dissolution motions, paternity cases, domestic violence cases, and non-parental matters pending before Superior Court.
• Where pertinent, consults with mental health specialists, medical professionals, school personnel, probation officers, law enforcement agencies, and out-of-county jurisdictions. Seeks out collateral information to confirm or deny allegations made by the parties. Requests the Court to order additional evaluations as needed as regards alleged sexual offenders, psychological testing or substance abuse.
• Prepares written investigative reports and recommendations to Superior Court based to assist the Court in formulating a temporary/permanent parenting plan.
• Recommendations include following the criteria as outlined in the RCW for different types of motions including the original parenting plan, modifications, and non-parental requests, as well as considering limiting factors that restrict a parent’s time with minors.
• Consults with family law attorneys regarding temporary findings and timelines.
• Testifies in Court as requested by attorneys, Judges or Court Commissioners. Keeps the Court informed in writing if more time is needed to complete the investigations.
• Collects and presents emergency findings and recommendations as directed by the Court for cases involving immediate action due to the seriousness of allegations.
• Oversees the Title 26 GAL registry to include support GALs on registry, assuring they are in compliance with training and GAL codes of conduct.
• Remain informed of current legislation/changes which affect the duties of Guardians ad Litem in the State of Washington and any continued education requirements.
• Attend Family Law brown bag lunches with the Judges to give input and stay advised of any local bar association rules or Superior Court Clerk changes.
• Maintain cooperative and cordial relationships with local agencies, County departments, and community resources..
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s Degree in Behavioral Science or related field.
• A minimum of 5 years’ experience in family law, social services, mental health, corrections, or substance abuse assessment treatment or a combination of education and training the qualifies applicant for this position.
• Knowledge of family law, family systems, childhood development, sexual abuse, substance abuse, or previous experience with corrections clients.
• Successfully pass a full criminal background investigation to include a finger-print check, polygraph and psychological evaluation.

Supplemental Information

Required Skills and Abilities:

• Previous experience in giving Court testimony or the ability to quickly learn.
• Word processing skills and some knowledge of other computer programs.
• Well- developed verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to keep confidential all information gathered until the report is filed.
• Ability to take lengthy, detailed handwritten notes during in-person and phone interviews.
• Ability to organize time and files in order to meet deadlines set by the Court whenever possible.
• Ability to de-escalate emotionally charged situations or to call for assistance

Ability to learn and follow County and office policies and procedures

Cowlitz County offers a competitive benefits package for Full-Time employees, including:

• Health Insurance: Variety of Medical, dental, life, vision, and prescription insurance for employee and family. Employees who are covered under another person's medical plan have the option of an HRA (Health Retirement Account) in lieu of medical insurance. HSA and FSA plans are also available, depending on eligibility.
• Paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
• Retirement: All full-time employees must participate in a Washington State Retirement Services plan, and may participate in a Deferred Compensation Plan, if desired.
• Employee Assistance Program employees and family members for help with personal or family issues.
• Group Life Insurance: Basic life and Accident insurance is provided to employee, with additional insurance available to purchase.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $63,900.00 - $75,168.00 per year

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