Job Description
Salary: $70,095.00 - $112,152.00 Annually
Location : Courthouse Complex - Frederick, MD
Job Type: Full-time Regular
Job Number: FY26-00181
Department: Circuit Court Family Law
Opening Date: 12/04/2025
Closing Date: 12/17/2025 4:00 PM Eastern
FLSA: Exempt
JOB INFORMATION Exempt; full-time; 40 of hours worked; Monday-Friday; 8 am - 5 pm; grant-funded; full benefits
This professional role is responsible for facilitating custody, access, child support, and property mediations as part of the In-House Mediation Program within the Family Services Program of the Circuit Court for Frederick County. The position plays a critical role in supporting families through structured, court-connected dispute resolution processes. Supervision is received from the Family Services Administrator.
Pursuant to Section 2-501 of the Courts and Judicial Proceedings Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland, this at-will position serves at the discretion of the Circuit Court Judges. NOTE: The upper pay range reflects possible wage rates for internal County transfers and promotions, which are calculated per County policy. For external hires, offers are made at the base wage rate, with limited exception.
Frederick County Government values the principles of diversity and inclusion, and strives to ensure equal opportunities for its workforce, applicants and community members. If you are a person who wants to make a difference, give back to your community, and be a voice for change, apply to Frederick County Government today.
TOTAL COMPENSATION PACKAGE: Frederick County offers an extensive compensation package to reflect how highly we value our employees. The following is what you can expect in your first year as a full-time benefited Frederick County Government employee.
- 11 days of Vacation leave with increase after 2 years of employment
- 15 days of Sick leave with unlimited annual carryover
- 11 paid holidays, plus 2 additional floating holidays
- Day 1 coverage of comprehensive Medical Insurance Plan options to include generous County Health Savings Account (HSA) contribution (if enrolled in the high-deductible plan). This is part of a full range of benefits including Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending
- Employee Health Center with no or low-cost primary and urgent care
- 100% County paid 2x annual salary Group Term Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) benefit
- County and Employee funded Defined Benefit Pension Plan
- Vesting after 5 years of service
- Additional service credit for eligible previous public service, military service, etc.
- Work/Life balance programs include: Employee Assistance Program and Employee Wellness Program
- Generous Tuition Reimbursement Program
- Other employee-paid benefits such as Deferred Compensation Plan, Legal Resources, Supplemental Life Insurance, Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Lifetime Benefit with Long Term Care plan.
For more information, visit our benefits page on the Frederick County Government job opportunities webpage ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND JOB RESPONSIBILITIES - Facilitate mediation sessions for family law matters, including custody, visitation, child support, and property disputes, to assist parties in reaching mutually acceptable agreements in accordance with court guidelines and program protocols
- Perform pre-mediation administrative tasks, including intimate partner violence screening for mediation eligibility, reviewing relevant documentation, and attending court hearings to support case coordination and ensure appropriate referrals to the mediation program
- Prepare comprehensive mediation settlement agreements during and following mediation sessions, accurately reflecting the terms agreed upon by the parties and ensuring alignment with legal standards and court requirements
- Conduct post-mediation administrative activities, including managing participant feedback surveys and preparing data settlement sheets to document outcomes and support program evaluation
- Screen referrals to program, including indicator for domestic violence
- Conduct mediations virtually and in-person (child custody and access; property; child support) for parties as directed by Judges and Magistrates
- Attend Scheduling Conferences at the direction of Judges and Magistrates, or whenever available
- Assist parties through the mediation process; explain related issues; draft Points of Agreement/Parenting Plans
- Collaborate with Custody Evaluator, Conflict Mediator, Family Services Administrator, and Case Manager on cases and family law matters
- Explain procedures, roles, and expectations to parties to ensure informed participation and understanding of outcomes
- Utilize a variety computer programs (word documents, database systems, tracking software, etc.) to document mediation cases
- Compile statistics, prepare reports, and contribute to program evaluation and improvement efforts
- Participate in professional mediator development activities
- Attend trainings, workshops meetings, conferences, etc. at the Administrative Office of the Courts and with the MACRO Program to stay current on mediation practices and legal updates
- Communicate with outside groups, such as the Frederick Family Bar Association, about the In-House Mediation Program to foster relationships with family law attorneys, ensuing alignment on mediation practices, referral processes and promote program awareness
- Attend periodic meetings with court personnel
- Manage Mediation Survey dissemination and reminders.
- Perform other duties as required
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The essential duties do not cover all duties that may be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS The qualifications/requirements, knowledge/skills/abilities and physical requirements or working conditions described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
- Bachelor's degree in law, social work, conflict resolution
- Minimum 5 years of work experience conducting child custody or family mediation
- Intermediate skills in Windows and Microsoft 365, including Outlook, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
- Possession of the requirements to become a court-designated mediator for both custody/child access and marital property, according to Maryland Rule 17-205 and Maryland Rule 9-205 - completion of 40 hour basic mediation training course, 20 hours of training in family mediation, co-mediated or observed at least 8 hours of child access mediation, completed 20 hours of economic issues in divorce and annulment cases, and have served as a mediator or co-mediator in at least two mediations involving marital economic issues.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: - Advanced knowledge of family law and court procedures, including custody, visitation, child support, and property division
- Advanced knowledge of mediation principles and ethics, with emphasis on neutrality, confidentiality, and informed consent
- Advanced knowledge of child development and family dynamics, particularly in the context of separation, divorce, and conflict
- Knowledge of cultural competency practices, including sensitivity to diverse backgrounds, communication styles, and family structures
- Knowledge of legal documentation standards, especially in drafting mediation settlement agreements and case summaries
- Strong clerical and record-keeping skills, including the ability to accurately perform basic math and financial functions
- Ability to effectively gather and evaluate information from varied sources
- Ability to demonstrate good judgment and resourcefulness in problem resolution
- Ability to accurately compile and prepare statistical data and reports
- Ability to effectively access and utilize Microsoft Office Suite, e-mail, spreadsheet and other systems and equipment, and to learn new software as it is required
- Ability to effectively organize work, determine priorities, including the ability to make decisions and complete assigned duties with minimal supervision
- Discretion and good judgment in dealing with sensitive and personal information with ability to maintain appropriate confidentiality
- Strong and effective spoken and written (English) communication skills including the ability to clearly explain policies and procedures
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, parties, judges, attorneys, court personnel, other professionals, representatives of cooperating agencies and the general public
PREFERENCE MAY BE GIVEN FOR: - A law degree
- Work experience in counseling, psychology, social work or a related field
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS / WORKING CONDITIONS: - While working in this position, the employee is required to constantly sit and perform repetitive motions; frequently walk and reach; and occasionally climb and lift up to 20 pounds
- While working in this position, the employee is required to constantly work indoors
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION / EXAMINATION PROCESS - Available for varied evening and weekend work hours to accommodate meetings, special events, etc.
- Willingness and ability to complete initial and on-going training as required
- The grant that funds this position will determine the duration of the position as well as the benefits available to the employee in this position
- Ability to provide own transportation to meetings, etc.
- Required certifications must be maintained throughout tenure of employment
KIND OF EXAMINATION (may include): - An evaluation of training and qualifications
- One or more interviews
- A pre-employment background investigation conducted by the Circuit Court
Frederick County Government is committed to providing an inclusive work environment and complies with all applicable laws and regulations regarding workplace accommodation, including for individuals with disabilities. Applicants who require reasonable accommodation during the application and hiring process may contact the Talent Acquisition section of Human Resources. Inquiries about accommodations can be sent to Recruitment@FrederickCountyMD.gov
Retirement Plan:
A defined benefit retirement plan is provided for all regular County employees. Employees are automatically enrolled in either the Uniformed Plan (5 year vesting) or the Non-Uniformed Plan (5 year vesting, effective 07/01/2024) depending upon position classification. The majority of support for the plan is provided by the County; however, employees are required to make a mandatory pre-tax contribution towards their benefit. Retirement benefits are payable at normal, early or delayed retirement. Retirement benefits are also payable upon termination and in the event of death or disability.
Health Insurance
: County employees have a choice of two medical insurance plans, an In-Network (HMO) Plan or a High Deductible medical plan with a Health Care Savings Account, to provide coverage for medical and surgical expenses, hospital and emergency care expenses, mental health expenses and prescription drugs. The County and participants share in the cost of the health insurance with the employee having the benefit of pre tax contribution deductions. Medical insurance goes into effect on the first day of active employment.
Dental Insurance:
Employees may select coverage from one of three dental plan options, ranging from a PPO plan to a dental HMO plan. Coverage includes preventive care, fillings, crowns, bridges and dentures, and the cost of dental insurance is shared by both the County and the employee. Dental insurance goes into effect on the first day of the month that follows the eligible employee's completion of 30 days of active employment
NOTE: Employees working 75% or greater of a 35 or 40 hour position are eligible for health & dental insurance.
Flexible Spending Accounts:
The Flex Spending plan allows employees to pay health and day care expenses with pre-tax dollars. Employees may set aside part of their salary in a special account that can be used throughout the year to reimburse themselves for out-of-pocket medical expenses. The maximum contribution is $2,700 per year for Health Care Spending and $5,000 for Dependent Care Spending (work-related day care expenses). Examples of expenses that can be reimbursed for Health Care Spending include, but are not limited to: deductibles, co-payments, dental fees, chiropractors' services, and eyeglasses / contact lenses.
Life Insurance:
Employees are insured for 2 times their annual salary in case of death plus 2 times their annual salary for accidental death. Employees do not contribute to the premiums for this coverage. A Voluntary Life Insurance Program is offered to regular County employees. The plan allows employees to purchase individually owned term life insurance for themselves, spouses and dependents.
Savings Plan - Deferred Compensation:
The County offers a Section 457 Plan. Deferred compensation plans allow participants to save for retirement in either a pre tax or post tax (Roth) investment account. Contributions are invested at the employee's direction into one or more of the variety of investment options offered by the plan. Changes may be made to the contribution levels, investment options, etc. at any time.
Educational Reimbursement Program:
County employees who have successfully passed their probationary period may take up to two job-related courses per semester at any accredited educational institution. The benefit also covers the costs of job-related non-credit courses. If the employee receives a grade of at least a C, or successfully passes a non-credit course, the County reimburses the employee 75% of the costs of tuition, fees and books. If an employee doesn't remain employed with Frederick County Government for two years after a class is taken, the benefit needs to be reimbursed to FCG.
Employee Assistance Program:
This confidential assessment, referral and counseling service is available at no cost to all employees who may need help with a personal or job-related problem.
Leave
Annual Leave - Employees are eligible to use Annual Leave after their 6 month probationary period. Annual Leave accrues as follows: Years of service days per year
0 - 2 years 11 days
2 - 10 years 17 days
10 + years 24 days
Sick Leave - Employees will earn sick leave at a rate of 15 days per calendar year.
Sick Leave may also be used for illness of an employee's child, dependent, spouse, parent or parent-in-law. There is no limit on the amount of sick leave accumulated. Unused Sick Leave may be used for additional credit in the pension plan at the time of retirement.
NOTE: Regular benefited part-time employees earn annual and sick leave on a pro-rated basis based on their actual number of hours worked biweekly up to their assigned number of regularly scheduled work hours.
Other available types of leave include, but are not limited to, Family Medical Leave, Bereavement, Jury, Military.
Holidays:
The County observes 10 holidays every year and 11 are observed on years of General Elections.
For additional information on Frederick County Governments benefit package, please visit the Division of Human Resources website at
All hires before January 1, 2012, will follow the all benefit and leave rules as described in the Personnel Rules amended October 3, 2013.
01
Your application, which includes any associated supplemental questions, must be complete at the time of submission and must clearly articulate the required work experience relevant to the position for which you are applying. The experience you indicate in your responses to the supplemental questions must also be described, in detail, on the Work History section of this application. Your application may be considered incomplete if vague descriptions of experience are included or if you cite experience in your supplemental question response that is not included on the Work History section of this application. When considering work history, 1 year of employment = 2,080 hours. If Human Resources staff is unable to confirm your related work experience based on the information submitted, or if you state "see resume" as your response, your application may not be considered further.
- I have read and acknowledge the above instructions.
02
Have you obtained a bachelor's degree in law, social work, or conflict resolution?
03
Do you have a law degree?
04
Which describes your level of proficiency with Microsoft 365, including Outlook, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint?
- Beginner
- Intermediate
- Advanced
05
Do you have at least 5 years of work experience conducting child custody or family mediation?
06
Please provide details regarding that work history in the text area below. The work history details provided should include the employer or organization name, dates of employment/service and the duties you performed.NOTE: When considering work history, 1 year of employment = 2,080 hours. If Human Resources staff is unable to confirm your related work experience, based on the information submitted, you will not be considered further.
07
Do you have current possession of the requirements to become a court-designated mediator for both custody/child access and marital property?According to Maryland Rule 17-205 and Maryland Rule 9-205 - completion of 40 hour basic mediation training course, 20 hours of training in family mediation, co-mediated or observed at least 8 hours of child access mediation, completed 20 hours of economic issues in divorce and annulment cases, and have served as a mediator or co-mediator in at least two mediations involving marital economic issues
08
Do you have work experience in counseling, psychology, social work or a related field?
09
Please provide details regarding that work history in the text area below. The work history details provided should include the employer or organization name, dates of employment/service and the duties you performed.NOTE: When considering work history, 1 year of employment = 2,080 hours. If Human Resources staff is unable to confirm your related work experience, based on the information submitted, you will not receive the preference credit.
Required Question
Job Tags
Full time, Part time, Work experience placement, Work at office, Monday to Friday, Weekend work, Afternoon shift,