Manages and coordinates the work of ODR contract mediators and neutrals.

This position manages mediators and neutrals that contract with the Office of Dispute Resolution program within a judicial district or region. This position is distinguished from the ODR Program Administrator I position because supervision is received from the Chief Judge or the District Administrator, and the position does not initiate ADR programs except in compliance with Chief Justice Directives and in collaboration with ODR.  The position does not hire ODR contractors independently, but performs work according to the procedures and guidelines established by the Director of the Office of Dispute Resolution in the State Court Administrator’s Office.

Ensures that cases proceed efficiently and effectively through the dispute resolution process.  This includes assisting the courts with scheduling, providing the courts with mediator availability, communicating to court of status of scheduling or changes in the scheduled mediation of a case,  develop necessary documents and ensuring all documents and forms are prepared and filed to assist the courts with case management.

 

Communicates effectively with parties and attorneys including explaining ADR processes and policies, rescheduling appointments if necessary and any other issues to ensure that there is minimal court involvement after the initial scheduling.

 

Arranges for ODR contractor coverage for all court-ordered ODR processes.  Assigns and schedules work of ODR contractors and maintains lists of ODR contractors to ensure coverage for all dispute resolution needs of the judicial district(s). 

 

Acts as a liaison between the judicial district and ODR and monitors ODR neutrals.  Establishes expectations and provides performance feedback to ODR contractors on an on-going and annual basis.

 

Evaluates ODR contractors proficiency by reviewing and supervising ODR contractors work product or delivery of services. May make recommendations for continuing education based on ODR contractors proficiency reviews. 

 

Assists ODR with the recruiting, interviewing and recommendation of new ODR mediators and other ADR professionals (“ODR neutrals”) as needed, and conducts and/or oversees internships for new ODR neutrals. 

 

Refers any complaints against ODR neutrals to the ODR Director. 

 

Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with ODR, judges, court personnel, attorneys, mental health professionals, state and local government officials, local ADR organizations and programs, bar associations, and the public.

 

Coordinates and initiates ADR programs that meet the needs of the judicial district, attorneys and the public as directed by the Chief Judge of the district. 

 

Develops policies and procedures for the ADR program that assists the courts with case management.

 

Serves on ODR committees and attends meetings and training as required and networks with ODR and ODR contractors regarding resources and dispute resolution issues. 

 

Prepare written and oral reports and respond to requests for information.

Ensures compliance with applicable federal and state laws, rules, regulations, and standards.

 

Some positions may travel to courts in other jurisdictions as assigned by the judicial district. 

 

Attends meetings and training as required.

 

Performs other duties as assigned.

Monitors ODR neutrals, and communicates with ODR neutrals regarding administrative, program and subject area developments.  May have supervisory accountability for other employees, volunteers, or contractors. May plan, direct and coordinate activities for a unit.  Duties include scheduling and assigning of work, training in all facets of work, quality control, and decisions impacting the pay, status and tenure of others.  May conduct performance appraisals, and provides input into and participates in discipline, dismissal, and hiring processes.

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree, and three years of program coordination experience preferably in a court, justice-related or social service organization. Mediation experience may be substituted for the required bachelor’s degree on a year-for-year basis if accompanied by a minimum of 40 hours mediation training. Experience with domestic relations / general civil law and mediation strongly preferred.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to use hands and fingers and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and distance vision.

The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet. This position is subject to varying and unpredictable situations; may handle emergency or crisis situations; is subject to many interruptions; may handle multiple calls and inquiries simultaneously; and may occasionally handle absentee replacement on short notice.