Program Assistant

Program Assistant

Child and Family Services Community Mediation Center (CMC) helps individuals and organizations throughout WNY to have difficult conversations through mediation, conflict coaching, and Restorative Justice initiatives toward peaceful and meaningful solutions and resolving disagreement. CMC is part of a statewide network of Community Dispute Resolution Centers that provides free and low-cost dispute resolution programs that support disputing parties to develop their own solutions to matters that might otherwise bring them to court or have already put them in litigation.

This Program Assistant combines general administrative support for the operations team and program associate functions, such as providing coverage for community and small claims intake, managing family court case entry, and supporting case managers with hosting, case closure and mediation as needed.

Administrative:

• Provide additional coverage for intake specialist through answering and addressing incoming calls and monitoring the Mediate e-mail
• Retrieve referrals and create electronic case records for family court cases, and assist with case closure as needed, with great attention to detail
• Assist operations manager with the management of invoices, billing, and voucher payments
• Assist operations coordinator with volunteer and case record management and reporting
• Assist the operations team with development, review, and revision of SOPs
• Assist with office management duties for Jamestown and other satellite offices

Screening & Intake:

• Talking with members of our community about their disputes and explaining our services by phone or in-person. This includes supporting individuals as they share emotional and difficult stories about conflict that is taking a toll on their day-to-day life.
• Screening parties to determine the appropriateness of a matter for mediation and/or ability of a party to effectively engage in the mediation or conflict coaching process
• Assisting with the tracking, management and closing of cases

Other Responsibilities:

• Hosting sessions either virtual or in-person at our CMC offices in Jamestown or other satellite offices as needed
• Participate in mediation training and apprenticeship program, and mediate as needed
• Maintain CLM database and MDR files
• Model and practice sensitivity, fair treatment and acceptance of diversity in all interpersonal interactions;

Minimum Requirements:

• A High School Diploma/GED or equivalent knowledge and experience with conflict resolution and direct client service.
• Experience in mediation, conflict resolution, and/or working with people in high conflict situations.
• Excellent interpersonal engagement skills that can put people at ease quickly over the telephone and in person.
• Available to work altered schedule including evening or weekend hours from time to time as needed.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs and online conferencing platforms.
• A demonstrated ability to work independently and within a team-based environment.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to access multi-level buildings
• Willingness and ability to travel to and work in a variety of settings, including virtually, within CFS office, courts and community offices
• Must be able to read, speak and write in English

Shift Information: 35 hours per week, 9:00AM - 4:30PM Monday through Friday. Available to work altered schedule including evening or weekend hours from time to time as needed.

Competitive Pay Range of $23-$25 per hour based on education and experience

CFS offers full-time employees the below benefits to support our employees and their families and help to create a healthy work environment.

• Paid Time Off (PTO) –20 PTO Days (25 Days After Five Years of Employment) –14 Paid Holidays (includes 2 flex holidays) – Bereavement: Four Paid Days – Paid Jury Duty
• Employer Paid Life Insurance
• Medical, Two Plan Options
• Dental, Two Plan Options
• Vision Insurance
• Wellness Program and Incentives
• Health Savings Account (HSA) and Quarterly Employer-Contributions
• Healthcare Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Dependent Care FSA
• Employee Referral Bonus
• Qualifying Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)
• 403(b) Right Away and Employer-Contributions After Two Years (1000 hours each year)

Child & Family Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Child & Family Services provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran or familial status, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Child & Family Services complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.