Director of Mediation Programs

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Mediation Center of Dutchess County is looking for a proactive and adaptable individual to join our team. You will be responsible for the implementation of our civil mediation programs covering a variety of case types along with the development of new programming to meet emerging community needs. In this key position, direct contact with clients will be your main focus, including conducting client intakes, coordinating case reviews, mediating cases, case management, agreement writing, and answering general inquiries about our services. You will also support newly trained mediators in their skill development, manage the agency’s roster of volunteer mediators, and serve as the agency’s liaison with various courts throughout Dutchess County (e.g. Family Court, Poughkeepsie City Court, Beacon City Court, town/village courts, etc.). You'll need to anticipate needs in a dynamic, shifting environment and handle them with minimal direction. Reporting to and working closely with the Executive Director, you'll engage with clients and stakeholders from a wide variety of backgrounds and social strata.

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the person in this role; it does not specify all required tasks and there will be other duties as assigned. We are a small agency of five dedicated team members, where everyone, including managers, gets hands-on with the work. If you thrive in a collaborative, mission-driven setting and are ready to make an impact, we encourage you to apply.

ABOUT MCDC

We are an established volunteer-driven nonprofit providing alternative dispute resolution services to individual, families, and groups. MCDC trains, apprentices, and practices exclusively in the Transformative Mediation model. We are mission-driven, not profit-driven; read .

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Qualifications

• • Professional experience in the field of domestic violence (minimum of 1 year)
  • Bachelor's degree in Human Services, Social Work, Criminal Justice, or related field. Advanced degrees (e.g., JD, MSW, MPA) most welcome. Certifications such as paralegal also desirable.
  • Equivalent education and experience will be considered
  • Minimum of 3 years of management experience, with strong emphasis on hands-on involvement
  • Proven ability to organize and schedule effectively
  • A valid driver’s license and a car with the ability to travel throughout Dutchess County (mileage reimbursement provided)
  • Willingness to fill in as a mediator in court (extensive training will be provided)
  • Flexibility to adapt to changing needs on short notice
  • Ability to work occasional nights or weekends, with advance notice
  • Excellent writing skills
  • Proficiency in office software
  • Ability to read, write, and speak Spanish (preferred but not required)

Essential Attributes

• • Comfortable answering phones and interacting directly with clients
  • Able to anticipate needs and take action proactively
  • Sound judgment in decision-making and problem-solving.
  • Able to pivot and adapt to changing priorities on short notice