Author: NMMA

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NMMA

The Administrative Office of the Courts is recruiting for the following positions:

  • 1 Full-Time, classified, AOC Statewide Program Manager #10111072-21800 for Legal Services Division in Santa Fe or Albuquerque, New Mexico. 

For more information: https://www.nmcourts.gov/careers.aspx

Administrative Office of the Courts
  Business Unit: 21800
  AOC Statewide Program Manager #10111072-21800, Full-time, PERM in Santa Fe or Albuquerque, NM
  # of Positions: 1
  Opening Date: 03-05-2020 – Close Date: 03-20-2020
  Job Pay Range: $28.690 – $46.622 per hour
  Target Pay Range/Rate: $28.690-$32.00 per hour

The Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) is recruiting for a full-time, classified, AOC Statewide Program Manager position #10111072-21800 in Santa Fe or Albuquerque, New Mexico. GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES: Acting under general direction plan, organize, direct, and manage statewide program(s) and services. Under the direction of the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) statewide program manager, plan, organize, direct, and manage statewide ADR programs and services including the Magistrate Court Mediation Program (MCMP). Coordinate the work of volunteers, contract personnel and outside entities. Willingness to become a trained mediator. Work with courts statewide to implement or enhance ADR programs. May supervise judicial branch program staff and provide professional support to judicial commission(s). Finalist(s) may be subject to criminal background checks.

EXAMPLES OF JOB DUTIES:

● The AOC Statewide Program Manager is responsible for developing, proposing or approving statewide program initiatives, projects, and strategic plans for long term planning of programs.
● Coordinates the work of volunteers, contract personnel and outside entities.
● Acts as a statewide project leader in developing and implementing new court programs and providing technical assistance, training, and assistance to the magistrate, metropolitan, district and appellate courts.
● Develops and oversees adherence to court program policies and procedures such as jury management, case management, drug courts, Problem-solving courts, alternative dispute resolution, judicial tribal/state relationships, court improvement of children’s cases, safe exchanges/supervised visitation, interpreter certification, language access etc.
● Plans organizes and manages conferences and associated fees.
● Designs develops and implements new information systems (software & hardware).
● Implements and coordinates educational programs and training, including preparing curriculum and materials.
● Develops, revises and implements policies and procedures, manuals and handbooks.
● Researches and writes grant applications and secures or oversees grant-funded statewide projects.
● Participates in the unified budget process, prepares budget requests by projecting statewide need and costs for programs and conferences, and evaluates the effectiveness of conferences.
● Oversees compliance with program standards to ensure consistency and quality of reported performance measures statewide.
● Identifies and acquires additional funding sources to maintain adequate resources for program operations.
● Prepares specifications, drafts Requests for Proposals, Invitations to Bid, contracts and conducts bid conferences in compliance with state procurement code.
● Completes all status and fiscal grant reporting requirements and requests from governmental agencies, non-profits, and private businesses.
● Works with judges, court staff, and coordinators in developing and implementing ADR programs and assists court personnel with recruiting mediators.
● Oversees, conducts, and assesses the appropriateness of a mediation or alternative dispute resolution (ADR) program and encourages negotiations extending beyond the initial conference through subsequent conversations or additional conferences.
● Addresses contractor adherence to program, policies, procedures and initiatives and evaluates program operations and performance measures.
● Prepares complex detailed reports based upon overall data to make formal presentations with recommendations on a variety of court management studies and programs/projects.
● Identifies and analyzes statewide program needs and provides information to the legislature and other interested parties.
● Oversees and conducts research, development, coordination, and tracking of legislative initiatives and bills
● Researches and performs bill analysis for effect and impact on the courts makes recommendations and advocates for bills and leads the legislative process.
● May supervise judicial branch program staff and provide professional support to judicial commission(s).
● May assist the ADR statewide program manager in managing a statewide network of court-connected ADR programs and suggests changes in legislation and Supreme Court rules related to ADR.
● Other duties as assigned.

COMPETENCIES/QUALIFICATIONS:

The successful applicant should demonstrate knowledge of New Mexico state courts, including court procedures and rules, court organization and administration, services, functions and jurisdictions; public policy analysis and evaluation; techniques in managing multiple and diverse statewide program(s); conference and program planning; budget management including performance based budgeting, project/program budget preparation, tracking projected and expended project/program funds; grant procedures and grant writing; state and federal grant compliance rules and regulations; state procurement rules; legislative processes; New Mexico Criminal Justice Information System; basic contract law; community resources; media relations; research and evaluation techniques; methods of data collection; and supervisory techniques.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The following functions are representative, but not all-inclusive of the work environment and physical demands an employee may expect to encounter in performing tasks assigned to this job. Work is performed in an office or court setting. A valid driver’s license and travel may be required. The assigned work schedule may include nights, weekends, holidays and overtime. The employee must regularly interact positively with co-workers, clients, the public, and judges and justices.
*This job description is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions performed*

BENEFITS:

● Medical/Dental/Vision/Rx, Short and Long Term Disability Insurance Programs, employee assistance program (EAP) [http://www.mybenefitsnm.com/]
● State paid life insurance, supplemental and dependent life insurance
● Optional flexible spending accounts for medical, day-care, and travel expenses
● Paid Vacation, Sick and Personal Leave, up to eight (8) weeks
● Ten (10) paid holidays
● Deferred Compensation 457(b) plan
● Lifetime Defined Benefits Retirement Plan [http://www.nmpera.org/]
● Flexible work schedules and alternative work locations*
● Free health care, Rx, lab work at facility (Stay Well Health Center) in Santa Fe, NM
● Bilingual compensation*
● Training and career development opportunities
● Higher education opportunities and educational leave
● May qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)
● May receive overtime holiday or shift differential pay*
● May receive physical fitness leave*
*These benefits vary by job classification or need*

QUALIFICATIONS
Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Criminal Justice, Public or Business Administration, Social Sciences or a related field.
Education Substitution: Four (4) years’ of directly related or relevant experience may substitute on a year for year basis.
Experience: Six (6) years’ of program management experience. Relevant experience may include: public or business administration, budget, finance, social services, social work, social sciences, mediation, grant writing, guidance and counseling, law/probation, program/project management, adult education, training, volunteer programs, or closely related field.
Experience Substitution: Additional relevant education at the Masters’ Degree level may substitute for experience at a rate of thirty (30) semester credit hours equals one year of experience.
TO APPLY: Please submit a New Mexico Judicial Branch Application for Employment or a Resume and a Resume Supplemental form and proof of education to:


Application forms:
Microsoft Word Format
Adobe PDF Format

Resume Supplemental Forms:
Microsoft Word Format
Adobe PDF Format
Administrative Office of the Courts
Attn: Ellen Skaggs
237 Don Gaspar, Rm 25
Santa Fe, NM 87501
Fax No.: (505) 827-8091
Email: aocevs@nmcourts.gov
  EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

NM Mediation Association Annual Meeting

NMMA

Date: Saturday, December 7, 2019

Time: 9:00am – 12:00pm

Location: 6767 Academy NE Albuquerque, NM 87109

RSVP: Elena Hernandez, NMMA Secretary; please email Elena at ehmediator@email.com.

UPDATES

  • Opportunity for growth in member self-promotion!
  • Website

DISCUSSION

Next Steps

NOTE

Board member positions are up for election, please email our board secretary if you are interested in running for our board.

Download Announcement

NMMA Fall 2019 Newsletter

NMMA

IT’S ANNUAL MEETING TIME!

The Association will hold its Annual Meeting on November 15, 2019, in Albuquerque.  The time will be from 9 a.m. until 12:00 Noon.  We will meet at 6767 Academy Road NE., ABQ (same location as last year.  We have a full morning of business, including elections so please plan to participate or ask the Secretary for an Absentee or Proxy vote privileges.

STATE ADR MEETING

The Risk Management Division of the State GSD is held its Statewide Meeting for its Volunteer Mediators on October 9 and 10, 2019 in Santa Fe.  The Association was present to offer Information to the Attendees about the Association, ADR opportunities, and Membership.  We developed booth graphics as well as a table cloth to use as we search to get our message out to the general public, legislators and other mediators.

WE NEED YOU!

As Ted mentioned in his Letter, we need Officers, Board Members and Regional Representatives for 2020 and beyond.  For information about serving in any office, contact Ted at 575-639-4254 or ted@swresolution.com.  He can provide details on what the role requirements are.

MODRIA Pilot Program Update

As previously mentioned, the State AOC launch of the Online Mediation Tool began in late spring 2019.  Through August 2019, 1.713 cases were eligible for the program.  The District Courts in the Pilot referred only 110 to Online Mediation.  Of these, only 1 Mediation was in progress and the others were either ended due to No response by either party or response was with either party or nothing has progressed.  After a certain time, the case is referred back to the court system for further action.

ELDER MEDIATION NETWORK

We are sad to report that the efforts of a Sturdy Group of Members to create the opportunity for Non-Attorney Mediators to Mediate Elder Care issues in New Mexico has been stopped.  Until such time as the Legal community in New Mexico stops the roadblocks and prevention tactics they could not proceed.  Additionally, Non-Attorney Mediators interested in being trained in Elder Care Mediation was low or non-existent.  Is the membership willing to allow this kind of activity to continue or can we resurrect and enhance the efforts of this Network?

MEMBERSHIP WEBSITE LISTINGS

Beginning with 2020 membership renewal or payments, members will have the opportunity to add their information similar to the membership form onto the website.  Information will include Contact Information and up to 3 areas of Mediation that the members specialize.  Those Professional Mediators who provide Pro-Bono will also be listed but the listing will include lesser details.  Please make sure you renew or join and remain current in your dues for this to assist in Brand awareness of your skills and services.  Check out the new members whose listing has been posted on the site as a demonstration!

UPDATED MEMBERSHIP LISTS

As you know, stuff happens.  When we change officers, stuff gets misplaced, lost or confused.  We have that issue with our most current membership lists.  We have kept these on excel sheets and have over time merged the lists for one reason or another.  Can you help us clarify you join and paid member dates?  Why do you ask? We need to clean our current and past member lists for membership recruitment and validate with our deposits who has paid for 2018 and 2019? Since our treasurer is MIA this information has been difficult to secure and work on validation.  If you can help out, please let Elena Hernandez know at ehmediator.org or 505-688-2046.

STATE ADR COMMISSION UPDATE

My apologies (this is Ted) for not providing more frequent updates on what is going on with the State ADR Commission of which I represent the Association on.  Thank you, members, for kicking me to update the membership on what is going on!

New Staff at AOC:  When I joined the Commission, it lacked Leadership participation at the State ADR Leader level.  This has since been resolved as Mateo Page, Former Magistrate Judge from Moriarity joined as the statewide Manager for ADR.  In addition, with the help of many of you, we were able to convince and coerce the legislature to change the Magistrate Court Mediation leader position from “soft money” (funded by fees only) to a Permanent fully funded position.  This position has been approved as of July 1, 2019, and applications have been received, screening is occurring, and a candidate should be named soon.  Unfortunately for NMMA, we were not part of the interview process and have been excluded from much detail on selection.

District Court Mediation Fee Structure: Based on legislation passed in 2017, the Commission was charged by the Supreme Court to explore and Initiate a Sliding fee structure for the District court Mediation System outside the “power 3” areas of Las Cruces, Santa Fe, and Albuquerque in early 2018.  A current sliding fee has either been approved by the Supreme Court for or has been reviewed and recommended for approval for those district courts. Approved are the 7th, 8th, 9th and 13th.  Pending and in final approval stages are the 4th, 5th, 6th, and 11th.  Unfortunately, the 10th and 12th have been slow to comply but encouragement from others will help compliance.  These courts are implementing changes as we write about it.  Recently a meeting of the Power 3 courts was held to discuss mediation programs in their court systems and ways/means that could be shared with the smaller courts as they look to expand mediation programs in their court.  What is next is to attempt to standardize the ADR rules statewide – a major problem from my perspective – in how, who and why things are done.  Such variance today may be problematic in consistency and transparency going forward.  From a personal standpoint, I feel the fees are too low for mediation services.  Since clients needing representation many times do not hesitate to pay handsome retainer fees, this creates a perception that mediation could be a “cheap alternative.

ODR Program Growth:  For the most part, the program has not been widely embraced by the Mediation Community or the Audience it is intended to serve.  Courts initially participating were the 2nd, 6th and 9th. Since then the program has been expanded statewide in an effort to grow faster.  An emphasis on a pilot program in the Magistrate system for the 3rd District is underway.  This will focus on Traffic violations.  Much money has been invested that may or may not have been better spent on existing needs and services surrounding ADR and Mediation.

New Mexico Court-Connected Alternative Dispute Resolution Recommendations: In a May 2019 report released in June 2019, the Staff of AOC/ADR was charged by the Supreme Court to Review the Current Landscape and Recommend how to Build a Statewide Infrastructure.  Authored by Mateo Page, Statewide Program Manager of ADR and Celina Jones, General counsel of the AOC, the report lists 10 ways to expand ADR programs statewide.  The unfortunate part is that the NMMA was minimally involved in input for the recommendations. 

Committee Work:  I have been involved with the Sliding Fee Scale and Ethics Committee but have volunteered for others that I feel may benefit the Association membership.  Additional committees active include a Communications/Marketing/Outreach Committee and Training Committee.

If you desire further information or clarification, please contact me at ted@swresolution.com or 575-639-4254.

PRESIDENTS MESSAGE

NMMA

SEPTEMBER 2019

Your Association is facing a MAJOR crisis and we need your help!

Did we get your attention or is this another “Ho-hum” minute?

Having served as your President for almost two years, a position I have sincerely enjoyed and hope that all of you re-elect me to for 2020, I have to desperately ask for your help to “STEP UP” and help me in promotion of the Vision all of us have for the Mediation Community and the valuable services we provide in New Mexico.

“Why should I do this”? you may ask:

  1.  We face mounting pressure from the legal community Leadership who feel “Professional Non-Attorney” mediators have no place, no value and serve no purpose other than to provide “pro-bono” services.
  2. We have a State government that asks Professional Mediators to provide services “out of the spirit of kindness” for free in Magistrate and Risk Management programs around the state.
  3. We have a District Court system that only offers Mediation opportunities to lawyers because they only trust lawyers to provide “facilitated directive settlement agreements” which may or may not be conducted in the true spirit of “Mediated Settlement Agreements”.
  4. The State AOC “magically” found monies to work with the Non-government provider that offers legal electronic report formats to the court system to develop “MODRIA” an online Mediation system that was intended to be launched in rural “underserved” portions of the state.  The program, in its infancy, was designed to serve as a facilitation tool for debt and money due cases and will now be modified to include Traffic violations in Magistrate court due to low participation and a low number of successful case resolutions in an attempt to improve participation for the money invested.
  5. We continue to train state employees to serve as mediators within state government (at no cost to the employees), offer training for Non-state Employee Mediators (for a fee) around the state and then what happens?  No place to practice, participate or develop skill sets because of limited opportunity due to lack of court willingness to participate in Mediation or point number 3 above. Yet, we know the court system is taxed to hear all the cases in a timely, expedient manner.
  6. We have Professional, Non-Attorney Mediators who are capable, competent and willing to serve the needs of the state Court system.
  7. We have Professional, Trained, Passionate and Dedicated Mediators who specialize in areas where their background, education or passion has led them to focus, provide valuable assistance in non-adversarial solutions for affordable costs to the general population of New Mexico and other areas in this nation.
  8. We have an Association who wants to meet the needs of our existing and future clients and knows that your training, experience, and exposure to opportunities is the best solution for the State.

How did this come to pass?  An easy explanation from my point of view: 

We as the Mediation community of New Mexico took our eyes off the Purpose, Intent, Goals, Aim, Focus, Desire or whatever words you may choose to use for the Value, Intent, and Purpose of Mediation Services in New Mexico.  It is me and each of us as members of the Mediation Community who have allowed this to happen. 

I sometimes wonder why members/officers of the past are long gone from the association; in many cases, they do not even pay dues.  Did they see the future and say, “I’m out of here”! or did they choose to say “I’ve done my time” or maybe it was a clash with existing goals, directions or opportunities to advance their agenda? Could it have been warring egos?  Maybe they lived outside of the major metro areas and did not feel they could logistically participate.  Maybe it was expectations not met by the Association leadership or better yet; needs not addressed, listened to or acted up – so “I gave up” became their alibi?  Maybe “I just pay my dues, so that I can show my clients or employer I belong but am not really active”?

We currently have a board that is trying hard, staying focused and trying to get to the root cause of what we need, provide what the members want, but we need your help. Support us by offering to serve on the Board, as an Officer, a Committee Member or Regional Representative to the Board. Speak up, let us hear and see you and provide the value and benefit you seek from Alternative Dispute Resolutions in the State of New Mexico!

GET OFF THE COUCH, OUT OF YOUR DESK CHAIR AND OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE AND HELP US ADDRESS WHAT IS IMPORTANT TO YOUR ASSOCIATION!

We hope to see you at the Annual Meeting.

ADR Newsletter: FY19 Quarter 4

NMMA

The Alternative Dispute Resolution Bureau is pleased to present the FY19 4th Quarter ADR Newsletter (click on link to view).

In this issue:

  • an article: “Utilizing Emotional Intelligence in the Workplace: 5 Ways to Become More Emotionally Intelligent in the Workplace”
  • upcoming training opportunities including our 2- day “Conflict, Communication & Change: Creating Opportunities for Transformation”

Please visit the ADR website (http://adr.gsd.state.nm.us) to view past newsletters and additional conflict resolution resources.

Alternative Dispute Resolution Bureau

NM General Services Dept. / Risk Management Division

1100 St. Francis Drive, #2073 / PO Box 6850

Santa Fe, NM 87502

E-mail: ADR.Bureau@state.nm.us

Mediator Skills Refresher (AZTEC) | ADR Bureau

NMMA

Please Join Us!

Mediator Skills Refresher: Back to the Basics

Taught by Cynthia Olson

Tuesday, April 30, 2019 | 8:30 am – 4:30 pm

Aztec, New Mexico

pre-requisite: a 40 hour beginning mediation class

Whether you have just finished your beginning class or have mediated a little or a lot, please join us for a day of review and practice.

We invite you to “refresh” some of the elemental concepts and skills key to effective mediation practice.

We will explore neutrality, interventions and the skills of listening, acknowledging, questioning and reframing.

  1. Introductions, Agenda, Course Goals, Your Goals
  2. Mastering the Basics (develop objective presence, recognize opportunities for movement and improve and use your skills)
  3. Peer Coaching Basics
  4. Practice, Practice, Practice
  5. Check-in and Re-set for Practice Improvement
  6. Final Words, Certificates

Sponsored by

Alternative Dispute Resolution Bureau

NM General Services Dept. / Risk Management Division

1100 St. Francis Drive, #2073 / PO Box 6850

Santa Fe, NM 87502

E-mail: ADR.Bureau@state.nm.us

REGISTER NOW