Job Description

HOURS: Full-Time, 37.5 hours per week

Pay Rate:   Starting at $82,774.97 - $86,881.86

 

PURPOSE: As District Court Administrator, this position handles all administrative and non-judicial functions in the 7 th District Court; Oversees staff engaged in non-judicial aspects of processing civil, criminal and traffic cases, including finance and probation services.  Directs and monitors personnel issues, case flow management, statistical reports, record retention, court automation and policy/procedure implementation.  Responsible for data collection and oversees compliance with criminal justice reforms, bail reforms and other State agency directives.

PRINCIPLE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
As Court Administrator:

1. In both District Court locations, supervises and directs magistrate and other court staff; selects new employees; provides instruction and training; plans, coordinates, assigns and reviews work assignments; maintains standards.
2. Prepares payroll; allocates personnel; acts on problems and concerns and evaluates performance.
3. Works closely with the trial court administrator, chief judge and presiding judge to assure that consistent policies and procedures are established and maintained by the court.
4. Continually reviews and analyzes court operations, interrelationships of work units, and the flow of work.
5. Monitors changes in statutes, Michigan court rules and State agency directives and develops and implements new or revised procedures accordingly.  Monitors court operations to ensure compliance.
6. Develops goals and objectives , internal policies and procedures, rules and regulations as they relate to District Court matters; implements new statutes, court rules and procedures enacted or promulgated by the Legislature, Michigan Supreme Court, or the State Court Administrative Office.
7. Assists the trial court administrator with the preparation of the annual operating budget. 
8. Approves the payment of all bills, payroll and timesheets.
9. Work with the Buildings and Ground Director to ensure the facilities provide a safe, clean, and productive environment.  In addition to working with other county officials to promote and collaborate the efficient operations of the court.
10. Aggressively seeks out grants and other sources of revenue to enhance and improve court operations while maintaining compliance with local, state and federal guidelines.
11. Coordinates and assures court representation at interagency functions, community activities affecting court operations, and participates in programs of mutual interest.
12. With the approval of the trial court administrator, issues news releases and other publications for the court to the media and the public, responds to media questions and inquiries.
13. May be assigned to work in any court location, as needed.
14. May be required to work flexible hours which could include early mornings or evenings.
15. May be assigned to occasionally work from home, as feasible, with reliable internet and personal computer.
16. Performs other duties as directed by the trial court administrator.

ABILITIES, KNOWLEDGE, AND SKILLS:

• Must possess a command of the English language and can communicate effectively, either with county employees, community groups, the general public, or government officials.
• Must be proficient with Microsoft Office applications and have demonstrated the ability to learn and apply other software programs.
• Must be able to safeguard personnel matters.
• Must be able to exercise independent judgment, decisiveness, and creativity in areas involving the control and planning of entire or multiple programs.
• Demonstrate the ability to perform mid to upper-level data analysis including the ability to coordinate, strategize, systemize and correlate, using discretion in determining time, place, and or sequence of operations within an organizational framework.  Additionally, demonstrated the ability to implement and oversee decisions based on such data.
• Demonstrate the ability to apply principles of logical syntheses functions involving planning and directions of interrelated activities or multiple departments.   
• Demonstrate the ability to deal with several concrete and abstract variables in working out approaches to major problems.
• Demonstrate leadership and supervisory abilities such as the ability to manage and direct a large group of employees which may include first-line supervisors.  Oversees and controls employee discipline, selection and allocation, and planning of human resources.
• Demonstrate quality customer service and interpersonal communication abilities.
• Requires ability to utilize reference, descriptive, consulting, design and advisory data and information such as detention determinations, complaints and warrants, billing invoices, tickets, payroll documents, annual budget, caseload reports, court policies, local administrative orders, Motor Vehicle Code, Michigan Law/Statutes and Court Rules, Secretary of State Manual, legal briefs, economic analysis and organizational analysis.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND/OR WORKING CONDITIONS:
Work is performed primarily in an office setting.  Must be able to lift/carry up to 25 pounds.  May involve sitting for long periods of time, operating a personal computer, copier, fax machine, and multi-line telephone.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:
Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, court administration, public administration, management, business administration, human resource management or other related field.  Prefer master’s degree or Juris Doctorate from an accredited school of law and a member in good standing with the Michigan Bar Association.   Must have three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in administration, including at least two (2) years of supervisory experience preferred with an emphasis on District Court procedures or other closely related experience.  Will consider any combination of experience and education.  Must have thorough knowledge of managerial and supervisory principles and practices. 

SUPERVISION:
This position reports to the Trial Court Administrator.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
Position will require traveling to both District Court locations on a frequent basis.  Van Buren County Courts are dynamic and candidates for this position must be able to adapt and thrive in a changing environment.   One must be able to work with people who are operating in financially and emotionally stressful situations and must display appropriate decorum and professionalism with both attorneys and with non-lawyer litigants.  He/she must comply with the Model Code of Conduct for Trial Court Employees, the Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct and the Michigan Code of Judicial Conduct.  Must be able to work after hours and on weekends as needed.  Must be able to work independently and also be a contributing team member in Van Buren Courts.

The individual in this position is an at-will employee and serves at the pleasure of the Chief Judge.  Employment is dependent on background check, criminal history and fingerprint check, and drug screen.  Applicant must complete County application form.

Job Tags

Full time, Local area, Work from home, Trial period, Flexible hours, Weekend work, Afternoon shift, Early shift,

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