Van Buren County

Family Division Administrator

Family Court - Paw Paw, MI - Full Time

HOURS: Full-Time, 37.5 hours per week

Pay Rate: Unified Scale R21 ($106,582.97 - $129,924.04)
                                  
PURPOSE Plan, organize, and supervise administration and case management for domestic relations and juvenile matters. Oversee efficient Family Division operations, including client resources and department budget.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES
 
  • Requires integrity, willingness to learn, ability to work independently and as a team member.
  • Must be an effective and impartial leader with a growth mindset.
  • Public service must be a value of this individual so team members can be highly proficient.
  • Must have solid interpersonal skills and empathy for diverse employee and client populations.
  • Handle confidential information with discretion, ensuring a high level of confidentiality.
  • Needs strong organizational and time management skills and the ability to work well under pressure.
  • Remain calm and composed in stressful situations, providing a stabilizing presence for staff and clients.
  • Utilize knowledge of community resources, evidence-based practices, and cultural competency.
  • Possess a strong sense of diplomacy and communication skills.
  • Must be able to exercise independent and creative, decisive problem-solving and decision-making skills.
  • Ability to perform upper-level data analysis for policy creation and application and program implementation.
  • Able to lead a large group of employees.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Primarily office-based with light physical effort.
       
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
 
  • Oversees administrative and case management functions for domestic relations and juvenile matters.
  • Develop, implement, and maintain policies and procedures in compliance with applicable laws, court rules, and administrative standards.
  • Prepare, administer, and monitor division budgets, including grants, reimbursement programs, and special funds; approve expenditures and track revenues.
  • Oversee IV-D, Child Care Fund, and other Family Division funding streams, including compliance, reporting, and reimbursement processes.
  • Review and monitor juvenile placements and associated expenditures.
  • Lead short- and long-term planning efforts aligned with Family Division and court-wide strategic priorities.
  • Evaluate operations and implement process improvements using performance measures.
  • Recruit and retain qualified staff, providing supervision to support their professional development goals.
  • Mentor direct reports by providing training opportunities, promoting a learning culture, and being available for support. Responsible for performance management and discipline in accordance with policies and labor agreements.
  • Participate in labor relations activities, including contract administration and negotiations support.
  • Represent the Court in meetings with internal stakeholders, external partners, and community organizations.
  • Respond to and resolve escalated complaints, grievances, and inquiries from the public, litigants, and staff.
  • Identify, pursue, and manage grant opportunities to enhance services and programming.
  • Assess needs and implement programs that support children and families served by the court.
  • Administer and monitor contracts related to Family Division services and operations.
  • Serve as a member of the court management team, contributing to leadership, strategic planning, and policy development.
  • Perform work remotely as appropriate and consistent with operational needs.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, human services, business administration, or a closely related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience. The position requires at least three years of progressively responsible administrative and supervisory experience and a minimum of two years in a legal, human services, or related field. Must be able to effectively supervise staff, including in remote or hybrid environments. Preferred master’s degree in a related field or a Juris Doctor from an accredited law school with membership in good standing with the State Bar of Michigan.

SUPERVISION

The position reports to the Trial Court Administrator and Chief Judge in collaboration with the Family Division Judge.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS
 
  • Able to work effectively with clients facing financial and emotional stress while maintaining neutrality and objectivity.
  • Committed to providing unbiased supervision and customer service.
  • Willing to participate in ongoing training, both on-site and off-site.
  • Employment is contingent on background check, criminal history, fingerprint check, and drug screen.
  • Applicants must complete a County application form.
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