Van Buren County

Trial Court Administrator

Circuit Court - Paw Paw, MI - Full Time

HOURS:  Full-Time, 37.5 hours per week               

Pay Rate:  Starting at $88,127.33-$93,851.94  - Without Board Approval
 Position pays up to $129,223.97 - With Board Approval              
 

PURPOSE: Under the general direction of the Chief Judge, administers the non-judicial functions of the Circuit, District and Probate Courts. Directs the planning, design, development, implementation, administration, and improvement of policies, procedures, and programs to promote access to justice for all members of the public, while maximizing the use of judicial and other resources. The administrator directs staff responsible for case processing, case flow management, jury utilization, file management and related functions. The administrator is responsible for personnel and financial management, facilities management, labor contract negotiations and management, security, and all other administrative functions of the court.

Duties are carried out in accordance with the court’s statutory purpose, policies and procedures, and in coordination with Van Buren County’s policies and procedures.

PRINCIPLE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Overall supervisory responsibility for the Trial Court, delegating responsibilities to other court administrators, managers, and staff to carry out functions and services of the Trial Court.

2. Works closely with the chief judge and presiding judges to assure that communication among the judges, management, staff personnel issues, financial matters, etc., accurately reflects the policies, procedures, and practices established by the court.

3. Oversees the organizational structure of the court. Continually reviews and analyzes court operations, interrelationships of work units, and the flow of work. Makes organizational changes as appropriate.

4. Develops goals and objectives, internal policies and procedures, rules and regulations as they relate to Trial Court matters; implements new statutes, court rules and procedures enacted or promulgated by the Legislature, Michigan Supreme Court, or the State Court Administrative Office.

5. With the assistance of the other court administrators and supervisors, manage court staff, conduct performance evaluation and all other related personnel functions.

6. Prepares and manages annual operating budget with the assistance of the divisional administrators. In addition, prepares reports as requested for all court activity budgets and due processing expenditures. Approves the payment of all bills and timesheets.

7. Works with Buildings and Grounds Director to ensure the facilities provide a safe, clean, and productive environment. In addition, the administrator works with other county officials to promote and collaborate the efficient operations of the court.

8. Develops, negotiates and oversees the internal and external contracts of the Court.

9. Aggressively seeks out grants and other sources of revenue to enhance and improve court operations while maintaining compliance with local, state and federal guidelines.

10. Coordinates and assures court representation at interagency functions, community activities affecting court operations, and participates in programs of mutual interest.

11. Issues news releases and other publications for the court to the media and the public using online and other methods; responds to media questions and inquiries as directed by the Chief Judge.
12. Performs other duties as directed by the Chief Judge of the Trial Court and/or the Judicial Council

ABILITIES, KNOWLEDGE, AND SKILLS:

· Must possess a command of the English language and communicate effectively, either with county employees, community groups, the general public, or government officials.

· Must be proficient in 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, strategic thinking and creativity in areas involving the control and planning of programs.

· Demonstrate an ability to review court statistical information to make projections and decisions that are data driven.

· 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. Oversee and control employee discipline, selection and allocation, and planning of human resources using diversity, equity and inclusion principles.

· Demonstrate technology / automation skills and project implementation.

· Demonstrate quality customer service and interpersonal communication abilities.

· May be assigned to work in any court location, as needed.

· May be required to work flexible hours which could include early mornings or evenings.

· May be assigned to occasionally work from home, as feasible, with reliable internet and personal computer.

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:

Strongly Preferred:

Bachelor’s degree in an area related to court administration, public administration, management, business administration, law or social work. A minimum of five (5) years of court administration / managerial experience. Preferred:

Master’s degree or Juris Doctorate from an accredited school of law. A minimum of three (3) years of progressively responsible experiences in court or legal administration. knowledge of and experience with court technology.

May consider any combination of education and work experience.
 

SUPERVISION:

This individual reports to the Chief Judge.
 

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

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. Must be able to maintain a record of orderly, law-abiding citizenship, sobriety, and integrity. Must adhere to the Model Code of Conduct for Michigan Trial Court Employees.

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.

Apply: Trial Court Administrator
* Required fields
First name*
Last name*
Email address*
Location
Phone number*
Resume

Attach resume or Paste resume

Attach resume as .pdf, .doc, .docx, .odt, .txt, or .rtf (limit 5MB) or paste resume

Paste your resume here or attach resume file

Cover Letter
Desired salary
Earliest start date?
Please provide your drivers license number below*
Type of employment desired*
Have you ever worked for Van Buren County in the past? If yes, please provide details such as: department, name of last supervisor, dates of employment, and reason for leaving:*
Do you have any relatives working for the County? If yes, provide names of all relatives and their relationship to you.*
Do you have any employment records under a name other than listed above? If yes, please list additional names*
Have you ever been suspended or discharged from a former employer? If yes, please explain.*
Are you currently employed?*
What is your current or most recent salary?*
Why are you interested in this position?*
Please list applicable skills, including: supervision skills, specialized equipment or software, or information regarding the career/occupation you wish to bring to the County's attention.*
Previous employer:*
Start Date:*
End Date:*
Status:*
City, State and Zip Code of past employer:*
Job duties:*
Reason for leaving:*
Salary:*
Supervisor name:*
Supervisor Contact Information:*
May we contact for a reference?*
Previous employer:*
Start Date:*
End Date:*
Status:*
City, State and Zip Code of past employer:*
Job duties:*
Reason for leaving:*
Salary:*
Supervisor name:*
Supervisor Contact Information:*
May we contact for a reference?*
Previous employer:*
Start Date:*
End Date:*
Status:*
City, State and Zip Code of past employer:*
Job duties:*
Reason for leaving:*
Salary:*
Supervisor name:*
Supervisor Contact Information:*
May we contact for a reference?*
Please upload any other supporting documents.
The County of Van Buren is committed to ensuring honorably discharged members of the armed forces of the United States are provided preference in public employment consistent with Michigan Public Act 205 of 1897, as amended. If you meet the definition of a “veteran” provided by MCL 35.61.

I am an individual who served in the United States Armed Forces, including the reserve components and was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable.*
Are you a guard or reserve member?*
I certify that my answers are accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge.
I authorize the investigation of all statements, including references, in this application for employment as necessary for arriving at an employment decision. I also specifically waive any written notice requirements of Section 67 of 1978 PA 397 pertaining to disciplinary reports, letters of reprimand, or other disciplinary actions. I also waive any claim against VAN BUREN COUNTY GOVERNMENT and all current or former employers arising from such investigation or disclosure, including, but not limited to, slander and libel that may result from furnishing any information to VAN BUREN COUNTY GOVERNMENT.
This employment application shall be considered active for a period not to exceed 90 days. Any applicant wishing to be considered for employment beyond this period should inquire whether applications are being accepted at that time. I hereby understand and acknowledge that in the absence of an express written contract or agreement to the contrary; any employment relationship with VAN BUREN COUNTY GOVERNMENT of an “at-will” nature, which means that the employee may resign at any time and the Employer may discharge the employee at any time with or without cause.
In the event of employment, I understand that false or misleading information given in my application or interview(s) would be grounds for discharge. I understand, also, that I am required to abide by all rules and regulations of VAN BUREN COUNTY GOVERNMENT.
I further understand that if I am offered employment, a physical, which may include drug testing (at VAN BUREN COUNTY GOVERNMENT’s expense) may be required, proof of educational and licensing attainment must be submitted. If any driving is done for VAN BUREN COUNTY GOVERNMENT purposes, I must be both eligible to drive and be qualified for insurance coverage. Employment by VAN BUREN COUNTY GOVERNMENT is conditioned upon such results being satisfactory to VAN BUREN COUNTY GOVERNMENT.*
I agree that any action or suit against VAN BUREN COUNTY GOVERNMENT or its board elected or appointed officials, officers, and/or employees arising out of my application for employment, employment, or termination of employment, including but not limited to claims arising under State or Federal civil rights statutes, must be brought within 180 days of the event giving rise to the claims or be forever barred. I waive any limitation periods to the contrary.*
Human Check*