Job Description
Description
SUMMARY: Under the general direction of the Chief Referee or Senior Referee, the Family Division Referee ensures the efficient disposition of cases by conducting hearings and rendering recommendations in Family Division cases, with diligence, respect, and professionalism, and in accordance with the law and Court policy. Employees in this title are expected to maintain a professional appearance and demeanor.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Ensures the efficient disposition of cases by conducting hearings in accordance with the law and Court policy and issuing recommended orders in Family Division cases.
Makes written, signed reports to the Court containing a summary of testimony given, a statement of findings, and a recommendation order.
Drafts proposed orders and recommendations.
Serves on assigned committees, engages with and interacts in the various communities that are served by the Court.
Manages the courtroom.
Recommends procedural and policy changes to management.
Submits statistical reports in accordance with departmental guidelines.
Reviews petitions to ensure that legal criteria have been met.
Must be able to meet attendance requirements. (Courtroom, division/department office, or field assignment).
Serves in either Family Division Section as assigned.
Performs other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS: Family-Domestic Section
Graduate of an accredited law school.
Member of State Bar of Michigan in good standing.
Five (5) years of experience in the practice of Family Law and providing legal representation, which includes multicultural interactions, exposure, etc.
Knowledge of relevant statutes, case law, the Michigan Child Support systems and Court rules.
One (1) year of experience in handling child custody or parenting time disputes, including conducting formal/informal mediations for families involved in legal conflicts.
Proficient in the use of Microsoft Excel and experience using MS Office Suite and relevant court software and systems.
Experience commensurate with the job that demonstrates the required skills and competencies may be considered in lieu of education requirement(s).
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Ability to navigate family systems (human services, paternity, abuse/neglect, juvenile, child support, custody, immigration, etc.) family dynamics (cultural, geographic, economic, religious, etc.).
Ability to perform all functions necessary to ensure timely adjudications, assessments, dispositions, reviews, and mediations.
Ability to respond to statements of fact, laws, and arguments clearly and logically.
Ability to comprehend and analyze complex and varied legal issues and complicated factual details, and apply the law appropriately to issue recommendations to the Judge.
Ability to perform in a manner consistent with the Michigan Code of Professional Responsibility.
Demonstrated experience practicing with diverse family structures (i.e. LGBTQ+, co-parenting, etc.).
Ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce positive results.
Ability to effectively communicate information and ideas with internal and external customers in plain language that they can understand.
Ability to deal calmly and effectively in high stress situations.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with Directors, coworkers, employees, officials, and external contacts.
Ability to operate office equipment.
Ability to understand and carry out instructions and to request clarification when needed.
Ability to identify issues and to use logic and reasoning to determine the appropriate next action(s) and proceed with the proper resolution.
Ability to communicate effectively in public forums.
Ability to produce reports, recommendations, and proposed orders.
Skills in managing one's own time and the time of others, as well as the ability to meet deadlines.
Ability to learn and apply Court processes and procedures.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: Normally a typical customer service office environment with minimal exposure to excessive noise.
Employees in this title may encounter individuals who may be under duress.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Must be able to remain in a stationary position for long periods of time to perform job functions.
Ability to detect, create, and interpret documents.
Operate a computer and other office machinery, items, or equipment.
Position self to move from one place to another.
Communicate with clients, co-workers, and others.
Must be able to lift 25 lbs.
LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS OR SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Candidates considered for placement in this job title will be subject to a criminal and/or IV-D background and related fingerprinting every five years.
Member of State Bar of Michigan in good standing.
Must possess (at time of application) and maintain a valid Michigan driver's license, no fault insurance and access to a vehicle to use in the performance of assigned duties.
Must take and pass the Certification Examination for Certified Electronic Operator (CEO) no later than the second examination session offered subsequent to hire.
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.
The above statements describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to the title. Incumbents may be required to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this description. Specific job duties vary from position to position.
Grant funded positions are contingent on availability of grant funding and may be terminated should funding substantially reduce or cease. The affected employee may be considered as a candidate for other vacant positions within the Court for which they are qualified.
Requirements In addition to wages, retirement plan, medical, dental, and vision benefits, the Court offers generous vacation time and has an extensive holiday schedule that includes paid end-of-year shut down. Additionally, employees of the Court may be eligible for forgiveness of their student loans under the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. More importantly, if you are service-oriented and have an interest in work that is closely connected to the community, employees of the Third Judicial Circuit of Michigan are rewarded with the satisfaction of participating in the provision of justice in Michigan's largest, most populous county.
ELIGIBILITY : This examination is open to anyone who meets the minimum qualifications.
SELECTION : Applications will be screened for compliance with eligibility requirements and minimum qualifications. Selection will be based on appropriate job-related criteria. Applicants who achieve a passing score on each portion of the screening process may be placed on the eligibility list.
NOTE : Information provided on application forms and subsequent verification thereof may be used to determine applicant's qualifications for this position
. Incomplete or illegible applications will not be considered .
Faxed or emailed applications are not acceptable .
THE COURT MAY LIMIT FURTHER CONSIDERATION TO THE APPLICANTS WHOM APPEAR TO BE MOST QUALIFIED .
SCREENING EXAMINATION COMPONENTS AND WEIGHTS (Total 100% MAX-70% MIN): Evaluation of Training, Experience & Personal Qualifications Pass/Fail
Interview 100%
APPLICATION PROCEDURE& DEADLINE : APPLICATIONS FOR THIS POSITION WILL ONLY BE ACCEPTED IN ELECTRONIC FORM THROUGH THE COURT'S WEBSITE: . The direct link to this site: A valid email address is required to apply. Applicant will receive a confirmation after successful submission of the electronic application. An official copy of all transcripts/diplomas must be available at time of interview. Resumes may be included with the application form, but may not be substituted for it. Applicants with disabilities may be entitled, under applicable State and Federal law, to reasonable accommodations to facilitate participation in the examination process. If you will require special accommodations because of a disability, please call (313) 224-7018.
POSTING : This notice must be posted on all bulletin boards until the filing date has expired.
** AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER ** The Diversity and Inclusion Mission Statement: "We appreciate our common connection and respect our diverse and unique human experiences. We move forward as an inclusive organization as we provide accessible and equal justice."
The Diversity and Inclusion Vision: Diversity is inclusive. It encompasses, among other things, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, religion, nationality, language, age, disability, marital status, parental status, military status, geographic origin and socioeconomic background.
Diversity creates greater trust and confidence in the court system and its administration of justice. It enables us to better provide exemplary public service and programs. The different perspectives, experiences, backgrounds, talents and interests of judges and employees in our four divisions allow us to be a national leader in Court performance.
Equal Employment Opportunity Policy The Court is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against otherwise qualified individuals on the basis of age, gender, race, religion, color, national origin, handicap/disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, height, weight or any other legally protected status. The prohibition against employment discrimination may extend to conduct that employees are subjected to from vendors, contractors, customers, or others who enter the workplace. Unlawful discrimination may include, but is not limited to, employment actions related to recruitment, examination, transfer, appointment, training, promotion, or the administration of employee benefits. The Court is committed to complying with all applicable federal, state, and local laws that pertain to employment.
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Holiday work, Full time, For contractors, Local area,