Grand Traverse County is a team of passionate and incredible people who are committed to providing responsive, effective quality service to our up-north community. We strive to be a leader in innovative, effective, collaborative, and sustainable county government. We offer stable work environments and competitive salaries to both full- time and part-time employees. Understanding the many challenges facing today's professionals and families, we offer a competitive compensation package including an impressive list of benefits and time off.Job Description:
NOTE: Anticipatory employment commencement date is January 1, 2025.
SCHEDULE: Monday-Friday, 8AM-5PM
WORK LOCATION: Travel between Traverse City, Suttons Bay, & BellaireThis Attorney Referee position will conduct hearings for both the Juvenile Division and the Friend of Court division. Serves as the Circuit Court Family Division domestic relations referee with responsibility for holding hearings and recommending decisions as authorized and confirmed by the Family Division Judges. Serves as referee for purposes of hearing Friend of the Court Show Causes, motions involving disputes over child custody, support and parenting time. Position requires covering hearings in Antrim, Grand Traverse and Leelanau Counties.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:This description is intended to illustrate the type and level of work being performed by persons assigned to this job. It may not be a comprehensive list of all duties and responsibilities required by a person so classified.
- Conducts hearings in domestic relations cases related to custody, parenting time, child support, temporary matters, and other matters involving children; issues findings and recommendations.
- Conducts preliminary, adjudication, dispositional and progress hearings in delinquency and child protective proceedings.
- Swears in and examines witnesses; takes testimony; hears arguments; decides motions and objections; reconciles conflicting testimony; makes findings of fact; draws conclusions of law; and renders decisions.
- Prepares and reviews opinions & orders prior to submission to the judges. Does legal research to assist the Circuit Court Family Division Judges.
- Conducts Personal Protection Order hearings.
- Provides legal assistance to the Friend of the Court.
- Assists the Circuit Court Family Division Judges in handling motion practice.
- Assists with Juvenile matters including delinquency and abuse and neglect.
- Handles on-call responsibilities on a rotating basis with other Attorney Referee.
- Operates video and audio equipment for the recording of all court hearings conducted.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:- Knowledge of courtroom operations and procedures, including the ability to conduct specific hearings.
- Clear understanding of criminal, civil, juvenile and family law, statutes, court rules, case law, local ordinances.
- Able to exercise a high degree of independent judgment and discretion throughout each step of the legal process.
- Experience with the use of personal computers and word processing and spreadsheet software as well as ability to learn internal software programs.
- Strong oral and written communication skills, with the ability to maintain records and reports.
- Able to stay current on case law, legislation and laws affecting the courts and law enforcement.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:Law degree, active license to practice law in the State of Michigan. A minimum of five years of experience. Certified Electronic Operator (CEO) certification course and exam will be paid for by the 13th Circuit Court. Attorney Referees must complete training courses offered by the Michigan Judicial Institute and as required by their Judges and/or the Court's Administrator.Compensation:Salary: $86,043.00 - $107,586.00Grand Traverse County is a great place to live, work and play. Come join our team and experience what northern Michigan is all about, apply today!You really should see what we have to offer:
- Medical: The County offers employees a high-deductible plan through Priority Health. To help cover the cost of the deductible, Grand Traverse County will deposit a contribution amount up to $2,000 into an employee Health Savings Account every year. You may also direct deposit funds into this account every pay period.
- Vision: The County provides a no cost plan for employees. We also offer an enhanced plan through EyeMed.
- Dental: Our dental insurance provider is Delta Dental. You will pay no costs or premium for diagnostic and cleaning services.
- Wellness: Grand Traverse County is committed to creating a culture of health. We provide a variety of incentives and programs that allow you to live a healthy lifestyle.
- Employee Recognition: We highly value our employees, which we show by providing our employees awards and recognition throughout the year, and on anniversary dates.
- Tuition Reimbursement: Employees are reimbursed up to $5,250 annually for enrollment in courses at an accredited college, university, or trade school.
- Vacation: Grand Traverse County provides a generous amount of vacation days to benefitted employees so you can spend time with family and friends.
- Holidays: The County gives you 13 days a year to celebrate holidays. Beyond these 13 days, you will receive additional floating holidays to use at your discretion.
- Personal Leave: Employees receive up to 64 hours annually depending on contract, to use for appointments, take care of family needs and other personal reasons. Employees are paid every year for unused personal leave up to 40 hours.
- Parental Leave: Employees may take up to 6 months of leave to begin at birth or date of adoption of their child.
- Retirement: Grand Traverse County offers a defined contribution through MERS. The plan includes a generous match that fully vests after 6 years of employment. We also offer a deferred compensation 457b Plan.
- Life Insurance: Benefitted employees automatically receive life insurance.
- Short Term Disability: The County provides a plan through Mutual of Omaha, which pays two thirds of your salary or wages for a maximum of 182 days