SUMMARY
Facilitates procedural access to justice for unrepresented parties by providing and assisting with forms appropriate to the filer's needs and answering procedural questions. Processes all matters before the Custody Conciliators and Family Judges as needed. Assists the Deputy Court Administrator-Family in effective case flow management and information/technology management as pertains to all Family Division scheduling. This position requires the exercise of independent judgment, strong interpersonal skills, discretion and critical thinking, and is of substantial importance to the Court as well as to litigants.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Meets with unrepresented parties to assist in navigating current Family Court procedures within the confines of procedural guidance.
- Interviews unrepresented filers to determine, using independent judgment, what filing(s) would be appropriate to meet their needs.
- Offers possible options/solutions to unrepresented parties to facilitate the litigation of complicated Family cases/procedural issues.
- Assists unrepresented parties with questions regarding the completion of Family forms to ensure responses are appropriate and comprehensive for filing so that the Court is provided with coherent material for consideration.
- Maintains composure and order when working with especially emotional subjects, particularly when same case parties present.
- Accommodates Judge's preferences with regard to processing of their cases and ever-changing rules and procedures.
- Works with counsel and the Prothonotary to correct filing errors/inconsistencies with current Family Court procedures.
- Communicates with counsel to ensure that proper documentation is filed according to local and state rules.
- Exercises independent judgment and discretion and requires a basic knowledge of legal standards and their application in individual cases.
- Receives electronic transmission of all Family Court filed petitions, complaints, etc., for review and processing according to state and local rules.
- Performs extensive and detailed docket review for each filing to make determinations using independent judgment as to proper handling for scheduling and/or consolidation with other filed matters based on current Family Court procedures.
- Schedules conferences and works with parties/counsel to decide and process requests for continuance
- Maintains lines of communication with chambers and hearing officers to relay information affecting the Court's schedules.
- Disposes Family matters in accordance with proper, independent interpretation of judicial orders and hearing officer reports requiring basic knowledge of legal standards and their application.
- Records Family dispositions and prepares Statistical Reports.
- Assists with special projects as needed.
- Assists in general operation of Family Division.
- Other duties as designated by the District Court Administrator.
- Non-remote work required.
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
Education and Credentials
- Paralegal Certificate preferred (not required), or other related field required, or an equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted.
- High School Diploma.
Experience and SkillsTo perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.
- Data entry.
- Analytical/reasoning skills.
- Computer knowledge/skills.
- Attention to detail.
- General knowledge of legal standards.
- Ability to meet deadlines.
- Ability to work independently.
- Confidentiality.
- Communication (verbal and written).
- Organizational skills.
- Excellent Interpersonal skills.
- Flexibility/adaptability.
- Ability to calmly manage difficult situations/persons.
- Problem solving skills.
- Bilingual preferred - Spanish.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
- Regularly required to stand; walk; sit; and talk and hear.
- Significant and repeated use of a keyboard.
- Occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
- Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision and depth perception.
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.