Defender of the Bond/Collegial Judge

Description

Employment Status: Full-Time

FLSA Status: Exempt (Salaried)

Schedule: Monday – Friday 9 am – 4pm / 30 hours per week

Reports to: Director of the Tribunal 

Department: Metropolitan Tribunal of the Archdiocese of San Antonio 

• Paid Holidays/Holy Days
• 403b Retirement
• 401 (a) Pension Plan 
• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life
• Employee Assistance Program
• Short-term/Long-term Disability

Summary: 

The Defender of the Bond/Collegial Judge must have obtained at least the JCL (Iuris Canonici Licentiatus). His or her primary duty will be to serve as Defender of the Bond or Collegial Judge; to provide observations on cases; draft sentences; and provide assessments and analysis of incoming petitions or appeal cases. Duties will be performed competently and compassionately, in a synodal spirit. 

Position Responsibilities:

• * For cases assigned by the Judicial Vicar and the Director of the Tribunal, serves as Defender of the Bond for first and second instance marriage nullity cases, safeguarding the integrity of the process and rights of the parties and providing observations throughout the duration of a case, including formal Animadversions.
• * For cases assigned by the Judicial Vicar and the Director of the Tribunal, serves as Collegial Judge for second instance marriage nullity cases, including serving as the Ponens, responsible for committing the decision of the College of Judges in a Sentence.
• * For cases assigned by the Judicial Vicar and the Director of the Tribunal, provides assessment and analysis of incoming petitions; provides recommendations on grounds; and assist in the Instruction of cases.
• For cases assigned by the Judicial Vicar and the Director of the Tribunal, researches rotal jurisprudence and commentaries on canon law to create drafts of law sections for review by the Judicial Vicar before inclusion in sentences.
• For cases assigned by the Judicial Vicar and the Director of the Tribunal, reviews drafts of sentences from other sentence-writers in advance of final review of the Judicial Vicar.
• Assists with the intake of new petitions.
• As needed, collects (and transcribes, if necessary) testimony from Petitioners, Respondents, Witnesses and Submitting Ministers, as assigned.
• Participates in periodic and annual auditing of cases.
• * Receives and responds appropriately to feedback from the Judicial Vicar and the Director of the Tribunal, regarding the instruction of cases and case management.
• As needed, supports efforts to meet Rogatory Requests, to include contacting Parties and Witnesses involved in cases from external dioceses, collecting (and transcribing, if necessary) testimony, and communicating with external dioceses.
• * Actively participates in Tribunal Staff Meetings and Diocesan gatherings.
• * Actively engages in formation opportunities provided to the Tribunal staff and, as needed, assisting with duties in support of formation events, to include providing presentations. 
• Works with the Judicial Vicar and the Director of the Tribunal, to support Pastoral Outreach, including Tribunal Workshops in parishes and deaneries throughout the Archdiocese of San Antonio. 
• Works closely with the Judicial Vicar and the Director of the Tribunal to support the priorities of the Tribunal as well effectively responding to the exigent demands of the ministry of the Tribunal.
• * Maintains and promotes an understanding and awareness of cultural and diversity issues. 
•  Adheres to safety training and protocols on a daily basis and takes precautionary measures to ensure the safety and well-being   of self and others.
• * Takes responsibility for protecting the confidentiality of any information or material obtained in the service with the organization to include but not limited to client names and information, services rendered to clients, donors names and gifts, internal and external investigations or results of any investigations, and financial information.
• Adheres to the Code of Conduct and Faith and Morals Policy, which is mandatory.
• * Takes a solution-oriented approach in interactions and undertakings, as well as being a team member that promotes collaboration and commitment to the Mission and Values of the Archdiocese of San Antonio, as is required of all Archdiocesan personnel. 
• Performs other duties, as assigned. 

                                                                                  * Essential Functions - ADA 

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications: 

Education

• JCL (Iuris Canonici Licentiatus). 

Experience

• At least three (3) years of experience in parish ministry, social work, or other pastoral ministry.
• Conversant in Spanish.
• Knowledge and practice of Catholic faith.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Five (5) years of experience serving in a Tribunal
• JCD (Iuris Canonici Doctor)
• Graduate studies in Theology, Philosophy, Pastoral Ministry, Psychology and/or Social Work.
• A knowledge of psychodynamics of relationships and civil law.
• Fluent in Spanish (other languages also beneficial).

Minimum Knowledge and Skills: 

• Academic knowledge of and practical experience applying the Code of Canon Law to marriage nullity cases.
• Experience with email, word processing, telephone and other standard office applications and equipment.
• Must be able to learn to use and adapt to changes in industry-specific software and productivity tools. 
• Must be detail oriented, organized, self-motivated, work well independently and on a team.
• Must have good written and verbal communication skills.
• Must have good critical thinking and-problem solving skills.

Travel Requirements: 

Travel is not required for this position. However, Formation, Training or Parish Outreach opportunities that entail driving or travel are encouraged but not required.

This is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties or working conditions associated with the job. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current job, management reserves the right to revise as needed.

The Archdiocese of San Antonio is an Equal Opportunity Employer.