Friend of the Court Attorney Referee

The Friend of the Court Attorney Referee is primarily assigned to serve in a quasi-judicial role acting as a Domestic Relations Attorney Referee, pursuant to MCL 552.507(1) and MCR 3.215(A) and the terms of the Local Administrative Orders approved by SCAO.

The position carries out the following job duties:

Hears and presides over court cases including initial and contested/evidentiary domestic hearings as allowed by statute and court rule including custody, child support, parenting time, spousal support, medical support, paternity, change of domicile, enforcement of court orders, and other motions in domestic relations actions. Is qualified as a Title IV-D worker and complies with all Title IV-D requirements including utilizing MICSES (Michigan Child Support Enforcement System) to perform Title IV-D work. Represents the Cass County Friend of the Court on different organizations if beneficial including the Referee’s Association of Michigan.

Serves in a judicial role acting as a Juvenile Attorney Referee, pursuant to MCR 3.913 and MCL 712A.10 and the terms of the Local Administrative Orders approved by SCAO. Hears and presides over court cases including initial and contested evidentiary family/juvenile hearings involving abuse/neglect, delinquency, and other juvenile matters in a backup capacity to the Juvenile/Family Court Attorney Referee.

Prepares detailed written recommendations and orders as a result of the hearings held ensuring compliance with all Court rules and legal requirements from existing case law and statutes. Maintains training to serve as an Attorney Referee and actively engages in the Referees Association of Michigan.

Serves in an on-call status for juvenile delinquency placement and neglect/abuse issues during hours the Courts are not open, on a rotating basis with the Juvenile Attorney Referee, which includes making determinations about neglect abuse removals and delinquency detention placements using a considerable amount of discretion to problem solve and make emergency decisions about family/juvenile issues. Collaborates with Law Enforcement agencies, other Courts, DHHS (Foster Care, Licensing, and Child Protective Services), Community Mental Health (CMH), Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) program, schools, treatment providers, Purchase of Service (POS) agencies, and other community partners related to the juvenile justice system.

Assists the Friend of the Court Director in performing various administrative activities and caseload oversight, including directing investigative, enforcement, disbursement of support, and other case processing activities. Assists in facilitating parenting programming in collaboration with the FOC Director and community professionals to provide evidence-based education, training, and support to parents raising children in separate households and makes referrals to programs as appropriate.

Serves in an ex officio capacity on the Friend of the Court Management Team along with the Director, Deputy Friend of the Court, and Casework Supervisors. The Management Team collaborates to facilitate office management, supervision, hiring, ongoing performance appraisals and reviews, training, and professional development of all staff. Provides direction and support to the Clerk Scheduler, Order Entry Specialist, Review and Modification Caseworker, Enforcement Caseworker, and any Friend of the Court Parenting Time Specialists.

Provides legal advice to staff including interpretation of court orders, pleadings, statutes, and applicable case law. Assists staff with court policy and procedure issues. Advises judges and the FOC Director as requested.

Performs other duties and responsibilities to support Court operations as directed.

Qualifications:

Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school is required.

Licensed to practice law in the State of Michigan and a member, in good standing, of the State Bar of Michigan.

Able to meet the requirements of MCL 552.523 and take the constitutional oath of office.

Able to meet the qualifications for and serve as Attorney Referee for Juvenile and Domestic Relations matters.

Four years of demonstrated experience in family/domestic relations law, a human service or behavioral science field, or administration, preferably in a Friend of the Court office, Court, or closely related setting.

Four years of demonstrated experience in juvenile/family court as well as experience in juvenile, abuse/neglect, delinquency, and other family proceedings or experience in a related setting or position that developed a skill set necessary to fulfill the duties of this position, as well as leadership and management skills, is preferred.

Wage range: $73,673 - $84,723* (Non-Union, Salary, Paygrade 14, steps 1 - 5)

(Currently subject to a compensation study)

*There are 9 steps for this paygrade (step 9 of paygrade 14 is $95,774 ); however, hiring is only authorized up to step 5, with approval from the County Administrator.

To apply: Please send your cover letter, resume, writing sample, and completed county application to Sarah Mathews, Friend of the Court Director & Court Administrator, via email: sarahm@cassco.org. Cass County has a drug testing policy, and an offer of employment will not be extended to any candidate who fails the drug test. This position requires access to FTI; therefore, applicants must undergo an FBI fingerprint-based background investigation as detailed in the IRS Publication 1075. EOE.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $73,673.00 - $84,723.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• On call

Application Question(s):

• Are you licensed to practice law in the State of Michigan and a member, in good standing, of the State Bar of Michigan?
• Do you have four years or more experience practicing family/domestic relations law?
• Do you have four years or more experience practicing in juvenile/family court?

Ability to Commute:

• Cassopolis, MI 49031 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Cassopolis, MI 49031: Relocate before starting work (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $73,673 - $84,723