Court Program Specialist II

We will provide comprehensive training for qualified applicants to ensure your success in this role.

Position Summary:

The essential function of this position within the Circuit is to assist judges and magistrates in the administration and timely disposition of cases in the civil and family pro se self-help divisions through case management, case monitoring, and program implementation. The employee in this position is responsible for providing information to and interacting with judges, trial court staff, attorneys, litigants, ancillary agency staff, and the general public; reviewing filings; managing and preparing cases for court hearings; attending hearings and other trial court proceedings; maintaining a record/filing system; scheduling hearings; and performing related complex administrative support functions. The employee is also responsible for reviewing time standard reports and serving the court by reviewing court files for the timely progression of cases. All Court Program Specialists will be cross-trained in all areas of case management, which consist of civil, probate, guardianship, family, domestic violence, and mental health.

Although the work is performed under the close supervision of the Director of Case Management, it requires independent judgment, attention to detail, consistent job performance, reliability, significant organization, excellent communication skills, and the ability to follow the limitations of service guidelines so that the unlicensed practice of law is not performed.

Employees in this classification will be assigned to one or multiple divisions but will be cross-trained in all divisions to assist when necessary. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned and articulated by the Director of Case Management. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

Key Responsibilities:

Civil/Probate/Guardianship/Mental Health:

Duties and responsibilities relate to cases involving civil, probate, guardianship, involuntary civil commitment of sexually violent predators, and mental health cases.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Serve as point of contact for litigants and attorneys requesting information on procedural issues, scheduling, and processing of orders for civil, probate, guardianship and mental health cases;
• Maintain positive interactions with judges, trial court staff, attorneys, litigants, clerks, ancillary agency staff, the general public and all other individuals involved in employee’s daily interactions to ensure a positive and productive working environment;
• Serve as point of contact to initiate mental health Baker Act/Marchman Act, Risk Protection Order or involuntary placement procedures once new petitions have been filed with the Clerk.
• Monitor compliance with Jimmy Ryce cases and provide reports to assigned judge;
• Monitor and determine case status and schedule hearings; determines whether to set a case management conference or appropriate hearing or proceed without a hearing and prepare appropriate court order, notice or correspondence;
• Provide assistance to judges in the management of their assigned caseloads;
• Review and compiles information for the judges on pertinent issues regarding the status of open cases in the circuit and advises the assigned judge of cases requiring attention;
• Manage and prepare cases for court hearings by preparing historical summations, and provide corresponding cases and other documentation pertinent to the case and/or litigants;
• Prepare and maintain court dockets, attend court hearings, take notes, compose and prepare appropriate orders based on rulings, and provide information to the Court as needed;
• Prepare and process Reports and Recommendations for cases set in front of the General Magistrate;
• Serve as the point of contact for cases being heard before the General Magistrate;
• Coordinate the 6-month calendar dates for civil for the General Magistrate;
• Make copies, address envelopes, and distribute correspondence and court orders, judgments and reports as necessary;
• Monitor and communicate with the Clerk of Court regarding the issuance of Clerk’s Memorandums to the Judge in probate cases that are in violation of time standards. Issue 15-day notices accordingly;
• Monitor compliance with probate 15-day Notice and set compliance hearings if necessary;
• Answer phone calls, emails and correspondence from litigants, attorneys and the general public regarding case status information and procedures;
• Prepare proper notices and orders as directed by the judges;
• Provide coverage for other court personnel located within the circuit when needed;
• Participate in councils and workgroups to exchange information, solve problems, and coordinate services.
• Attend and/or conduct staff and other professional meetings to train/provide information;
• Maintain daily, monthly and yearly statistics regarding the volume of cases handled by the program;
• Perform clerical support tasks, such as correspondence; create and maintain record systems for efficient case management;
• Attend professional seminars or conferences to improve skills and knowledge;
• Perform all other duties assigned and articulated by the Director of Case Management.

Qualifications:

To 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. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s Degree in public administration, business administration, criminal justice, psychology, sociology, or a closely related field and three years of professional, administrative, analytical related experience is preferred; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Knowledge of court procedures is preferred.

A Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school may substitute for two years of the recommended experience.

Ability to handle matters with the professional manner required of court employees. Ability to communicate clearly both orally and in writing, with proficient spelling and grammar. Ability to concentrate and perform job duties in a stressful working environment. Ability to use a personal computer and navigate common software programs.

See complete job description at www.Keyscourts. net.

How to Apply:

Application Packet Must Include the following:

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• State of Florida Application (applications may be found on our website at www.keyscourts.net, click on the employment page)

If you are interested in this opportunity, please submit an application packet through really or to Personnel@Keyscourts. net. State of Florida applications and complete job descriptions can be found at www.Keyscourts. net. Applications are being accepted until the position is filled. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, sex, age, disability or sexual orientation. EOE. If you need an accommodation to participate in the application/selection process, please notify us in advance at 305-292-3423; to make a call through the Florida Relay Center, you can dial 7-1-1.

To apply for position openings, please review and comply with the stated instructions included in the specific job posting. All applicants are required to submit a cover letter, State of Florida Application and resume.

Please be advised that applying for a vacancy does not guarantee an interview or employment with the Sixteenth Judicial Circuit.

Additionally, the successful applicant will be subject to a criminal background investigation as well as verification of the information contained within the application, including a minimum of two professional (past employment) reference checks.

16th Judicial Circuit total compensation package for employees features a highly competitive set of employee benefits including:

• State of Florida Insurance Coverage Options, Including Health, Dental & Vision (Health Insurance for Traditional PPO plan is $50 for the Employee or $180 for Family)
• Retirement Package (Membership with Florida State Retirement System) - Including Employer Contributions. For more information on the FRS, please go to www.myfrs.com
• Paid Holidays
• Life Insurance
• FREE Parking
• Annual and Sick Leave Benefits

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $50,484.06 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

Salary : $50,484