What are the responsibilities and job description for the Court Commissioner Pro-Tempore: Involuntary Treatment Act and/or Ex Parte position at King County?
King County Superior Court is accepting applications for Pro-Tempore Commissioners to support Involuntary Treatment Act and/or Ex Parte calendars. Pro-Tempore Commissioners play a critical role in the Court's mission to equitably serve the diverse public by administering justice through accessible, inclusive, and unbiased forums for the fair, understandable, and timely resolution of legal matters.
This recruitment will supplement Superior Court’s list of Pro Tempore Commissioners. Current Pro Tempore Commissioners for Involuntary Treatment Act and Ex Parte calendars will remain on the Court’s list and are not required to submit a new application.
The hourly pay rate for Commissioners Pro-Tempore is $119.15.
Who may apply: These positions are open to attorneys licensed to practice in Washington State.
Work Schedule: The Commissioner Pro-Tempore is an intermittent, temporary position, filling in when a sitting judicial officer is unavailable. The hours of work are typically between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday but may include additional hours for preparation and entry of orders outside of those hours. These positions are at-will and serve at the pleasure of the court.
Work Location: These positions may serve in any of the King County Superior Court facilities: King County Courthouse - 516 3rd Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104; Clark Children and Family Justice Center- 1211 East Alder Street, Seattle, WA 98122; Maleng Regional Justice Center - 401 4th Avenue N., Kent, WA 98032; Involuntary Treatment Act Court, 908 Jefferson Street, Seattle, WA 98104.
In accordance with RCW 2.24.040 and Article IV Section 23 of the Washington State Constitution, Pro-Tempore Ex Parte Commissioners' duties include, but are not limited to, presiding over unlawful detainers, guardianships, trusts, probate and TEDRA matters, requests for restraining orders, agreed dissolutions, and adoptions. Pro-Tempore Ex Parte Commissioners hear matters involving both self-represented persons as well as persons who are represented, and perform other related duties as assigned by the Presiding Judge, when a sitting Commissioner is not available.
Pro-Tempore Ex Parte Commissioners hear matters in the Ex Parte Department, including but not limited to the following issues:
Involuntary Treatment Act:
In accordance with RCW 71.05 and 71.34, Pro-Tempore Involuntary Treatment Act Commissioners' duties include presiding over contested hearings and signing agreed orders under the Involuntary Treatment Act when a sitting Commissioner is not available. Pro-Tempore Involuntary Treatment Act Commissioners hear matters involving both self-represented persons as well as persons who are represented, and perform other related duties as assigned by the Presiding Judge, when a sitting Commissioner is not available.
Pro-Tempore Involuntary Treatment Act Commissioners preside over contested hearings under the Involuntary Treatment Act to determine if there is a legal and factual basis to order the involuntary commitment of individuals for psychiatric treatment under RCW 71.05 and 71.34.
Required Experience, Qualifications and Knowledge:
All applicants must meet the requirements of RCW 2.24.010. Membership in good standing with the Washington State Bar Association, with no history of discipline by the Washington State Bar Association, is required.
Ex Parte: At least 50% of the applicant's current practice and five years of recent experience must be in the areas of Unlawful Detainers, Guardianships, Trusts, Estates, TEDRA, or General Civil law. Knowledge of Family Law, Protection Orders or Unlawful Detainer actions preferred.
Involuntary Treatment Act: Applicants must have at least five years of experience in the area of involuntary civil commitments, mental health law, or comparable professional experience. Applicants must demonstrate a familiarity with psychiatric illnesses or with mental disorders as defined by the Diagnostic & Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders DSM-5.
All Applicants:
Knowledge of the judicial system, including King County local rules, statutes, legal principles and case precedents, court procedures, King County Superior Court protocols and King County Superior Court calendaring practices is required.
The ability to objectively identify, analyze and interpret legal issues, principles and arguments; direct and control courtroom proceedings in a decisive, orderly, equitable and trauma-informed manner is required. A successful candidate will be able to communicate orally and in writing in a concise, professional, and effective manner, exercise appropriate judicial temperament and demeanor, and effectively handle pressure in difficult and unexpected situations by responding in a calm, trauma informed and rational manner.
The ability to effectively manage a high-volume court calendar, including the requisite reading and preparation, is required.
The ability to proficiently use court-based technology programs, including E-filing, Script and KCMS is required. Must be able to use personal computer, Microsoft Office programs. and the Zoom videoconferencing application.
Successful applicants for these positions will be placed on a list maintained by the Court, and may be called to duty if needed, per King County Superior Court Local Court Management Rule 8. Pro Tempore Commissioners serve at the pleasure of the court.Special requirements: The ability to reliably travel throughout the county is required. Finalists are subject to the Washington State Patrol criminal background check and a reference check. Criminal background records are not automatically disqualifying.
King County Superior Court is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer.
No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay, or other forms of compensation.
Selection process: Application materials will be screened for qualifications and offers will be made to the most competitive candidates.
Union membership: These positions are not represented by a union.
If you have questions regarding this position, please call King County Superior Court Human Resources at 206-477-1529.
This recruitment will supplement Superior Court’s list of Pro Tempore Commissioners. Current Pro Tempore Commissioners for Involuntary Treatment Act and Ex Parte calendars will remain on the Court’s list and are not required to submit a new application.
The hourly pay rate for Commissioners Pro-Tempore is $119.15.
Who may apply: These positions are open to attorneys licensed to practice in Washington State.
Work Schedule: The Commissioner Pro-Tempore is an intermittent, temporary position, filling in when a sitting judicial officer is unavailable. The hours of work are typically between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday but may include additional hours for preparation and entry of orders outside of those hours. These positions are at-will and serve at the pleasure of the court.
Work Location: These positions may serve in any of the King County Superior Court facilities: King County Courthouse - 516 3rd Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104; Clark Children and Family Justice Center- 1211 East Alder Street, Seattle, WA 98122; Maleng Regional Justice Center - 401 4th Avenue N., Kent, WA 98032; Involuntary Treatment Act Court, 908 Jefferson Street, Seattle, WA 98104.
Required Application Materials:
- You must completely fill out the on-line application with your relevant education and work experience. Applications that state "see my resume" are considered incomplete and will not be accepted.
- You must include a resume and a letter of interest describing how you meet or exceed the requirements of the position. These materials are supplemental to your application.
- You must complete and attach the following:
- Confirmation of Citizenship form, per RCW 2.24.010
- WSBA Release
- Criminal Records Background Check form
In accordance with RCW 2.24.040 and Article IV Section 23 of the Washington State Constitution, Pro-Tempore Ex Parte Commissioners' duties include, but are not limited to, presiding over unlawful detainers, guardianships, trusts, probate and TEDRA matters, requests for restraining orders, agreed dissolutions, and adoptions. Pro-Tempore Ex Parte Commissioners hear matters involving both self-represented persons as well as persons who are represented, and perform other related duties as assigned by the Presiding Judge, when a sitting Commissioner is not available.
Pro-Tempore Ex Parte Commissioners hear matters in the Ex Parte Department, including but not limited to the following issues:
- Guardianship
- Trusts
- Probate
- Unlawful Detainers
- Trust and Estate Dispute Resolution (TEDRA) matters
- Commercial and residential unlawful detainers
- Civil Temporary Restraining Orders
- Receivership and foreclosure
- Debt collection
- Temporary custody/restraining orders in Family Law matters
- Temporary Domestic Violence, Anti-Harassment, Anti-Stalking and Sexual Assault Protection Orders
- Adoption of children and adults and other orders relating to adoption petitions
- Ex Parte and uncontested civil matters of any nature, subject to local rule
- Family Law matters under RCW 26.09, including dissolutions of marriage and legal separations for uncontested cases
- Other matters as assigned by the Presiding Judge.
Involuntary Treatment Act:
In accordance with RCW 71.05 and 71.34, Pro-Tempore Involuntary Treatment Act Commissioners' duties include presiding over contested hearings and signing agreed orders under the Involuntary Treatment Act when a sitting Commissioner is not available. Pro-Tempore Involuntary Treatment Act Commissioners hear matters involving both self-represented persons as well as persons who are represented, and perform other related duties as assigned by the Presiding Judge, when a sitting Commissioner is not available.
Pro-Tempore Involuntary Treatment Act Commissioners preside over contested hearings under the Involuntary Treatment Act to determine if there is a legal and factual basis to order the involuntary commitment of individuals for psychiatric treatment under RCW 71.05 and 71.34.
Required Experience, Qualifications and Knowledge:
All applicants must meet the requirements of RCW 2.24.010. Membership in good standing with the Washington State Bar Association, with no history of discipline by the Washington State Bar Association, is required.
Ex Parte: At least 50% of the applicant's current practice and five years of recent experience must be in the areas of Unlawful Detainers, Guardianships, Trusts, Estates, TEDRA, or General Civil law. Knowledge of Family Law, Protection Orders or Unlawful Detainer actions preferred.
Involuntary Treatment Act: Applicants must have at least five years of experience in the area of involuntary civil commitments, mental health law, or comparable professional experience. Applicants must demonstrate a familiarity with psychiatric illnesses or with mental disorders as defined by the Diagnostic & Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders DSM-5.
All Applicants:
Knowledge of the judicial system, including King County local rules, statutes, legal principles and case precedents, court procedures, King County Superior Court protocols and King County Superior Court calendaring practices is required.
The ability to objectively identify, analyze and interpret legal issues, principles and arguments; direct and control courtroom proceedings in a decisive, orderly, equitable and trauma-informed manner is required. A successful candidate will be able to communicate orally and in writing in a concise, professional, and effective manner, exercise appropriate judicial temperament and demeanor, and effectively handle pressure in difficult and unexpected situations by responding in a calm, trauma informed and rational manner.
The ability to effectively manage a high-volume court calendar, including the requisite reading and preparation, is required.
The ability to proficiently use court-based technology programs, including E-filing, Script and KCMS is required. Must be able to use personal computer, Microsoft Office programs. and the Zoom videoconferencing application.
Successful applicants for these positions will be placed on a list maintained by the Court, and may be called to duty if needed, per King County Superior Court Local Court Management Rule 8. Pro Tempore Commissioners serve at the pleasure of the court.Special requirements: The ability to reliably travel throughout the county is required. Finalists are subject to the Washington State Patrol criminal background check and a reference check. Criminal background records are not automatically disqualifying.
King County Superior Court is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer.
No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay, or other forms of compensation.
Selection process: Application materials will be screened for qualifications and offers will be made to the most competitive candidates.
Union membership: These positions are not represented by a union.
If you have questions regarding this position, please call King County Superior Court Human Resources at 206-477-1529.
Salary : $119
