Juvenile Court Referee

General Statement of Duties:
Under the general direction of the Chief Judge, Probate Court Judge, and Probate/Juvenile Court Director, the Juvenile Court Referee ensures the efficient disposition of cases by conducting hearings and rendering recommendations in family division cases, with diligence, respect and professionalism, in accordance with the law and court policy.

Supervision Received: Work is performed under the general supervision of the Chief Judge, Probate court Judge and Probate/Juvenile Court Director.

Supervision Exercised: None.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: An employee in this class may be called upon to do any or all of the following: These examples do not include all of the tasks which an employee may be expected to perform.

· Ensure the efficient disposition of cases by conducting hearings in accordance with the law and court policy and issuing recommended orders in family division cases.

· Intake emergency hearings at Maurice Spear Campus 24 hours after detainment.

· Emergency removal hearings.

· Review hearings.

· Produce written and signed reports to the court containing a summary of testimony given, a statement of findings, and a recommendation order.

· Draft proposed orders and recommendations.

· Recommend procedural and policy changes to management.

· Review petitions to ensure that certain criteria have been met.

· Research legal matters, assist in drafting procedures, and provide advice as requested.

· Stay abreast of legislative and administrative developments to ensure compliance by the court.

· Communicate clearly and effectively with youth and families.

· Able to provide and accept information from colleagues, community members, and experts in the field.

· Maintain resource knowledge and environmental information.

· This position will be on-call 24/7 for law enforcement at times for emergency detainment, and conduct hearings on Saturdays, if required, due to emergency detainment of a juvenile.

· Perform related work as required.

Desirable Education, Experience and/or Qualifications: An employee in this class, upon appointment should have the equivalent of the following training, qualifications and/or experience.

· Minimum education of Juris Doctorate, and in good standing with the State Bar of Michigan.

· Working knowledge of the State of Michigan court system procedures, statutes, and state court administrative office rules, specifically related to Probate/Family Court.

· One (1) to three (3) years’ experience working in the Abuse and Neglect court system preferred.

· County employees are expected to possess and maintain a record of orderly, law-abiding citizenship, sobriety, integrity, and loyalty as it pertains to and reflects upon their employment with the county.

· County employees must be physically and mentally able to perform the essential duties of their position without excessive absences.

· Working knowledge of computers and modern office practices and procedures, i.e., telephone, fax machine, calculator, and computer software, including word processing, database management, email and the internet.

· Ability and state certification to drive an automobile.

· In addition to the above requirements, all court positions require the ability to read, write, speak and understand the English language as necessary for the position, including the ability to follow written and oral instruction.

· Computer skills are necessary to effectively utilize word processing, spreadsheet and accounting software systems and the ability to be trained on a specific software program.

· Ability to pass a background check and consent to fingerprinting as required by MCL 15.651-15.654.

Working Conditions and Physical Abilities:

· Must be able to lift and carry up to 25 pounds, and be able to reach, bend or squat to access files.

· Must be able to see, hear and speak effectively and without limitations.

· Must be able to stand or sit in one spot for long periods of time, moving arms, hands, back and entire body.

· This position is service oriented. The employee may encounter challenging clients, unique fragrances, and scents. It also includes dealing with, at times, hostile and possibly volatile youth and adults.

To perform this position successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed above 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.

Department: Probate Court
Position #: 12171
Overtime Exempt: Yes
Union: Non-Union/Part-Time (22.50 to 30.00 hours per week)
Pay Grade: (Starting hourly rate listed on the posting)
Work Location: Rex B. Martin Judicial Building - 425 N. Main Street - Adrian, MI

Fringe benefits include:

• Defined Contribution 401(a) Money Purchase Plan - Mandatory participation 5% employee / 5% employer funded.
• Accumulated paid leave
• Various holidays
• SmartDollar Financial Wellness Program

Additional employment information may be found at https://www.lenawee.mi.us/303/Human-Resources

LENAWEE COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER