Chief Referee (Juvenile Court)

Classification Title

Chief Referee (Juvenile Court)

Salary

$103,071.78 - $133,314.73

Department

Family Court Juvenile Division

Opening Date

03/26/2025

Closing Date

04/09/2025 12:00 a.m.

FLSA Status: Exempt

EMPLOYMENT RELATIONSHIP: At-Will

General Summary

Under direction of Department Administration, performs the duties of a Juvenile Referee on behalf of the Family Division Judges. Serves as the supervisor for legal processing of cases related to delinquency, child abuse/neglect and other various proceedings related to juveniles within the court system. Supervises the work of the Juvenile Attorney Referees in the Circuit Court – Juvenile Division.

Essential Functions And Responsibilities

Conducts hearings, preliminary inquiries, pre-trials, trials, pleas, dispositions, dispositional reviews, release of parental rights, post-termination reviews, and related hearings in abuse/neglect matters.

Prepares appropriate documentation regarding hearings.

Reviews pleadings such as petitions and motions, dispositional summaries, dispositional and post termination review reports, psychological evaluations, correspondence, and all related documents in preparation for hearings.

Supervises Juvenile Division Referees and other juvenile divisions as assigned including, but not limited to, approval of time off requests and ensuring coverage of duties, conducting regular staff meetings, presenting disciplinary action when appropriate, covering responsibilities of absent referees and assisting in the hiring process for Juvenile Referees.

Conducts legal research into issues involving federal, state, and local law.

Conducts periodic reviews of new legislation, case law policy, and research/studies related to abuse/neglect and delinquency matters; issues memos to appropriate parties regarding results.

Serves as liaison in responding to a variety of questions/concerns from attorneys and other legal professionals regarding court legal policies and procedures.

Attends manager, staff, and judicial meetings, in-service training and related conferences.

Meets with social service agencies, other governmental units, and public service organizations as needed.

Implements continuing legal education and training on topics related to abuse/neglect and delinquency matters for Judges and Juvenile Referees.

Assists in planning and recommending budget allocations to Circuit Court Administration regarding personnel, equipment, and supplies.

Acts as a liaison to the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office to coordinate resources to address case needs in the Juvenile Division.

Provides on-call coverage as needed.

Operates an automobile to perform assigned job functions.

Performs related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience

• Juris Doctor Degree from an American Bar Association accredited law school
• A minimum of five (5) years experience in the practice of juvenile law, or related legal field
  
  

Required Licenses Or Certifications

• A current membership in good standing with the State Bar of Michigan.
• Possession of a valid Michigan driver’s license and operable, insured automobile for authorized travel
  
  

Knowledge Of

COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE OF JOB DUTIES

• Family Court law, particularly as it applies to juvenile matters
• Legal terminology and court procedures
• Current office equipment and technology, including computers and applications sufficient to research the law, draft memorandums of law, and produce reports
  
  

Skill In

• Negotiation and mediation
• Performing a variety of duties, often changing from one task to another of a different nature
• Assigning, prioritizing, monitoring, and reviewing work assignments
  
  

Ability To

• Research, analyze and report on complex or technical legal issues
• Distill legal issues and present legal findings in a clear and concise manner
• Exercise independent and sound judgment and initiative in analyzing problems and recommending solutions
• Work in an environment which embraces the county’s Dignity Campaign
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with the Circuit Court Family Division, Elected Officials, Administrators, Department Heads, staff, union officials, State Bar, and the public
• Effectively speak, write and understand the English language
• Effectively speak, write and understand a language other than English is preferred
• Understand and carry out oral and/or written instructions
• Accurately organize and maintain paper documents and electronic files
• Maintain the confidentiality of information and professional boundaries
• Work independently
  
  

WORK ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS

The work environment and exposures described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

N/S=Never/Seldom O=Occasionally F/C= Frequently/Continuously

Work Environment

Office or similar indoor environment: F/C

Outdoor environment: N/S

Street environment (near moving traffic): N/S

Construction site: N/S

Confined space: N/S

Exposures

Individuals who are hostile or irate: O

Individuals with known violent backgrounds: O

Extreme cold (below 32 degrees): N/S

Extreme heat (above 100 degrees): N/S

Communicable diseases: N/S

Moving mechanical parts: N/S

Fumes or airborne particles: N/S

Toxic or caustic chemicals, substances, or waste: N/S

Loud noises (85 decibels): N/S

Blood Borne Pathogens: N/S

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

N/S=Never/Seldom O=Occasionally F/C= Frequently/Continuously

Demand

Balancing on even or uneven surfaces/ground: N/S

Bending (forward or backward bending at the waist): N/S

Climbing up or down stairs, ladders, scaffolding and platforms: N/S

Crawling (moving about on hands and knees): N/S

Inspecting in confined spaces: N/S

Digging: N/S

Driving on sealed and unsealed roads: O

Grasping, gripping, holding, clasping with fingers or hands: O

Kneeling to work at low levels: N/S

Manual Dexterity (fine finger movements i.e., keyboard operating, writing): F/C

Lift/Carry/Move Objects From One Level/position To Another

Up to 10 pounds: O

Up to 50 pounds: N/S

More than 50 pounds: N/S

Over 100 pounds: N/S

Push/Pull objects away from or towards the body: O

Reaching overhead (arms raised above the shoulder) or forward reaching (arms extended): O

Sitting in a seated position during the task performance: F/C

Standing in an upright position without movement: O

Walking considerable distances in the facility on multiple surfaces: F/C

Running considerable distances in the facility on multiple surfaces: N/S

General Requirements And Disclaimers

Complies with P.A. 390, as amended, known as the State’s Emergency Management Act and the County’s Emergency Management resolution as well as all related plans, policies and procedures covered by those statutes.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require accommodation to apply for a job or to perform your job. Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process or work procedures, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment amongst other possible accommodations.