Court Operations Manager I / II

The Superior Court is conducting a recruitment to fill vacancies for the Court Operations Manager I or II positions. Only those who meet the minimum qualifications by the final filing day may apply. An eligibility list will be established as a result of this recruitment and may be used to fill other vacancies in the future. Court Operations Managers manage a variety of classifications with the majority assignments overseeing clerical staff.  Court Operations Manager I and II are “flexibly staffed” classifications.  A person appointed at the Court Operations Manager I level may promote to Court Operations Manager II once they satisfy the qualifications for the higher level and meet performance competency standards. The person selected for this position must be available for any assignment at any court location in the County. 

Management responsibilities include: planning, organizing and directing the work of subordinate clerical staff; participating in the selection and training of new employees; monitoring the performance of staff and reviewing completed work as necessary; participating in the development and implementation of operational programs and/or systems; reviewing procedures and forms for efficiency and effectiveness; preparing new procedures or making recommendations for changes; resolving problems and responding to questions and issues from judges, attorneys, fellow employees and the general public; and filling in for other managers as necessary.

Individuals appointed to this position must be able to work well with others, as well as work independently, must possess good interpersonal skills and must have superior oral and written communication skills. The incumbent will have frequent communication with the Court Executive Officer (CEO), Judges, judicial partners, top levels of the Court, as well as members of the public.  The person selected for this position must exemplify all the core competencies expected of court managers, including being a leader of change, being a leader of people, being results oriented, possessing good business acumen, and being able to build coalitions and communicate effectively with all others.  

Regular and punctual attendance is essential. After business hour and weekend work could be necessary.

The IDEAL CANDIDATE should have the following knowledge and abilities:

 Knowledge of:

• The function and operations of local government and the judicial system;
• Application of principles of administration and organization, management techniques, research methods and statistical procedures used in administrative and operational analysis;
• Legal terminology, processes and procedures, and of various California codes and statutes including the California Rules of Court and Local Rules of Court; and
• Modern office methods and equipment, computer systems and applications, and standard research methods and statistical procedures used in administrative and/or operational analysis.

 Ability to:

• Plan and direct the operation of the assigned court operational services in order to achieve the court's mission, goals and objectives;
• Ensure the assigned court wide operational support services conforms to all statutory, rule and procedural requirements; 
• Define complex court wide operational support services and security issues, perform difficult and complex managerial and operational analyses, evaluate alternatives and develop sound conclusions and recommendations; 
• Assemble, lead and develop a high-performing team of highly-skilled Lead and line staff; 
• Work collaboratively with other court managers and provide expert advice and counsel to develop solutions to complex issues; 
• Develop and implement appropriate procedures and controls in consultation with Court Leadership; 
• Prepare clear, concise and comprehensive studies, reports, correspondence and other written materials; 
• Communicate clearly and effectively both orally and in writing to diverse audiences of personnel and facilitate understanding and agreement;
• Understand, interpret and apply applicable laws, codes and ordinances; 
• Represent the court effectively in dealings with judicial officers, court and county, managers and employees, supervisors, staff, vendors, representatives of other governmental agencies and the public; 
• Present proposals and recommendations clearly, logically and persuasively; 
• Maintain and ensure the integrity of sensitive and confidential information; 
• Operate a computer with standard business software and a variety of complex computer software programs and databases; 
• Use tact and diplomacy when dealing with sensitive and complex issues, situations and concerned people; and, 
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with all those encountered in the course of work.

Minimum Qualifications:

Because the Court operates in multiple branches, the employee may be required to travel to other court locations, and possession of a valid California driver’s licenses is therefore required. 

Education:

Possession of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university with a major in business administration, public administration, court or judicial administration or closely related field. 

Experience:

Level I:  Five (5) years of progressively responsible clerical staff or administrative experience (Or three years’ experience in Clerk IV, Clerk V, Courtroom Clerk I/II or equivalent job classification levels) with at least three (3) years’ experience providing lead direction to subordinate staff preferably in a trial court, legal or criminal justice agency. 

Level II:  One year of experience as a Court Manager A with the Contra Costa Superior Court; OR

Five (5) years of progressively responsible clerical staff or administrative experience (Or three years’ experience in Clerk IV, Clerk V, Courtroom Clerk I/II or equivalent job classification levels)   with at least four (4) years’ experience supervising or providing lead direction to subordinate staff.                           

Substitution: A graduate degree (e.g. Master’s degree) from an accredited college or university in business administration, public administration, court or judicial administration or closely related field may be substituted for desired experience. An AA degree from an accredited college or university in business administration, public administration court or judicial administration or paralegal certificate may be substituted for two years of desired education or two years of desired experience

 OR

Any combination of education and experience that provides the candidate with the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of the position.

Application and Selection Process:  

Interested individuals must complete a court application and respond to the following supplemental questions online.   Only applications submitted electronically will be considered. To apply go to: http://www.cc-courts.org:  click on the Careers tab then click on the Current Employment Opportunities tab. Please add contracosta.courts.ca.gov and government.jobs.com to your email address book to ensure delivery of emails. For additional information email:  jobs@contracosta.courts.ca.gov. 

Depending on the number of applications received, an application evaluation committee may be convened to review and evaluate each candidate’s application package, and those deemed best qualified will be invited to an oral interview. The court reserves the right to make revisions to this process in accordance with Court Personnel Plan and accepted selection practices.  

Supplemental Questions:    

Responses to the following supplemental questions must be provided. Please limit your responses to no more than two (2) typed pages for all questions combined.

1.    Describe your qualifications specifically related to the position of Court Manager in the following areas:  a) educational background including degrees and certifications held, and relevant professional development courses completed; b) experience selecting, training, supervising or providing lead direction to staff, (identify number and specific occupations of staff supervised and length of time); and c) committee experience relevant to court operations and/or any special court projects in which you have participated.

2.    What are the responsibilities and attributes as a Court Manager, do you believe are necessary to retain high-performing employees?  

 Note: Neatness, clarity of expression, grammar, spelling and ability to follow instructions will be considered in evaluating your supplemental responses.  

GENERAL INFORMATION

Conditions of Employment

Successful completion of fingerprint and a criminal record background check is required prior to appointment and is a condition of employment.

Because the Court operates in multiple branches, the employee may be required to travel to other court locations, and possession of a valid California driver’s license is therefore required.  All employees of the court who operate a vehicle on court business must certify they possess a valid California Driver’s License and required levels of automobile insurance. 

Convictions

Felony and misdemeanor convictions may be disqualifying for employment with the court. The court will assess the nature and gravity of the offense, the time that has elapsed since the offense was committed, and the nature of the job duties to be performed.

Employment Eligibility:

In accordance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, all persons hired after November 6, 1986, are required to present to the Court, at the time of appointment, original documents which show satisfactory proof of: 1.) identity and 2.) U.S. Citizenship or a legal authorization to work in the United States. 

Union Representative

This position is an exempt, unrepresented position.

Applicants with Disabilities: The Court will make reasonable accommodations so applicants with disabilities may participate in the recruitment process. Please advise Human Resources at (925) 608-2606 of special needs in advance.

The Court is an equal opportunity employer. The Court provides equal employment opportunity at all times and does not discriminate in violation of applicable law.

Salary : $77,832 - $109,455