What are the responsibilities and job description for the Probate Examiner I/II position at Superior Court of Orange County?
PROBATE EXAMINER I/II
(Depending on qualifications, positions may be filled at level I or II)
Deadline to apply for this recruitment is Friday, February 28, 2025, at 11:59 PM PST
This recruitment is open to external candidates, internal OCSC employees, and internal OCSC promotions. The eligible list established from this recruitment will be used to fill current and future vacancies.
Deadline to apply for this recruitment is Friday, February 28, 2025, at 11:59 PM PST
This recruitment is open to external candidates, internal OCSC employees, and internal OCSC promotions. The eligible list established from this recruitment will be used to fill current and future vacancies.
ANNUAL SALARY
Probate Examiner I: $62,316.80 - $76,980.80
Probate Examiner II: $69,056.00 - $85,800.00
BENEFIT HIGHLIGHTS
Defined Benefit Retirement Plan (2.50% at 67 formula)
Choice of five medical plans
Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA)
Vacation and sick leave packages
14 paid holidays per year
Educational & professional reimbursement
Optional deferred compensation program (457 plan)
Vacation and sick leave packages
14 paid holidays per year
Educational & professional reimbursement
Optional deferred compensation program (457 plan)
TELEWORK/ON-SITE OPPORTUNITY
The Probate Examiner I/II job classification is eligible for a combination of telework and on-site work assignments after successfully passing the required probationary period for employees who are in good standing. Telework must be completed from a pre-designated home-based location within the State of California and employees may be required to report on-site to address business needs. Telework is at the sole discretion of the Court and may be rescinded with 48 hours' notice, based on needs of the Orange County Superior Court.
Opportunity Details
ABOUT ORANGE COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT
The Orange County Superior Court is the third largest court of general jurisdiction in California. We have courthouses throughout the county, including locations in Orange, Westminster, Fullerton, Newport Beach, and Santa Ana. We have a staff of about 1,500 and an operating budget of nearly $250 million. The Court's Judges, Commissioners and employees are recognized for their high standards of achievement, integrity, and diversity. The Court is committed to ensuring equal access to court services and enhancing public confidence in the court system.
To learn more about the Superior Court of California, County of Orange, visit our homepage at www.occourts.org.
ABOUT THE POSITION
Under supervision, the Probate Examiner I will learn and assist in the examining of pleadings and accounts in probate matters set for hearing in the Superior Court for sufficiency as to form, content and procedural requirements of statutes, Court rules and policy, and to do other work as required.
In addition to the duties of the Probate Examiner I, the Probate Examiner II examines the pleadings and accounts in probate matters set for hearing in the Superior Court for sufficiency as to form, content, and procedural requirements of the statutes, court rules, and policy; and to perform other duties as required.
PROBATE EXAMINER I is distinguished from a Probate Examiner II in that the former reviews appointments as conservator, guardian, or administrator of an estate or probate of a will, and the latter reviews probate accountings.
PROBATE EXAMINER II makes the final examination of probate case files prior to hearing in the Superior Court and recommends court approval of matters which are in order and may be approved on verified petition.
Duties may include but are not limited to the following:
PROBATE EXAMINER I
1. As assigned, studies, and learns provisions of the California Probate Code and other relevant statutes, Judicial Council and Superior Court Rules, legal terminology, and legal procedure.
2. Examines petitions and other filed material related to wills, or appointment as conservator or guardian. Reviews files for sufficiency and compliance with codes, and court procedures; will research specific points of law and records deficiencies noted for supervisory review.
3. Consults with petitioners on observed deficiencies and explain legal procedural requirements.
4. May independently perform routine accountings as preparation for promotion to Probate Examiner II.
KNOWLEDGE OF
- The functions and purpose of probate law as it applies to decedents' wills, conservatorships, trusts and other legal instruments.
- The functions and duties of the court system in the administration of probate law and adjudication of probate matters.
- Legal terminology, documents and filing procedures relating to probate matters.
ABILITY TO
- . Initiate and complete complex and detailed assignments with a minimum of supervision
- . Analyze complex data, correctly identify problems and develop valid conclusions
- . Speak and write clearly and concisely
- . Deal courteously and tactfully with the public, attorneys, Court officials and other County staff
- .
Use a personal computer to enter and access data and to prepare documents and correspondence.
PROBATE EXAMINER II
1. Performs the duties of the Probate Examiner I as listed above.
2. Examines the pleadings and reviews the accountings in all probate case files which are set for hearing in the Superior Court for compliance with the procedural requirements of the statutes, Court rules, and policy; notes deficiencies where appropriate and recommends approval to a judicial officer those matters which are in good order.
3. Notes on the probate calendar those cases which have been approved without hearing, and notes discrepancies on cases which will be heard; at the direction of the Probate Judge, attends Court hearings on matters examined, being available for consultation on all procedural matters.
4. At the discretion of the Probate Judge, consults with attorneys regarding cases pending or set for hearing; explains legal procedural requirements and Superior Court rules regarding probate matters, calling attention to discrepancies in pending probate matters by email.
5. Examines proposed ex parte petitions and orders, creditor's claims, and proposed formal orders on calendar matters for discrepancies prior to submission to the Judge for signature.
6. Performs legal research of statutes and case law pertaining to probate matters and briefs Probate Judge regarding unusual cases prior to hearing.
KNOWLEDGE OF
- Provisions of the Probate Code, Civil Code, Code of Civil Procedure, Revenue and Taxation Code, rules promulgated by the Judicial Council, and Superior Court rules which are regularly applied in the examination of petitions for conservatorships, probate of wills and other actions requiring approval of the Probate Court.
- Legal terminology and documents pertaining to probate matters.
- Legal procedures pertaining to the filing of documents and inheritance tax examining procedures which apply to the work of the probate court.
ABILITY TO
- . Communicate effectively both orally and in writing
- .
- Understand and apply pertinent provisions of the Probate Code, Civil Code, Code of Civil Procedures, rules promulgated by the Judicial Council and Superior Court Rules.
- Deal courteously, efficiently, and tactfully with the public, judges, attorneys, and personnel of the Court and of other County and State offices.
- Use a personal computer to enter and access data and to prepare documents and correspondence.
PROBATE EXAMINER I
PROBATE EXAMINER II
Minimum Qualifications
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION
A B.A. or B.S. degree from an accredited educational institution and two (2) years of full-time (or equivalent) experience employed by a Court, a public or private law office, a public administrator, public guardian, public conservator, or private professional fiduciary.
-OR-
A paralegal certificate or an Associate of Arts degree from an accredited educational institution and four (4) years of full-time (or equivalent) employment experience with one or more of the employers listed above.
- OR-
A juris doctor degree from an educational institution approved by the American Bar Association or accredited by the Committee of Bar Examiners of the State Bar of California and a minimum of six (6) months of full-time (or equivalent) employment experience with an employer listed above.
Additionally, we require the following for Probate Examiner II:
Must meet the requirements as listed above and successful completion of training as a Probate Examiner I or two (2) years of full-time (or equivalent) experience performing probate accountings.
A B.A. or B.S. degree from an accredited educational institution and two (2) years of full-time (or equivalent) experience employed by a Court, a public or private law office, a public administrator, public guardian, public conservator, or private professional fiduciary.
-OR-
A paralegal certificate or an Associate of Arts degree from an accredited educational institution and four (4) years of full-time (or equivalent) employment experience with one or more of the employers listed above.
- OR-
A juris doctor degree from an educational institution approved by the American Bar Association or accredited by the Committee of Bar Examiners of the State Bar of California and a minimum of six (6) months of full-time (or equivalent) employment experience with an employer listed above.
- Note: A copy of your college diploma or official transcripts must be included with your application.
Additionally, we require the following for Probate Examiner II:
Must meet the requirements as listed above and successful completion of training as a Probate Examiner I or two (2) years of full-time (or equivalent) experience performing probate accountings.
Additional Information
APPLICATION PROCESS:
All applicants are required to submit a completed online application and supplemental questionnaire. .
SELECTION PROCESS:
Step 1: Applications will be reviewed to identify candidates who meet the minimum qualifications and/or desirables; those candidates will be referred to step 2 in the selection process.
Step 2: Candidates' supplemental question responses may be evaluated and ranked. Depending on the number of applications, assessments and/or screening interviews may be conducted. If any part of the assessment process consists of proctored, in-person tests, candidates will be required to appear in person regardless of where they reside. Note: Though candidates may live outside of the State of California while participating in a recruitment process, individuals must reside within the State to be eligible for Court employment.
Step 3: Those candidates who are successful in the review/assessment may be placed on the eligible list. Placement on the eligible list is not a guarantee of interview or employment.
All candidates will be notified via email of their status at each step of the process. Additional steps for the selection process will include a local background and reference check.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS
Orange County Superior Court provides reasonable accommodations upon request for applicants with disabilities. Please contact the Human Resources Department at HRStaffing@occourts.org if you feel you will need a reasonable accommodation for any aspect of the selection process.
PRACTICE TESTS:
General practice tests are available to help candidates prepare for online examinations. An interactive, Online Test Preparation System for taking practice tests may be accessed on the SHL website. Please note that the test(s) offered on this site only serve as guides. The test questions that you complete during your actual test may vary in format, content, and level of difficulty. To access the practice tests, please visit https://www.shldirect.com/en/practice-tests.
ELIGIBLE LIST
This recruitment will be used to establish an eligible list for current and future vacancies. The eligible list will remain active until the list is exhausted, or a new recruitment opens.
STATUS NOTIFICATIONS
You will be notified by email during the process of this recruitment through GovernmentJobs.com. Please check your email spam/junk folders and accept emails ending with GovernmentJobs.com and occourts.org. If your information changes, please update your profile at http://www.governmentjobs.com/.
E-VERIFY
The Superior Court of California, County of Orange participates in the E-Verify program which confirms employment eligibility of new hires.
QUESTIONS?
For questions regarding this recruitment, please contact Adriana Cortez at acortez@occourts.org. .
Orange County Superior Court is an Equal Opportunity Employer
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are numerous discount programs available to Court employees. These include, but are not limited to discounts on hearing aids, pet insurance, local attractions, technology products, wellness services and gym memberships.
ONLINE PRIVACY BENEFIT: Employees may elect to enroll in a voluntary online privacy protection plan provided by IronWall360. This benefit helps protect employee’s online privacy by searching the Internet and locating any personal information and making sure it is removed.
ONLINE PRIVACY BENEFIT: Employees may elect to enroll in a voluntary online privacy protection plan provided by IronWall360. This benefit helps protect employee’s online privacy by searching the Internet and locating any personal information and making sure it is removed.
Salary : $62,317 - $76,981
