Adoptions Coordinator

OVERVIEW:

Under the direction of the Deputy Court Administrator-Juvenile Division, the Adoptions Coordinator supervises Court employees to ensure that adoption directives and duties of the Court are fulfilled through timely and accurate processing of cases as governed by the Michigan Adoption Code and Michigan Court Rules. Employees in this title are expected to maintain a professional appearance and demeanor.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Conducts legal research when requested by the judge and provides a legal opinion, when appropriate.
• Assists the judge by providing current statutory provisions and Michigan court rules applicable to the specific hearing at-hand, and informs the judge of any pending and relevant legislation on the matter.
• Interacts frequently with legal professionals, adoption attorneys, adoption agencies, and the Michigan Children’s Law Center; is well-versed in the Michigan Adoption Code.
• Monitors changes to the applicable court forms published by the State Court Administrative Office and ensures that all forms received by the department, and signed by a judge are current.
• Collaborates with the adoption coordinators from surrounding counties in an effort to standardize practices between counties.
• Schedules and attends all adoption hearings, advises the judge and makes recommendations when appropriate.
• Conducts legal research and prepares legal memoranda as requested by the assigned adoption jurist.
• Interprets and applies the Michigan Adoption Code and the Michigan Court Rules to all court policies, procedures, and adoption case filings.
• Prepares case specific court orders, letters, and other documents at the request of the assigned adoption jurist.
• Tracks changes to Federal and State law and anticipates any potential adjustments required to department policies and procedures to ensure full compliance with the law.
• Screens, creates, and processes all releases of child by parent, direct placement for adoption, and newborn safe delivery filings.
• Reviews and distributes for processing, all agency finalization requests for cases in supervision; reviews supervision reports, new step-parent, relative guardian, and adult cases filed.
• Supervises reporting staff by identifying and assigning work, communicating work performance expectations, establishing professional development plans, providing training, implementing corrective action plans, approving time, assuring appropriate staffing coverage, conducting periodic performance reviews, acknowledging accomplishments, providing assistance and issuing discipline.
• Participates actively in agency partnership and staff meetings to facilitate recommendations and implementation of process improvements.
• Performs administrative functions in Odyssey including configuring administrative tables for new and/or existing codes for Guardianship users; maintains and adds forms for Guardianship and Adoption users; participates and problem solves issues relating to efficiency and/or improvements regarding Odyssey issues for Guardianship and Adoptions; assists courtrooms with Odyssey guardianship training.
• Verifies all data entry into Odyssey is accurate.
• Provides statistical reports that indicate the quantity of work completed and tracks compliance with Court established guidelines for timely processing.
• Facilitates overall unit efficiency by routinely updating procedures to maximize the allocation of staff and the efficient use of available technology.
• Tracks SCAO-mandated timelines regarding permanency outcomes.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Graduate of an accredited law school.
• Member of State Bar of Michigan in good standing.
• One year of lead worker or supervisory and administrative experience in a court, legal, law enforcement, judicial or closely related setting preferred.
• Experience using MS Office Suite and relevant software and systems.
• Ability to be certified as an Electronic Lien Operator.
• Experience using Westlaw or LexisNexis for conducting legal research

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to prepare and review legal documents.
• Ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce positive results.
• Ability to ask and answer questions and to explain Court procedures to internal and external customers in a courteous and professional manner.
• Ability to communicate information and ideas effectively so that others can understand.
• Ability to deal calmly and effectively in high stress situations.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, employees, officials and external contacts.
• Ability to meet and interact with the public and deal courteously and effectively with their questions or problems, seeking assistance when needed.
• Ability to operate office equipment.
• Ability to understand and carry out instructions and to request clarification when needed.
• Ability to use logic and reasoning to identify strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
• Skill in managing one’s own time and the time of others, as well as the ability to meet deadlines.
• Thorough knowledge of Court processes and procedures.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Normally a typical customer service office environment with minimal exposure to excessive noise.
• Employees in this title may encounter individuals who may be under duress

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position for long periods of time to perform job functions.
• Ability to detect, create and interpret documents.
• Operate a computer and other office machinery, items or equipment.
• Position self to move from one place to another.
• Communicate with clients, co-workers, and others.
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS OR SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be licensed (at time of application) to practice law in the State of Michigan, and maintain license for the duration of employment.
• Member of State Bar of Michigan in good standing.
• Must possess at time of application and maintain a valid Michigan driver’s license, no fault insurance and access to a vehicle to use in the performance of assigned duties.
• Candidates considered for placement in this job title will be subject to a criminal and/or IV-D background investigation and subsequent fingerprinting every five years.

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to the title. Incumbents may be required to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this description. Specific job duties vary from position to position.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $60,918.00 - $83,496.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Application Question(s):

• Are you a Graduate of an accredited law school?

License/Certification:

• Member of the State Bar of Michigan (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $60,918 - $83,496