Human Resources

Job Location

County of Chelan District Court 350 Orondo Ave. Wenatchee, WA 98801

Description

Salary: PW24 Steps 2-4 $7,192.16 - $7,884.02 Longevity Steps 5-8 $8,256.12 - $9,487.77

NATURE OF WORK

The Court Administrator serves as the Court Executive Officer (CEO) for the Court. The Court Administrator works under the direction and supervision of the Presiding Judge in accordance with [Trial Courts: General Rule 29 and] all applicable state laws. This position assumes full responsibility for the planning, directing, implementation, and management of all the non-judicial, day-to-day operations of the court, including court services for contracting cities. The Court Administrator develops and implements policies and procedures, the court budget, oversees personnel management and development, accounting, case-flow management, oversight of projects, grants, contracts, establishes and maintains the court’s continuity of operations plan, and performs other responsibilities as required. This position provides leadership and strategic vision including but not limited to developing short and long-term goals for effective court services.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Operations Management:

• Assumes full management responsibility for court operations: plans, directs, implements, and manages the daily operation of the court.
• Conducts the planning and management for the changing physical needs of the court including space design, utilization, and maintenance.
• Oversees the maintenance, retention, and disclosure of records and documents in accordance with applicable rules, laws, and regulations.
• Monitors applicable state and local court rules, laws, and proposed legislation for any changes that affect court operations or case management.
• Coordinates judicial schedules including pro tem judges and court calendars.
• Directs website content and updates.
• Redesigns and improves forms, notices and publications.

Public Relations:

• Attends and participates at county commission, city council and other board or committee meetings as directed.
• Establishes and maintains cooperative, effective working relationships with judicial officers, attorneys, elected and appointed officials, justice partners, other branches of government, co-workers and members of the public.
• Coordinates with correctional agencies to facilitate appearances, including virtual or telephonic court proceedings.
• May act as the court liaison with government agencies, media and the public.
• Represents the court as an independent branch of government with legislative and executive bodies, including preparing materials for legislative or executive bodies. 
• Ensures appropriate and timely research, analysis, and responses to public inquiries or complaints.
• Coordinates programs with all court divisions and other agencies concerning emergency planning and response including but not limited to other courts and AOC.

Educational Development:

• Establishes and implements guidelines and procedures. 
• Participates in continuing education and development in the court business areas identified by the National Association for Court Management (NACM) as core competencies.
• Participates in continuing education and development related to leadership and management.
• Trains and informs staff on any new court procedures on the case management system or new legislative updates.

Workforce Management:

• Manages and supervises court personnel including but not limited to interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; addressing complaints, grievances and disputes; resolving problems; maintaining personnel files as needed; appraising performance; recommending promotions and disciplinary actions; implementing organizational changes; approving and scheduling leave time; and recommending terminations as appropriate.
• Serves as the official spokesperson of court management in labor negotiations. 

Ethics:

• Performs work diligently, efficiently, equitably, thoroughly, courteously, honestly, truthfully, impartially, without bias or prejudice, and with transparency.
• Reports for scheduled work with regular, reliable, and punctual attendance.
• Demonstrates a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.
• Maintains the legally required confidentialities of the court, not disclosing confidential information to any unauthorized person, for any purpose.

Budget and Fiscal Management:

• Informs, updates, and advises the presiding judge of financial conditions, program progress, and identifies issues and opportunities for improvement and/or policy changes. 
• Oversees the development and administration of the court budget (e.g., data collection for the preparation of financial reports, approves the forecast of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials and supplies; approves expenditures and implements budgetary adjustments as appropriate.)
• Responsible for all financial functions of the court including payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, cash handling, purchasing, and audits.
• Oversees grant management activities.
• Manages interlocal agreements to provide court services with contracting jurisdictions, including caseload reporting and billing for services.
• Coordinates the court's disaster cost recovery efforts during proclaimed emergencies.

Accountability and Court Performance:

• Manages the court case flow and records, including the preparation of required reports. 
• Oversees security measures and issues affecting court operations, including planning and reporting as required.

Leadership:

Maintains high standards of professional ethics, upholding and promoting the independence, integrity, and impartiality of the judiciary and avoiding impropriety and the appearance of impropriety that might impugn the dignity of the court.

Strategic Planning:

• Collaborates with the presiding judge to develop short-range and long-range strategic plans, best practices and projects, and directs and oversees the implementation of plans to ensure adherence to Washington State's judicial standards, regulations, and statutes.  Formulates and recommends organizational changes for improving the operation of the court.
• Develops, oversees and implements the court’s Emergency Management and continuity of operations planning, including attending emergency management briefings to exchange information, stocking and maintaining disaster preparedness-related supplies and equipment.

Court Governance:

• Works closely with the court’s information technology provider to determine technology needs, conveys requirements and coordinates implementation, support and maintenance.  
• Manages the acquisition, installation and support of audio/video, computer and specialized court-related hardware and software, including those required for remote proceedings.
• Research, evaluate, and propose jail alternatives to confinement.
• Assures conformity of court emergency management programs with federal and state requirements.
• Performs other duties as assigned, including but not limited to being assigned to work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, equalize peak work periods, or balance the workload.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Understanding of roles and responsibilities of courts and principles of judicial independence, including General Rule 29 (GR29).
• Understanding of nationally developed court performance standards.
• Knowledge of Washington State laws and court rules.
• Knowledge of legal procedure applicable to the court.
• Thorough knowledge of principles of administration, planning, supervision and organization, and effective supervisory and office management techniques.
• Ability to set office work priorities.
• Ability to guide, direct, schedule, and motivate subordinate employees.
• Ability to identify needs, develop long-range plans, and evaluate outcomes.
• Ability to accurately and efficiently oversee the financial, record keeping, and scheduling procedures for the court.
• Ability to deal with the public with poise and tact in sometimes stressful situations.
• Ability to anticipate challenges and creatively formulate action plans to meet needs.
• Ability to develop and implement new and improved methods.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with employees and members of the public.
• Strong organizational skills, with effective management and team-building skills.
• Ability to work independently under pressure, being flexible, enthusiastic, and self- starting in work assigned.
• Ability to read, interpret, and follow rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing using high-level grammar, spelling, and composition.
• Ability to recognize and correct safety and health hazards.
• Ability to operate various office equipment, such as telephone, computer, calculator, postage meter, facsimile, and copy machine.
• Understands the Code of Judicial Conduct, the duties of cooperation and confidentiality for court employees with regard matters involving the Commission on Judicial Conduct, and the Judicial Assistance Services Program (JASP).
• Understands the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Washington Law Against Discrimination (WLAD), and General Rule 33 regarding requests for accommodation by persons with disabilities.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree or five (5) years of progressively responsible management experience including experience in administration, operations and personnel supervision, preferably in a court or legal environment.
• Certified Court Manager (CCM) Certification will be considered the equivalent of two years’ experience in management in the justice system. Combination of a Certified Court Executive (CCE) Certification and (CCM) will be equivalent of four years’ experience in management in the justice system.
• Three (3) or more years of significant executive level supervisory responsibilities, and experience working with elected officials and department directors highly desired.

The following are preferred:

• Thorough knowledge of rules and procedures related to the court’s case management system.
• Knowledge and understanding of court clerk duties

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Successful completion of a pre-employment background and criminal history check.
• May be required to complete FEMA (NIMS) courses on Emergency Management
• Must have or diligently work to obtain a National Center for State Courts (NCSC) Certified Court Manager certification.

GENERAL INFORMATION

• The court is committed to hiring a diverse workforce and all qualified applicants, including all ethnic backgrounds and persons with disabilities, are encouraged to apply. The court is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate based on race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status, disability status, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, or local law.
• The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions for this job classification, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements.