HomeMy WebLinkAboutSuperior Court - Court Commissioner Part TimeJEFFERSON COUNTY
Job Description
Position:
Court Commissioner
Department:
Superior Court
FTE:
0.5 FTE
FLSA:
Exempt Appointed
Union:
Exempt
Approved By:
Human Resources Direct�r�,�G��,tiLr
Adopted:
09/02/2026 J (/
MAJOR FUNCTION AND PURPOSE
The Court Commissioner performs all duties and responsibilities of a Court Commissioner and
Judge Pro Tern as assigned by the Judge of the Superior Court pursuant to RCW 2.24.040. The
primary duties include domestic, family and juvenile court matters. The position performs duties
involving interpretation and application of laws, court procedures, and judicial policies while
ensuring fair, impartial, and efficient administration of justice.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED
Persons in this position are given significant discretion, within the scope of policy and
regulations, in the performance of their duties and work independently once trained. This
position receives supervision from the Superior Court Judge.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED
This position does not supervise others.
SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Powers of the Court Commissioner are set forth in RCW 2.24.040. In accordance with all
applicable law, the Court Commissioner's duties will include, but are not limited to the following
essential duties. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with
disabilities to perform the essential functions. Other duties may be assigned.
Preside over assigned court calendars, hearings, and proceedings.
Hear testimony, review evidence, and make findings consistent with applicable laws and court
rules.
Issue oral and written rulings, orders, warrants, and recommendations.
Conduct hearings involving matters such as:
• Dependencies
• Domestic Relations
• Civil Protection Orders and Restraining Orders
• Juvenile Offenders
• Therapeutic Courts
• Daily Civil Ex Parte
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Jefferson County Job Description: Superior Court Commissioner
• Search Warrants
• Probable Cause Determinations
• At Risk Youth
• Children In Need of Services
Conduct mediation sessions for domestic relations.
Review pleadings, motions, affidavits, and legal memoranda.
Apply Washington statutes, court rules, case law, and constitutional principles.
Maintain courtroom decorum and ensure orderly proceedings.
Communicate effectively with attorneys, litigants, court staff, law enforcement, and the public.
Prepare and maintain accurate judicial records and decisions.
Operate a vehicle for travel associated with official court business.
Perform other judicial or administrative duties as assigned by the Court.
COMPETENCY: To perform the job successfully,.an individual should demonstrate
competence in the following areas:
Technical Skills — Assesses own strengths and weaknesses; Pursues training and development
opportunities; Strives to continuously build knowledge and skills; Shares expertise with, others.
Customer Service — Manages difficult or emotional customer situations; Responds to requests for service
and assistance. Meets commitments.
Analytical - Synthesizes complex or diverse information; Collects and researches data.
Problem Solving — Researches, investigates, analyzes and resolves problems in a logical manner.
Identifies and resolves problems Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Works well in group
problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.
Oral Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Listens and
gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Demonstrates group presentation skills; Participates in
meetings.
Written Communication - Writes clearly and informatively; Edits work for spelling and grammar;
Varies writing style to meet needs; Presents numerical data effectively; Able to read and interpret
written information.
Teamwork - Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; Contributes to building a positive team
spirit.
Cost Consciousness - Works within approved budget; Conserves organizational resources.
Diversity - Demonstrates knowledge of EEO policy; Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural
differences.
Ethics - Treats people with respect; Keeps commitments; Inspires the trust of others; Works with
integrity and ethically; Upholds organizational values.
Organizational Support - Follows policies and procedures; Completes administrative tasks correctly
and on time; Supports organization's goals and values.
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Jefferson County Job Description: Superior Court Commissioner
Judgment - Supports and explains reasoning for decisions; Includes appropriate people in decision -
making process; Makes timely decisions.
DecisionMakin —Applies judgement and discretion in resolving varied and complex human resources
problems and in interpreting policies, contracts and regulations.
Planning/Organizing Assigns priority and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently; Plans for
additional resources; Organizes or schedules other people and their tasks; Develops realistic action
plans.
Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others
with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Accepts responsibility for own
actions; Follows through on commitments.
Quality - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Monitors own work to ensure quality. Creates
high -quality work product.
Productivity and Output-_ Gathers, analyzes, evaluates and prepares clear and concise reports or
recommendations. Develops, meets productivity standards; Completes work in timely manner.
Safety and Security - Observes safety and security procedures; Reports potentially unsafe conditions;
Uses equipment and materials properly.
Adaptability - Adapts to changes in the work environment; Manages competing demands; Changes
approach or method to best fit the situation; Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected
events.
Attendance/Punctuality - Is consistently at work and on time; Ensures work responsibilities are covered
when absent; Arrives at meetings and appointments on time.
Dependability - Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Takes responsibility for own
actions; Keeps commitments; Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate
plan.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS ANDIABELITIES
Thorough and complete knowledge of Washington State law, court rules and processes, and legal
procedures. Ability to remain current on legal and procedural developments.
Ability to analyze complex legal issues and apply law impartially.
Strong judicial temperament and decision -making ability.
Ability to effectively manage high -volume court calendars, including substantial case review, legal
research, and preparation.
Ability to work collaboratively and effectively with judicial officers, attorneys, public officials,
court personnel, partner agencies, and the public.
Ability to interact with parties in emotionally charged or high -conflict situations. Strong conflict
resolution skills.
Advanced oral and written communication skills, including the ability to prepare, compose, and
edit judicial correspondence, rulings, and related documents.
Ability to maintain confidentiality.
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Jefferson County Job Description: Superior Court Commissioner
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Ability to manage competing priorities, adapt to changing workloads, and effectively prioritize
assignments.
Ability to confront difficult situations while maintaining objectivity.
Ability to meet attendance standards necessary for successful job performance
Advanced knowledge of the judicial system and court operations, including the case types and
proceedings assigned to the position.
Knowledge of judicial ethics, confidentiality requirements, and principles of impartial decision -
making.
Knowledge of courtroom technology and electronic case management systems.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
The qualifications for this office are set forth in RCW 2.24.010, and include the requirement that
applicants be a U.S. citizen and member in good standing with the Washington State Bar
Association.
Bachelor's degree (BA or BS), a Juris Doctor degree from an American Bar Association
accredited law school (or admission pursuant to APR6), and a current license to practice law in
the State of Washington is required.
A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible legal or judicial experience is required.
Valid Washington State Driver's License with a driving record free of serious or frequent
violations and ability to maintain a valid license.
Successful completion of criminal background history.
Successful completion of required judicial and court training:
Work is primarily performed in an office/court setting.
While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly required to talk and hear; stand,
walk, sit, use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls. The employee is
occasionally required to reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch,
or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 15 pounds. Specific vision
requirements include: close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth
perception, night vision, the ability to read small print and the ability to adjust focus.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. The Court environment may be
loud.
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Jefferson County Job Description: Superior Court Commissioner
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This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and
needs. employee, and is subject to change as the of the employer and requirements of the job
change.
Court Commissioners serve at the pleasure of the Superior Court Judge and may be removed
from appointment in accordance with applicable law and court authority.
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