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HomeMy WebLinkAboutClerk Hire Court CommissionerJob Title: Department: Report To: Union: BBP: Location: Approved By: Approval Date: SUMMARY JEFFERSON COUNTY Job Description Clerk Hire-Court Commissioner Superior Court Superior Court Judge No No Courthouse Human Resources Directo June 03, 2025 The Court Commissioner serves as a judicial officer appointed by the Superior Court Judge to perform various judicial functions pursuant to RCW 2.24.040. The Court Commissioner presides over hearings, makes rulings, and issues orders in a variety of cases, including but not limited to family law, juvenile matters, probate, guardianships, protection orders, and other assigned dockets. The role requires adherence to the Code of Judicial Conduct, ability to manage a high-volume court calendar efficiently and complete knowledge of the laws and procedures related to court operations and administration. The Court Commissioner will work closely with public officials within county and state government, local agencies, and the general public. The Commissioner works independently and receives administrative direction from the Superior Court Judge. This is a Clerk Hire position. Clerk Hires may work a maximum of 69 hours per month. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned. This position performs all duties and responsibilities of a Court Commissioner as assigned by the Superior Court Judge pursuant to RCW 2.24.040. The Court Commissioner is fully accountable to the Superior Court Judge for the efficient and effective operation of all assigned duties and will maintain a cooperative working relationship with all those who interact with the court. Preside over hearings. Conduct hearings in areas such as family law (dissolutions, child custody, support), juvenile offenses, probate, guardianships, civil protection orders, and other areas as assigned. Issue orders and rulings. Make determinations on motions, issue findings of fact and conclusions of law, and enter appropriate orders. Manage court proceedings. Ensure proceedings are conducted fairly and efficiently, maintaining decorum and adherence to legal procedures. Jefferson County Job Description: Clerk Hire-Court Commissioner Page 2 of 4 Legal research and writing. Review case files, conduct legal research and prepare written decisions as necessary. Collaborate with court staff. Work closely with judges, attorneys, court employees and external agencies to facilitate the administration of justice. Administrative duties. Participate in meetings, trainings, and other administrative functions as required. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES This position has no supervisory responsibilities. COMPETENCY To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate competency in the following: Legal Expertise -Understands and applies the laws of the State of Washington. Ethics and Integrity -Respects and maintains confidentiality. Earns trust, respect, and confidence through honesty, forthrightness, and professionalism in all interactions. Understand and abide by the Judicial Canons. Interpersonal Skills -Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; Maintains confidentiality; Listens to others without interrupting; Keeps emotions under control; Remains open to others' ideas. 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 at an advanced level; Presents numerical data effectively; Able to read and interpret written information. Diversity -Demonstrates knowledge of EEO policy; Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences. Organizational Suppo11 -Follows policies and procedures; Completes administrative tasks correctly and on time; Supports organization's goals and values. Judgment -Exhibit sound and accurate judgment; Support and explain reasoning for decisions; Include appropriate people in decision-making process; Make timely decisions. Planning/Organizing -Prioritize and plan work activities; Use time efficiently; Plan for additional resources; Set goals and objectives: Organize and direct staff and their tasks; Develop 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. Safety and Security -Observes safety and security procedures; Reports potentially unsafe conditions. 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 -Takes responsibility for own actions; Keeps commitments; Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan. Jefferson County Job Description: Clerk Hire-Court Commissioner Page 3 of 4 MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS To perform this job successfully an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE Bachelor's Degree from an accredited university AND a law degree from an American Bar Association accredited law school or successful completion of the APR 6 Law Clerk program, a license to practice law in the State of Washington and a minimum of five (5) years of legal experience required. The applicant selected for this position must adhere to the Code of Judicial Conduct. LANGUAGE SKILLS Ability to communicate at an advanced level orally, in writing, and public presentation. Ability to read and interpret legal documents, laws, instructions, correspondence and memos. Ability to effectively present information and tailor presentation to the audience. MATHEMATICAL SKILLS Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent. CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS Valid Washington State Driver's License Required to pass criminal background check Washington State Bar Association member in good standing 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. SPECIAL CONDITIONS The Court Commissioner shall serve at the pleasure of the sitting Superior Court Judge. Removal from office may be with or without cause and shall remain solely within the discretion of the Superior Court Judge. OTHER KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES Strong knowledge of Washington State laws, court rules, and procedures. Excellent legal research, analytical, and writing skills. Ability to manage a high-volume docket with efficiency and fairness. Strong interpersonal and communication skills. Proficiency in using court-related technology and case management systems. Jefferson County Job Description: Clerk Hire-Court Commissioner Page 4 of 4 PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, sit, bend, talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to use hands to finger, handle or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 15 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Duties are performed in a courtroom and office setting. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud.