Court Administrator

The City of Athens is hiring a Court Administrator for Municipal Court. This position requires the successful candidate to have complex math skills, knowledge of the law, bookkeeping and accounting. Must be able to lead a team and work independently. This is an appointed position and is exempt from the Federal Labor Standards Act. This position is in Pay Grade 7 of the non-union staffing ordinance with an expected pay rate of $27.34 - $30.07 per hour.

COURT ADMINISTRATOR

Classification Title:    Court Administrator                                   Bargaining Unit:      Non-Union

Division/Dept.:           Municipal Court                                          FLSA Status:             Exempt     

Reports to:                   Judge                                                             Pay Grade:                     7            

Position Summary:

Must be able to read, write, and perform complex mathematical analyses, and must have knowledge of the law, bookkeeping, accounting, computer skills, and typing (or demonstrate an ability to quickly develop any areas that are lacking). Three to five years of management experience and experience in legal, judicial, or government administration is preferred. Must be able to lead a team and work independently, but also satisfy the needs of a busy judiciary. This is an appointed position, exempt from Civil Service competition per 124.11 (A)(5) O.R.C., and is a non-covered position under the provision of the Fair Labor Standards Act.

Essential Functions:

• Plans, organizes, and supervises the work of a staff engaged in performing the varied activities of the Municipal Court; makes assignments of personnel and of work; supervises work performance; consults with employees as to methods for the accomplishment of assigned tasks.
• Supervises and participates in the maintenance of all legal records and the preparation of required reports. 
• Trains employees in the functions of the Municipal Court.
• Provides information to attorneys and the public regarding procedures related to all Court functions.
• Oversees the preparation of daily Court docket and schedule.
• Assists the public, attorneys, court officials, and City employees with inquiries in person, by telephone; by electronic mail or by written correspondence.
• Maintains accurate records of all monies received and disbursed in connection with all cases of the Court;
• Supervises, trains and oversees a staff of deputy clerks who perform the various functions required of the Clerk’s office;
• Assists in the design and implementation of technological procedures that assist in the performance of the various functions of the court;
• Analyzes and interprets trends, statistics and patterns to assist the court in anticipating challenges in future years.
• Assists in the development and implementation of policies and procedures that enhance the productivity and effectiveness of the Court.
• Performs other duties as requested by the Municipal Judge.

Court Administration: Responsible for the overall smooth operation of the Court, including, but not limited to:

• Scheduling: Schedules acting judges when needed. Organizes court calendar, schedules use of facilities, and makes arrangements for Judge’s and Magistrate’s travel itineraries and seminars.
• Facilities: Oversees operation of facilities, including maintenance and repairs, and takes periodic inventories of court and clerk property. Responsible for maintaining and servicing the court and clerk’s computer systems, outsourcing repairs to computer vendors where appropriate.
• Jury Maintenance: Supervises administration of jury operations. Selects the yearly jurors along with the Jury Commissioners and sends out notices for jury duty; prepares juror letters and questionnaires; sets up jury excuse days for the Judge.
• Report Preparation: Prepares the monthly Ohio Supreme Court report each month in a timely manner. Prepares the Annual Court Report in a timely manner pursuant to the Rules of Superintendence.
• Human Resource Management: Recruits, selects, and recommends competent staff. Prepares in-service training. Completes annual performance evaluations of court staff and Supervisors with the appropriate supervisors and input from the Judge. Oversees employee grievances. 
• Local Rules of Court and COOP: Develops, maintains, and updates the local rules of court and COOP on an annual basis.
• Court Liaison: Acts as a liaison between the Court and Jail, Police, Prosecuting Attorney, Defense Bar, Public Officials, and Public.
• Policy Compliance: Responsible for following and enforcing the Court’s employee handbook and policies, including its policy prohibiting workplace harassment. Responsible for seeking feedback from the court or counsel when unclear about the proper steps to take in following and enforcing these policies. Responsible for the development and review of the handbook and updates on an annual basis.
• Cooperation: Works cooperatively with the Judge, Court staff, attorneys, litigants, witnesses, and other visitors to the Court. Works efficiently and effectively and is the leader of the team; sets an appropriate example for Court and Clerk staff. Keeps regular attendance and punctual office hours.
• Equipment Operation: Able to effectively operate a computer, printer, telephone, calculator, copier, fax machine, and other general office equipment.
• Special Projects: Shall oversee any special projects as required by the Judge.

Position Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree, with experience in court procedures and legal practices including three years of supervisory experience; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Position Specifications:

• Knowledge of statutory, constitutional and Ohio case law as applicable to a Municipal Court.
• Knowledge of legal pleading and practice; evidence and judicial procedure, and civil and criminal laws and rules.
• Knowledge of modern practices, policies, and procedures for data collection and retention.
• Ability to be flexible within work assignment(s) on a day-to-day basis.
• Ability to exercise sound, impartial judgment in emotionally stressful situations.
• Ability to supervise the maintenance of a variety of complex legal records.
• Ability to plan, assign, direct, and evaluate the work of others.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and orally.
• Ability to establish and maintain productive working relationships with other governmental and court officials, attorneys, and the public.
• Skill in the use of modern office equipment such as telephone, calculator, printer, copier, personal computers, and digital imaging.

Additional Requirements 

The Court Administrator must do all the following:

• Treat all those interacting with the Court with dignity, courtesy and respect;
• Use the official position solely for its intended purpose and not to exploit access to the Judge;
• Conduct all work without bias or prejudice;
• Avoid improper influences or activities which would impugn the dignity of the Court;
• Avoid relationships which might impair impartiality and independent judgment.

The City may consider any other equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

This is general description intended to provide general duties and qualifications. Any one position may not include all of the duties listed, nor do the examples cover all the duties that may be performed. It is not intended to cover all situations, or all necessary qualifications. Job descriptions are subject to change.

The City of Athens, OH is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

We prefer applicants apply online; however, paper applications are available upon request. Please call Human Resources at 740-592-3367 if you need to request a paper application.