Magistrate (Custody and Support)

Cuyahoga County Juvenile Court; Cleveland (OH); On-site; USD 91,960; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance

Paid Time Off

Retirement Plan with Employer Contribution

Job summary

A local juvenile court in Cleveland is seeking a Magistrate to handle custody and child support cases. The ideal candidate will manage a high-volume docket, advise parties of their rights, and ensure fair administration of justice. Applicants must have a Juris Doctor degree and four years of legal experience, preferably in a court environment. This position offers a salary of $91,960 with benefits including comprehensive health insurance, paid time off, and Ohio Public Employees Retirement System participation.

Qualifications

• Must possess knowledge of Ohio Revised Code and Juvenile Rules.
• Admitted to practice law in Ohio by the Supreme Court.
• Experience in legal research and courtroom procedures.

Responsibilities

• Conduct child support enforcement hearings in-person and remotely.
• Prepare findings of fact and legal documents.
• Adjudicate and dispose of cases in a timely manner.

Skills

Ability to analyze and evaluate testimony and evidence

Ability to prepare child support orders

Effective oral and written communication

Familiarity with community resources

Ability to problem-solve under stress

Education

Juris Doctor Degree

Four years of experience as a practicing attorney

Job description

Job Title: Magistrate (Custody and Support) Salary Grade: 19

Division/Department: Judicial Division Salary: $91,960.00

Reports To: Chief Magistrate Date Posted: 3/26/26

FLSA Status: Exempt Last Revised: 3/26/26

Benefits of Employment

Insurance: Comprehensive Health, Dental, Vision, Life and an Employee Assistance Program. Supplemental Life may be purchased at group rates.

Paid Time Off: Twelve (12) holidays, vacation time (after 6 months) of three (3) weeks per year for the first eight (8) years of service, and sick time.

Retirement: Ohio Public Employees Retirement System (OPERS) with 14% annual employer contribution and Deferred Compensation Plans.

Job Summary

The successful candidate must demonstrate the ability to efficiently manage a high-volume docket in parent-child relationship (paternity), private custody, and child support matters. The applicant must be able to work with pro se litigants, to advise the parties of their rights, and to adjudicate and dispose of pending cases in a timely manner. The candidate must possess the ability to administer justice fairly and impartially pursuant to the requirements of the Ohio Revised Code. The specific docket and case type(s) to which the magistrate may be assigned is subject to change at any time based on the needs of the Court.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to satisfactorily perform each essential duty listed below. Reasonable accommodations will be made for disabled persons covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act, in accordance with its requirements.

Conducts both in-person and remote (Zoom) child support enforcement hearings in accordance with the Juvenile and Civil Rules of Procedure. Informs and advises parties of legal rights and alternatives, administers oaths, operates recording device, confers with individuals before recommending final disposition for Judge's approval.

Prepares findings of fact, recommendations and other legal documents for judicial review and approval and provides clarification for the assigned Judge upon request.

Confers with supervisor regarding case decisions and policies.

Facilitates the operation of courtroom through proper maintenance of equipment and supply levels.

Attends Continuing Legal Education programs as mandated by the Ohio Supreme Court.

Performs other duties as needed such as conducting legal research, participating in training sessions and seminars and preparing statistical reports.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Has no direct supervisory responsibility for staff members.

Equipment Operated

Standard office equipment and office technology such as copy machines, personal computers and telephones.

Confidential Data

All court-related information regarding hearings, etc., that the employee may come in contact with by working in the facility.

Working Conditions

Potential exposure to hazardous situations that may occur in the court environment. Must be able to tolerate exposure to evidence and testimony that may be disturbing; clients who may potentially be verbally or physically uncooperative; allergens, such as perfumes and dust. May be subject to interruptions, quick deliverables, and changing work deadlines.

Usual Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to sit, to speak clearly, and to hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. This position is subject to many interruptions and may be required to handle multiple calls and inquiries at once.

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills, and Abilities

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.

Ability to analyze and evaluate testimony and evidence and to make objective and fair determinations. Ability to prepare child support orders, rule on motions to show cause, motions to modify support and complaints in contempt, problem-solve and deal with the stress of a high volume docket. Must understand pertinent sections of the Ohio Revised Code and the Juvenile and Civil Rules of Procedure, the Ohio Rules of Evidence, and the Rules of Superintendence for the Courts of Ohio. Must possess knowledge of and the ability to comply with the Ohio Code of Judicial Conduct and the Ohio Rules of Professional Conduct. Must also possess knowledge of relevant Ohio statutes, case law, and relevant federal authority. Familiarity with community resources and dispositional alternatives required. Ability to establish and maintain congenial work relationships with Court staff, counsel for the Office of Child Support Services (OCSS) and the public. Ability to communicate effectively and courteously orally and in writing. Ability to preside over other juvenile case type dockets. Must be able to become proficient in using the Juvenile Court’s iCase Case Management system.

Education and/or Experience

Juris Doctor Degree

AND

Four (4) years of experience as a practicing attorney, preferably in a court setting.

Licensure or Certification Requirements

Must be admitted to the practice of law by the Supreme Court in the State of Ohio.

Court Expectations of Employee

In completing the responsibilities of this position, the Court expects that the employee will adhere to the mission and values of the Court as well as all Court policies and procedures. In addition, while carrying out the duties of this position, the employee is expected to model extraordinary ethical conduct on and off the job and exhibit a professional and respectful disposition with all Court employees.

Court Mission Statement

To administer justice, rehabilitate juveniles, support and strengthen families, and promote public safety.

Application Procedure

Current Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas Juvenile Division Employees:

• By _4/2/26_.
• Please visit https://juvenilecourt.applicantstack.com/x/openings-internal to complete and submit the Job Posting Response Form to the Human Resources Division.
• The Job Posting Response form must be received in Human Resources by the job posting deadline for consideration as a candidate for the posted position.
• If you do not meet the minimum requirements, you can submit a waiver to Human Resources. Please refer to the Employee Handbook Policy number 1.02.04.

External Applicants:

• This position will remain posted until it is filled.
• Please go to https://juvenilecourt.applicantstack.com/x/openings to view this posting and to complete and submit the Application for Employment.

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