SC Court Commissioner

Yakima County; Yakima (WA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 163,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Health care benefits

Retirement benefits

Paid vacation

Paid holidays

Paid sick leave

Job summary

The Yakima County Superior Court seeks a part-time Court Commissioner to hear civil, domestic, family and juvenile matters in person. The position is non-exempt with overtime eligibility, open until filled, and reviews weekly.

The successful candidate must hold a Washington law license, possess a relevant bachelor's degree, and bring experience in family or juvenile law. Remote work is not available, and duties include presiding over hearings and issuing orders.

Qualifications

• Requires degree and active license to practice law in WA.
• Experience in family, juvenile, or civil court preferred.
• Knowledge of RCW and court procedures.

Responsibilities

• Reviews court files, documents, and related materials to assess cases prior to and during hearings; prepares court documents, records, reports and other materials pertaining to case findings.
• Arraigns defendants; grants continuances; hears, reviews and rules on a variety of petitions, motions, and other actions; takes evidence from concerned parties and other witnesses; makes or recommends appropriate court orders; sets cases for hearing and trial.
• Grants and enters defaults and enters judgment thereon. Issue temporary restraining orders and injunctions and fix and approve bonds thereon.
• Act as a referee in all matters and actions referred to by the Superior Court judges, with all the powers conferred by law.
• Hear and determine all petitions for the commitment of any person, including minors alleged to be mentally ill, with all the powers of the Superior Court in such matters: Provided that in cases where a jury is demanded, same shall be referred to a Superior Court judge.
• Hear and determine ex parte and uncontested civil matters of any nature, and hear contested civil matters as directed by the Superior Court Judges.

Skills

Legal knowledge

Court procedures

Legal writing

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Washington State Bar Association license to practice law

Job description

Note: Current Employees must use the Workday Job Hubs career section to apply for this position.

The mission of Yakima County Government is to provide accessible, responsive and responsible public service through leadership and teamwork committed to understanding and meeting public needs.

Our Values: Integrity Common Sense Innovation Accountability

Position Data: PT SC Court Commissioner-H Regular Non-Exempt (eligible for overtime)

Overview

Hourly: $102.75 (SC Court Commissioner Pay Plan)

There is one opening with the Yakima County Superior Court for a part-time Court Commissioner. This position serves as a judicial officer with the power, authority, and jurisdiction to hear and determine matters before the Superior court as permitted by law. The Court Commissioner performs all duties and responsibilities of the court, pursuant to RCW 2.08. The primary duties include civil, domestic, family and juvenile court matters as defined under RCW 2.24.040. The Court Commissioner is fully accountable to the Superior Court Judges for the efficient and effective operation of all assigned duties and is expected to maintain a cooperative working relationship with all who interact with the court. This is a part-time, in-person position. The duties may not be fulfilled by remote appearance. Open until filled, with weekly reviews.

Benefits included in position:

• Health Care Benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision, Basic Life and Basic LTD)
• Retirement Benefits
• Paid Vacation
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Sick Leave

This is a Non-Bargaining Unit position. This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies that occur within 90 days of the closing of this position. (This excludes Yakima County Sheriff's Office and Department of Corrections)

Responsibilities

• Reviews court files, documents, and related materials to assess cases prior to and during hearings; prepares court documents, records, reports and other materials pertaining to case findings.
• Arraigns defendants; grants continuances; hears, reviews and rules on a variety of petitions, motions, and other actions; takes evidence from concerned parties and other witnesses; makes or recommends appropriate court orders; sets cases for hearing and trial.
• Grants and enters defaults and enters judgment thereon. Issue temporary restraining orders and injunctions and fix and approve bonds thereon.
• Act as a referee in all matters and actions referred to by the Superior Court judges, with all the powers conferred by law.
• Hear and determine all petitions for the commitment of any person, including minors alleged to be mentally ill, with all the powers of the Superior Court in such matters: Provided that in cases where a jury is demanded, same shall be referred to a Superior Court judge.
• Hear and determine ex parte and uncontested civil matters of any nature, and hear contested civil matters as directed by the Superior Court Judges.
• To grant adjournments, administer oaths, preserve order, compel attendance of witnesses, and to punish for contempt in the refusal to obey or the neglect of lawful orders made in any matter before him or her as fully as the judge of the Superior Court.
• In adult criminal cases, preside over arraignments, preliminary appearances, initial extradition hearings, and noncompliance hearings pursuant to RCW 9.94A.634; accept pleas if authorized by local court rules; appoint counsel; make determinations of probable cause; set, amend, and review conditions of pretrial release; set bail; set trial and hearing dates; authorize continuances; and accept waivers of the right to speedy trial.
• Hold settlement conferences, make written reports of all proceedings which shall become a part of the record of the family court, and cause such other reports to be made and records kept as will indicate the value and extent of such settlement and service.
• Hear and determine all Family Law matters conferred upon the Superior Court under RCW Title 26, including but not limited to dissolutions of marriage and related child custody matters, all paternity matters including petitions to establish parenting plans, all child support matters including modifications and adjustments, all adoption matters including relinquishment and termination of parental rights, all third party custody matters, and all domestic violence petitions and requests for restraining orders.
• Hear and determine matters involving juvenile offenders, including but not limited to review of probable cause affidavits, detention hearings and setting of release conditions, arraignments, trials, pleas, dispositions, probation violations, restitution hearings, and issuance of warrants.
• Hear and determine matters in juvenile court dependency cases, including but not limited to pick up orders, and hearings regarding shelter care, fact finding, disposition, review, motions, permanency planning, and relinquishment of parental rights.
• Hear and determine matters in Juvenile Court involving children under the BECCA Act (truancy, Child in Need of Services and At- Risk Youth matters), including but not limited to hearings regarding fact finding, disposition, review, and contempt.
• Conduct and determine matters in guardianship proceedings under RCW Titles 11 and 13, including but not limited to appointment of guardians and guardian’s ad litem and review of care plans, accountings, and trusts.
• Review and act on in person, telephonic or electronic requests for search warrant(s) or arrest warrants.
• Hear and determine small claims appeals as provided in chapter 12.36 RCW.
• Maintains timekeeping records as required Performs other job-related duties as assigned by the Superior Court Judges, and/or the Superior Court Director.

Education and Experience:

Bachelor's degree in Sociology, Psychology, Political Science, Criminal Justice, or a related field ; or admission pursuant to APR6 Law Clerk Program AND a valid license to practice law in the State of Washington AND a minimum of (5) five years of experience preferred. An emphasis on Juvenile and Family Law is desirable. The applicant chosen for this position must adhere to the Code of Judicial Conduct (CJC).

Licensing/Certification Requirements:

• A valid Washington state driver’s license and proof of insurance
• Successful completion of criminal background check.
• U.S. Citizenship
• Washington State Bar Association (WSBA) member in good standing

Required: Legal Competency- 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. Understands and abides by the Judicial Canons. Valuing Diversity- Helps create a work environment that embraces and appreciates diversity, treats all with acceptance and respect, and values diverse perspectives. Communication-Effective communication skills to convey thought and information clearly and concisely to a broad audience. Strong writing and editing skills. Relationship Building- Proven multi-tasking skills with the ability to handle multiple assignments in various stages simultaneously. Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities. Analytical Skills- Analytical skills with exceptional attention to detail. Letter explaining interest in the position. A certificate from the Washington State Bar Association stating you are in good standing or a certificate showing the resolution of any bar complaints made against you in the last three years. Reference letters from five (5) individuals who can comment on your skills and qualifications for this position.

Preferred: Previous experience as a pro-tem judge, court commissioner, administrative law judge, magistrate or equivalent experience with an emphasis in family law/domestic relations, juvenile dependency/offender cases and/or therapeutic court matters.

Equipment Used:

Basic office equipment: computer, copier, telephone, printer, iPad, cell phone & passenger vehicle.

Working Conditions:

• This position is rated as Sedentary Work, exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met.
• Environment: This position requires daily interaction with individuals who may be hostile and/or angry.
• May be subject to work outside of standard business hours, travel to other work locations . Physical Demands: bending, carrying, handling, lifting, pulling, pushing, reaching, sitting, standing, walking fingering, crouching, kneeling, hearing, talking, grasping, and visual acuity.
• Intellectual Demands: Ability to multitask, confidentiality, ability to work under pressure, ability to articulate and communicate information in conversations, ability to follow written instruction, and ability to follow verbal instruction.

Knowledge: Knowledge of the job assignment sufficient to perform thoroughly and accurately the full scope of responsibility as illustrated by examples in the above job description Knowledge of relevant information, including applicable policies, procedures, laws, and regulations Knowledge of the judicial system, including but not limited to the above-described types of cases Knowledge of court rules, rules of evidence, and local court procedures and practices Knowledge of an understanding of the goals and objectives of Superior Court, Juvenile Court Knowledge of community-based treatment and other support services. Knowledge of supervisory theories, practices & principles and related laws and regulations. Knowledge of project management, organizational management, practices & principles. Knowledge of communication, training and coaching techniques. Knowledge and understanding of human resource rules and regulations. Knowledge of leadership skills and practices Knowledge of the Code of Judicial Conduct (CJC) and Ethical opinions.

Skills and Abilities:

Skill in interpersonal relationships Skill in Alternative Dispute Resolution Skill in oral and written communications Skill in adapting to changes in workload demand Skill in working on multiple projects simultaneously Skill in responding to emergencies Skill in composing/generating and editing correspondence Skill in communicating with people of diverse backgrounds Skill in working in stressful environments Skill in prioritizing work Ability to demonstrate competency in required job skills and knowledge Ability to demonstrate diversity, equity and inclusion strategies to create an environment of inclusion in the courtroom. Ability to perform multiple tasks simultaneously under tight deadlines, prioritizing work and managing own time Ability to keep abreast of current developments using available resources effectively Ability to consistently demonstrate accuracy and thoroughness Ability to get along well with others Ability to confront difficult situations while maintainingobjectivity Ability to keep emotions under control Ability to establish and maintain effective work environment Ability to objectively identify, analyze and interpret legal issues, principles, and arguments. Ability to direct and control courtroom proceedings in a decisive, orderly, respectful, and equitable manner, including exercising appropriate judicial temperament and demeanor, and effectively handling pressure in difficult and unexpected situations by responding in a calm and rational manner Ability to communicate orally and in writing in a concise and effective manner Ability to effectively manage high volume court calendars including the requisite reading and preparation associated with those calendars Ability and willingness to learn and use court-based technology Possess excellent writing, legal research, and analytical skills Quickly decide and issue rulings on matters taken under advisement Ability to work both independently as well as cooperatively, and be able to quickly transition between different assignments and tasks Ability to meet attendance standards necessary for successful job performance

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minorities, Females, Protected Veterans and the Disabled are encouraged to apply. Yakima County ensures equal employment opportunities regardless of a person’s age, color, creed, sensory, mental or physical disability, genetic information, marital status, national origin, political belief, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, and military status, or any other protected status under federal or state statute.

PAY TRANSPARENCY NONDISCRIMINATION PROVISION

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish the information.

Disabled applicants may request accommodation to participate in the job application and/or selection process for employment. Please contact Human Resources for further information. Yakima County is a qualified Public Service entity for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, go to https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service or contact your federal loan servicer. In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, Yakima County will hire only United States citizens and aliens lawfully authorized to work in the United States. Yakima County is an E-Verify Employer. THIS IS FOR PREVIOUS EMPLOYEES THAT HAVE A RECALL DATE Yakima County is one of the largest employers with over 1,000 employees providing services in all areas of law and justice, corrections, administration, public services and social services. Work locations are throughout the Valley and vary based on department. Check out the County’s website at www.yakimacounty.us for more information. Yakima County Benefits Snapshot:

Yakima County Benefits Snapshot:

• Eligibility for benefits are dependent upon Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBA) and if your position type is full-time, part-time, or intermittent.
• Medical, Dental, Prescription and Vision Coverage
• Basic Life and Long-Term Disability Insurance Coverage
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Health Reimbursement Account (HRA- VEBA)
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Voluntary Benefits - vision, term life, critical illness, disability and other insurance plans
• Washington State Retirement Plan (DRS) 457 Deferred Compensation Program (DCP)
• Paid Vacation
• Ten Paid Holidays and Sick Leave
• Click here for a full list of benefits with Yakima County

Located in Central Washington, Yakima County is large (4,200 square miles) and diverse. Residents enjoy 300 days of sunshine each year and four distinct seasons. Yakima County is ranked first in the state in agricultural production, and is one of the top five areas in the nation in production of specialty crops. Irrigated farmlands and rolling foothills provide a backdrop to the nearby Cascade Mountains. Around 70 percent of the County’s 226,000 residents live in its 14 cities, towns and urban growth areas. The unique blend of rural and urban lifestyle choices offers a quality of living unsurpassed in the Northwest. Learn more at www.visityakima.com