SC Court Commissioner

Yakima Health District

6d•$103•Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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
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.
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 maintaining objectivity
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

Nice To Haves

a minimum of (5) five years of experience preferred. An emphasis on Juvenile and Family Law is desirable.
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.

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.