Family Court Administrator

The Family Court Administrator provides administrative support to the court through the development and implementation of policies and procedures relating to the timely and effective case management of divorce, custody, protection from abuse and support matters.  This position will coordinate all Family Court matters for processing, calendaring and eventual disposition before the court.  This position supervises all family court support staff, monitors Court's custody mediation program and manages the drug referral process for family court cases.

• Develop and implement case flow management systems, monitor case flow and suggest ways of improving case flow procedures in Family Court.

• Provide administrative support and recommendations to judges with regard to family court matters.  Assess and troubleshoot problems and concerns.

• Coordinate the Court's custody mediation program

• Manage the drug testing referral process for family court matters.

• Process PFA filings in tandem with the Family Court Legal Specialist.

• Coordinate efforts with Family Court Legal Specialist to prepare and manage Family Court Schedules, hearing lists and complex support lists for the Family Court judges.

• Supervise all support staff (to include those working in custody, divorce, dependency and interpreter areas), delegate work to staff that assist in the timely and effective processing of all Family Court matters.  Identify and manage cross training activities within the department.

• Coordinate staff activities to ensure that the Family Court and Master's Calendars are maintained.

• Prepare, distribute and maintain statistical reports.

• Serve as a contact person for inquiries from representatives of other courts and county offices, members of the judiciary, attorneys, litigants and the public.

• Schedule and attend meetings with Family Court judges and masters to make recommendations and update court procedures.

• Handle clerical duties as necessary (copy, fax, print, coordinate forms, process paperwork, etc.).

• Maintain files and coordinate archival of inactive files.

• Maintain and update lists and database files.

• Order and maintain supplies.

• Coordinate staff activities to ensure that the Family Court and Master's calendars are maintained.

• Prepare and conduct performance evaluations.

• Prepare, distribute, and maintain statistical reports.

• Consult with the court and court-related departments in addition to the DCIS Court Liaison to revise and update computer procedures.

• Serve as liaison between the court and legal community.

• Attend educational conferences, classes, meetings and professional functions to learn new skills as well as to provide training to others and to represent the court in a professional manner.

• Perform other duties, tasks and special projects, as required.

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• At least Five of job-related experience.

• Administrative and supervisory experience.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Excellent organizational skills.

• Strong interpersonal skills.

• Basic to Intermediate skills to use a personal computer and various software packages.

• Advanced typing skills (minimum of 60wpm).

• Knowledge and skill with modern office equipment (fax, copier, calculator, etc.).

• Customer service experience.

• Ability to work independently and proceed with objectives.

• Ability to maintain confidential information and handle confidential matters.

• Ability to work as part of a team.

• Familiar with Pennsylvania and Local Rules of Civil Procedures.

• Familiar with Title 23 (Purdons).

• Ability to interface effectively with all levels of county management.

• A valid driver's license is required.

Preferred Skills, Knowledge & Experience:

• Master's Degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework emphasis in Administration of Justice / Law.

• Strong professional ethics.

• Ability to follow office protocols.

• Able to use common sense understanding to carry out written or verbal instructions.

• Ability to handle and resolve recurring problems.

• Strong time management skills.

• Ability to establish priorities (remain focused on daily operations).

• Accurate and detail oriented.

• Able to carry tasks to completion.

• Flexibility.

• Exhibits a willingness to learn new tasks.

• Ability to multi-task.

• Familiar with local practices and procedures with regard to scheduling, filing and service of court documents and advance sheets.

• General knowledge and understanding of County of Chester policies and procedures.

• General knowledge and understanding of Court Administration policies and procedures.

Relevant background checks, clearances, physicals, drug tests, and any other assessments or evaluations will be conducted after an offer of employment is given per County policy.

Computer Skills:

To perform this job successfully, an individual should have:

• Intermediate Word skills

• Intermediate Excel skills

• Intermediate PowerPoint skills

• Basic Access skills

• Intermediate to Advanced OutLook skill (Email and Calendar)

• Intermediate PeopleSoft skills or the ability to learn PeopleSoft

• Intermediate to Advanced knowledge and skill with the Internet (for research purposes).

• Working knowledge and skill with Westlaw software

• Working knowledge of the Court Management System

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to sit. Occasionally, the employee will need to stand, walk, reach above shoulder height, climb stairs, and lift or carry items (files may be exceedingly heavy), and drive to and from locations.

There are no special vision requirements listed for this position.

Work Environment:

• The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate.

• This is a high stress position dealing with emotionally charged situations and individuals involved.

• In some instances, the threat of violence may become apparent, placing staff at risk.

Other:

• This position requires professionalism.

• Ability to work extended hours, when needed.

• Most situations arising in the Family Court require immediate attention in order to preserve the Family, protect the litigants from abuse or to monitor the parties' resources and finances.  It is an area where the public has little information readily available and they find it necessary to appear in the office with difficult situations and questions requiring immediate disposition.

• Ability to attend educational conferences, classes, meetings and professional functions to learn new skills.