Under the general direction of the Chief Judge, Probate Court Judge and Probate/Juvenile Court Director, the Juvenile Referee ensures the efficient disposition of cases by conducting hearings and rendering recommendations in Family Division cases, with diligence, respect, and professionalism, in accordance with the law and Court policy.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:  Under the direction of the Chief Judge and Probate/Court Administrator

SUPERVISION EXERCISED: Supervision may be exercised over those assigned to assist.

PRIMARY DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES: An employee in this class may be called upon to do any or all of the following: (These examples do not include all of the tasks which the employee may be expected to perform.)

• Ensure the efficient disposition of cases by conducting hearings in accordance with the law and Court policy and issues recommended orders in Family Division cases.
• Intake emergency hearings at Maurice Spear Campus 24 hours after detainment.
• Emergency removal hearings.
• Review hearings.
• Produce written and signed reports to the Court containing a summary of testimony given, a statement of findings, and a recommendation order.
• Draft proposed orders and recommendations.
• Recommend procedural and policy changes to management.
• Review petitions to ensure that certain criteria have been met.
• Research legal matters, assist in drafting procedures, and provide advice as requested.
• Stay abreast of legislative and administrative developments to ensure compliance by the Court.
• Communicate clearly and effectively with youth and families.
• Able to provide and accept information from colleagues, community members, and experts in the field.
• Pursue community connectedness to maintain resource knowledge and environmental information.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

ON-CALL DUTIES:

• Conduct hearings on Saturdays, if required, for emergency detainment.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES and MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: An employee in this class, upon appointment, should have the equivalent of the following.

• Minimum education of Juris Doctorate, and in good standing with the State Bar of Michigan.
• Working knowledge of computers and modern office practices and procedures, i.e. telephone, fax machine, calculator, and computer software, including word processing, database, e-mail and internet.
• Ability and State certification to drive an automobile.
• Working knowledge of the State of Michigan court system procedures statutes and State Court Administrative Office rules, specifically related to Probate/Family Court.
• County employees are expected to possess and maintain a record of orderly, law abiding citizenship, sobriety, integrity, and loyalty as it pertains to and reflects upon their employment with the County.
• County employees must be physically and mentally able to perform the essential duties of their position without excessive absences.
• In addition to the above requirements, all Court positions require the ability to read, write, speak and understand the English language as necessary for the position, including the ability to follow written and oral instruction.

CANDIDATES CONSIDERED FOR PLACEMENT IN THIS POSITION WILL BE SUBJECT TO A CRIMINAL BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

This position is public service oriented. The employee may encounter challenging clients, unique fragrances, and scents. It also includes dealing with, at times, hostile and possibly volatile youth and adults.