What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Tribunal Services position at Diocese of Orlando?
Description
The Director of Tribunal Services leads the day-to-day operations of the Office of the Tribunal and assists the Judicial Vicar in the processing of cases of nullity; collates information for other canonically related matters; and serves as the Head Ecclesiastical Notary. The Director of Tribunal Services supervises the Regional Advocates and administrative staff of the Tribunal as well as the docket of cases.
The Diocese of Orlando’s four core values lay the foundation for the work performed by the Director of Tribunal Services.
1. Authenticity: Conviction that God has called us to reflect exteriorly our inner life of faith in our daily living.
2. Respect: Affirming each person's God-given dignity and uniqueness.
3. Courage: Inspired by this gift of the Holy Spirit, we proclaim and live the Word of God fearlessly and devotedly.
4. Commitment: Individually and collectively, we are steadfast to the team and its purpose.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The following duties and functions, as outlined herein, are intended to be representative of the type of tasks performed within this classification. They are not listed in any order of importance. The omission of specific statements of the duties or functions does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.
- Assists the Judicial Vicar by addressing issues or concerns presented to the Court by advocates, defenders of the bond, judges, and court experts.
- Reviews and coordinates annulment case load.
- Reviews petitions for dispensations and permissions; assists in the process as Canonical Consultant to Tribunal Staff.
- Coordinates canonical training and presentations throughout the diocese.
- Maintains professional and cordial relationships with the Metropolitan Tribunal and other Diocesan Tribunals.
- Renders signature and seal to establish the authenticity of all judicial acts.
- Prepares acts and instruments relating to decrees, dispositions, obligations, and other tasks as directed.
- Oversees document retention schedule regarding digitizing of permanent case files.
- Completes Annuario Tribunal Report for the Vatican.
- Participates in professional associations and conferences as appropriate to expand knowledge of issues influencing the Church and increasing a network of contacts.
Administrative Leadership and Management
- Manages staff with a focus on Christ, bringing forth the Diocesan core values to encourage individual and team growth.
- Prepares and accepts accountability for annual Tribunal budget.
- Prepares performance reviews, time approval, and attention to duties as outlined in job descriptions.
- Works cooperatively with various personalities within the Catholic Church, facilitates good communication and is responsive to requests of others within a large, complex, and diverse
- working environment.
- Directs and oversees all projects and case status to ensure that activities meet standards and goals within approved processes, budgets, and professional expectations.
- Oversees Tribunal software development and monitors usage.
Supervises
- Regional Advocates
- Ecclesiastical Notaries
- Judges
Reports to
- Judicial Vicar
- Secretary for Leadership and Parish Life
Collaborates with
- Clergy
- Secretariat Heads
- Diocesan Archivist
- Directors of Religious Education Parish Marriage Coordinators
Requirements
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. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Catholic Faith
Practice of the Catholic faith is required. Church employees must conduct themselves in a manner that is consistent with and supportive of the mission and purpose of the Church. Their public behavior must not violate the faith, morals or laws of the Church or the policies of the diocese.
Education and/or Experience
- Doctorate or Licentiate in Canon Law
- Experience in marriage nullity and other canonical processes, and office management.
- Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred.
- Capacity to apply the law with accuracy, prudence, and pastoral sense.
- Must be proficient in Microsoft Office, Case Master, and scanning processes.
- High degree of flexibility in order to achieve objectives and meet demands.
Working Conditions
The working hours of this position are not limited to an 8-hour day. This person will need to be available in the evening and on weekends, as needed. Must be willing to work in conditions of stress and function well under pressure.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Physical Requirements
The ability to sit and stand for long periods of time. Must be able to reach, grasp, feel, and see up close and from afar. Must be able to use basic office computer hardware and peripherals, with or without reasonable accommodation. Must be able to communicate verbally and in written form. Tasks require the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, but which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (15 pounds).