Family Division Referee (Family Domestic Division)

SUMMARY:

Under the general direction of the Chief Referee or Senior Referee, the Family Division Referee ensures the efficient disposition of cases by conducting hearings and rendering recommendations in Family Division cases, with diligence, respect, and professionalism, and in accordance with the law and Court policy. Employees in this title are expected to maintain a professional appearance and demeanor.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
•    Ensures the efficient disposition of cases by conducting hearings in accordance with the law and Court policy and issuing recommended orders in Family Division cases.
•    Makes written, signed reports to the Court containing a summary of testimony given, a statement of findings, and a recommendation order.
•    Drafts proposed orders and recommendations.
•    Serves on assigned committees, engages with and interacts in the various communities that are served by the Court.
•    Manages the courtroom.
•    Recommends procedural and policy changes to management.
•    Submits statistical reports in accordance with departmental guidelines.
•    Reviews petitions to ensure that legal criteria have been met.
•    Must be able to meet attendance requirements. (Courtroom, division/department office, or field assignment).
•    Serves in either Family Division Section as assigned.
•    Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:
Family-Domestic Section
•    Graduate of an accredited law school.
•    Member of State Bar of Michigan in good standing.
•    Five (5) years of experience in the practice of Family Law and providing legal representation, which includes multicultural interactions, exposure, etc.
•    Knowledge of relevant statutes, case law, the Michigan Child Support systems and Court rules.  
•    One (1) year of experience in handling child custody or parenting time disputes, including conducting formal/informal mediations for families involved in legal conflicts.
•    Proficient in the use of Microsoft Excel and experience using MS Office Suite and relevant court software and systems.

•    Experience commensurate with the job that demonstrates the required skills and competencies may be considered in lieu of education requirement(s).

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
•    Ability to navigate family systems (human services, paternity, abuse/neglect, juvenile, child support, custody, immigration, etc.) family dynamics (cultural, geographic, economic, religious, etc.).
•    Ability to perform all functions necessary to ensure timely adjudications, assessments, dispositions, reviews, and mediations.
•    Ability to respond to statements of fact, laws, and arguments clearly and logically.
•    Ability to comprehend and analyze complex and varied legal issues and complicated factual details, and apply the law appropriately to issue recommendations to the Judge.
•    Ability to perform in a manner consistent with the Michigan Code of Professional Responsibility.
•    Demonstrated experience practicing with diverse family structures (i.e. LGBTQ , co-parenting, etc.).
•    Ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce positive results.
•    Ability to effectively communicate information and ideas with internal and external customers in plain language that they can understand.
•    Ability to deal calmly and effectively in high stress situations.
•    Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with Directors, coworkers, employees, officials, and external contacts.
•    Ability to operate office equipment.
•    Ability to understand and carry out instructions and to request clarification when needed.
•    Ability to identify issues and to use logic and reasoning to determine the appropriate next action(s) and proceed with the proper resolution.
•    Ability to communicate effectively in public forums.
•    Ability to produce reports, recommendations, and proposed orders.
•    Skills in managing one’s own time and the time of others, as well as the ability to meet deadlines.
•    Ability to learn and apply Court processes and procedures.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:
•    Normally a typical customer service office environment with minimal exposure to excessive noise.
•    Employees in this title may encounter individuals who may be under duress.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
•    Must be able to remain in a stationary position for long periods of time to perform job functions.
•    Ability to detect, create, and interpret documents.
•    Operate a computer and other office machinery, items, or equipment.
•    Position self to move from one place to another.
•    Communicate with clients, co-workers, and others.
•    Must be able to lift 25 lbs.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS OR SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: 
•    Candidates considered for placement in this job title will be subject to a criminal and/or IV-D background and related fingerprinting every five years.
•    Member of State Bar of Michigan in good standing.
•    Must possess (at time of application) and maintain a valid Michigan driver’s license, no fault insurance and access to a vehicle to use in the performance of assigned duties.
•    Must take and pass the Certification Examination for Certified Electronic Operator (CEO) no later than the second examination session offered subsequent to hire.
•   Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to the title.  Incumbents may be required to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this description.  Specific job duties vary from position to position.

Grant funded positions are contingent on availability of grant funding and may be terminated should funding substantially reduce or cease. The affected employee may be considered as a candidate for other vacant positions within the Court for which they are qualified.