SUPERIOR COURT COORDINATOR

The salary for this position is: $4,902 - $6,521 monthly.

Thurston County Superior Court is hiring one full-time, benefited Involuntary Treatment Act (ITA) Case Coordinator position. The ITA Case Coordinator plays a critical role in this unique program and is responsible for providing support to the ITA Judge and the ITA Commissioners in administering and managing the calendar case load. The ITA Case Coordinator coordinates hearing calendar schedules based on workload priority, case expirations, and judicial availability. The case coordinator maintains case statistics and performs analyses under supervision.

This position is responsible for developing and coordinating the Court’s Involuntary Treatment Act (ITA) Program. Responsibilities include performing moderately complex analytical research work and program development. Duties to include assisting in developing agendas, coordinating and attending ITA meetings, and keeping minutes. Arranges for pro tem coverage, monitors cases for conflicts, and arranges necessary coverage. Schedules jury trials. The case coordinator develops the program plan by coordinating input and feedback as supplied by the applicable judicial and community resources. Tracks legislation and changes in statute and case law. Attends ITA Court hearings.

Essential functions may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• The program coordinator coordinates and completes a variety of complex confidential administrative and technical tasks with minimal supervision. Implements and manages complex case tracking programs, prepares grant applications, develops policies and procedures, oversees and manages budget development and fiscal compliance, and oversees all applicable contracts. Works within the community to build resources and educate individuals regarding the court and the specific program.
• Develops, tracks, and maintains research statistical information. Develops case screening criteria and case management objectives; develops and implements case planning conferences. Conducts studies and evaluates procedures and activities within the scope of assigned functional areas. Prepares database system reports involving access to multiple applications as necessary. Evaluates court procedures, case management policies, and rules.
• Serves as the primary liaison for counsel and parties regarding various legal matters associated with the ITA program. Independently reviews, analyzes, prioritizes, and responds to requests for court assistance. Reviews incoming case material for potential conflict of interest, ex parte communications, and other confidential matters. Prepares correspondence and schedules court hearings as appropriate. Drafts court documents as required.
• Monitors compliance with case processing standards. Assigns cases after consultation with judicial officers. Provides support to specialty court judicial officers. Prepares and manages case processing documents.
• Conducts database queries as requested by judicial officers for miscellaneous research and prepares reports to the Thurston County legislators regarding ITA Impact on Thurston County.
• Participates in special projects and facilitates cross-departmental and interagency collaboration. Monitors current trends and practices applicable to the area of assignment through continuing education (seminars, meetings, and classes) and reading applicable laws and journals.
• Performs ongoing public relations work; prepares and presents educational seminars. Develops program literature such as programs, pamphlets, manuals, forms, handbooks, and procedures.
• Provides support and backup for other court staff.

To view the full job classification, click here: Superior Court Coordinator

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work Environment - The position is based in a courthouse environment in Tumwater, WA. Staff are assigned to work within the courthouse, which may involve a combination of offices, courtrooms, and other areas of the building.
• Schedule - Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
• Travel Requirements - Occasional travel may be required to attend meetings or trainings.
• Customer Interactions - Daily interactions via phone and in-person with Thurston County staff and the public.

WHO WE ARE:

Thurston County values the diversity of the people it hires and serves. Inclusion to us means fostering a workplace in which individual differences are recognized, appreciated, and responded to in ways that fully develop and utilize each person’s talents and strengths. We are dedicated to recruiting and developing a talented workforce from various cultures, lifestyles, backgrounds, and perspectives who are committed to our vision and core values. Thurston County Racial Equity and Inclusion Webpage

WHAT WE OFFER OUR EMPLOYEES:

• Work-Life Balance: We are committed to ensure that our staff experience the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individuals’ lifestyle.
• Plan For Your Future: As a member of our team, you will enjoy great employee benefits, including a retirement plan, pre-tax savings accounts, as well as comprehensive health care and dental/vision care for you and your family. Please visit Thurston County Employee Benefit Plans for more information.
• Paid Leave: Full-time regular employees earn paid vacation in addition to paid holidays.
• Robust Training Program: Employees are encouraged to attend County paid training to help them further their career, learn new skill sets, and stay on top of emerging trends in our industry. We also encourage our staff to participate in professional organizations and attend conferences.
• Flexible Work Schedules: Some of the options that employees may take advantage of include alternative or compressed schedules and/or remote working.
• Deferred Compensation: The County offers 3 voluntary deferred compensation plans for employees who would like to set aside additional deferred tax dollars into a retirement savings plan.
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA): Employees can take advantage of Section 125 flexible spending accounts for out-of-pocket health care and daycare expenses with pre-tax dollars.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness: This is a federal program which allows full-time public service employees who have made qualifying payments for certain loans, to get their student loans repaid. Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

Why you’ll love it here: Thurston County is located between Seattle and Portland in Western Washington’s South Puget Sound Region. Perched in between the mountains and the ocean, the area boasts the perfect blend of year-round outdoor activities including boating, hiking, skiing, and more. The region is also home to the state capitol city of Olympia, known for its many restaurants, microbreweries, coffee shops, farmer’s markets, kids’ activities, history, and art events. Discover more about life in Thurston County at Experienceolympia.com.

Message to potential applicants: We understand that some potential applicants are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the functions or skills listed in a job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and we understand that may be someone who will learn some of these skills on the job. If you are interested in this position, and meet the minimum qualifications, we encourage you to go ahead and apply! Feel free to think about how you will bring your own set of skills to the role and tell us about the potential that you hold.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, business or public administration, or a closely related field. Additional experience may be substituted for education on a year for year basis.
• Six years of progressively responsible clerical/secretarial experience, four years of which must have been in a legal or court environment. Must have two years of experience managing a major project, demonstrating the ability to work independently and make responsible decisions; and a background in legal terminology, trial calendar terminology and judicial procedures. Must have demonstrated experience in modern office methods and procedures.
• Must be proficient in contract management practices.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing with superiors, subordinates, other organizations, attorneys and the general public and to work effectively as a team member or leader with independent committees, commissions, firms and agencies.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with officials, employers and the general public.
• Must be able to successfully utilize a personal computer and related software packages to perform word processing, analysis, information retrieval and tracking. Working knowledge with multiple court-related databases is preferred.

DESIRED SKILLS:

• Knowledge of: organization and operation of the Washington State Court System; procedures and practices within courts of general jurisdiction; techniques of effective program management; analysis of problem solving techniques; communication skills and methods; legal terminology and phraseology; legal references and their use; office practices and procedures; techniques of correspondence and report writing; community resources; word processing techniques; and correct spelling, punctuation, and grammar.
• Ability to: work independently with minimal instruction; maintain confidentiality; understand and follow written and oral instructions; speak and write effectively; prepare reports and correspondence independently; plan and coordinate numerous program activities and special projects; learn, apply, and interpret policies and procedures; use good judgment in evaluating situations and making decisions; work well with others; maintain effective public relations; and obtain cooperation of other individuals.

OTHER RELATED RECRUITMENT INFORMATION:

Questions about this recruitment? Please contact: Kristin Jensen at (360) 786-5602

This position is:

• Not represented by a union
• Eligible for benefits
• Eligible for overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
• May be eligible for telework

Items requested for consideration:

• Application
• Resume
• Letter of Interest
• Supplemental Questions

Please note: Information in this announcement is subject to change without notice at any time during the length of the job advertisement.

THURSTON COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Thurston County is committed to provide equal opportunity to all persons seeking or having access to its employment, services and activities, which is free from restriction based on race, sex, marital status, color, creed or religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, including gender expression or identity, pregnancy, status as an honorably discharged veteran or military status, genetic information, or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability, unless based upon bona fide occupational qualifications. Applicants with disabilities who need accommodation with the application or selection process should contact Thurston County’s Human Resources, at (360) 786-5498. Those who are deaf, deaf-blind, hard of hearing or speech impaired may use the statewide relay system to reach Thurston County offices and departments to conduct their business telephonically. Relay users can simply dial 7-1-1 (or 1-800-833-6388) to connect with Washington Relay.