Court Program Specialist II

Why Youll Love This Role in the Florida Keys

• Work in Paradise: Spend your days cjust a stones throw from tropical ocean views swaying palm trees and lively island culture.

• Dynamic Environment:The Florida Keys court system handles a diverse range of casesso no two days are the same.

• Professional Growth:Collaborate with experienced judges attorneys and fellow court staff who value your expertise.

Position Overview

The essential function of this position within the Circuit is to assist judges and magistrates in the administration and timely disposition of cases in the civil probate guardianship family domestic violence and mental health divisions through case management case monitoring and program implementation. The employee in this position is responsible for providing information to and interacting with judges trial court staff attorneys litigants ancillary agency staff and the general public; reviewing filings; managing and preparing cases for court hearings; attending hearings and other trial court proceedings; maintaining a record/filing system; scheduling hearings; and performing related complex administrative support functions. The employee is also responsible for reviewing time standard reports and serving the court by reviewing court files for timely progression of cases.

Key Responsibilities

Although the work is performed under the close supervision of the Director of Case Management it requires independent judgment attention to detail consistent job performance reliability significant organization excellent communication skills and the ability to follow the limitations of service guidelines so that the unlicensed practice of law is not performed.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: CIRCUIT CIVIL DIVISION

Employees in this classification will be assigned to one or multiple divisions outlined below but will be cross-trained in all divisions to assist when necessary. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned and articulated by the Director of Case Management. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar related or a logical assignment to the position.

Duties and responsibilities relate to cases involving civil probate guardianship involuntary civil commitment of sexually violent predators and mental health cases.

Duties and Responsibilities - Court Program Specialist in the Circuit Civil Divison :

• • • Serve as point of contact for litigants and attorneys requesting information on procedural issues scheduling and processing of orders for civil probate guardianship and mental health cases;
    • Maintain positive interactions with judges trial court staff attorneys litigants clerks ancillary agency staff the general public and all other individuals involved in employees daily interactions to ensure a positive and productive working environment;
    • Serve as point of contact to initiate mental health Baker Act/Marchman Act Risk Protection Order or involuntary placement procedures once new petitions have been filed with the Clerk.
    • Monitor compliance with Jimmy Ryce cases and provide reports to assigned judge;
    • Monitor and determine case status and schedule hearings; determines whether to set a case management conference or appropriate hearing or proceed without a hearing and prepare appropriate court order notice or correspondence;
    • Provide assistance to judges in the management of their assigned caseloads;
    • Review and compiles information for the judges on pertinent issues regarding the status of open cases in the circuit and advises the assigned judge of cases requiring attention;
    • Manage and prepare cases for court hearings by preparing historical summations and provide corresponding cases and other documentation pertinent to the case and/or litigants;
    • Prepare and maintain court dockets attend court hearings take notes compose and prepare appropriate orders based on rulings and provide information to the Court as needed;
    • Prepare and process Reports and Recommendations for cases set in front of the General Magistrate;
    • Serve as the point of contact for cases being heard before the General Magistrate;
    • Coordinate the 6-month calendar dates for civil for the General Magistrate;
    • Make copies address envelopes and distribute correspondence and court orders judgments and reports as necessary;
    • Monitor and communicate with the Clerk of Court regarding the issuance of Clerks Memorandums to the Judge in probate cases that are in violation of time standards. Issue 15-day notices accordingly;
    • Monitor compliance with probate 15-day Notice and set compliance hearings if necessary;
    • Answer phone calls emails and correspondence from litigants attorneys and the general public regarding case status information and procedures;
    • Prepare proper notices and orders as directed by the judges;
    • Provide coverage for other court personnel located within the circuit when needed;
    • Participate in councils and workgroups to exchange information solve problems and coordinate services.
    • Attend and/or conduct staff and other professional meetings to train/provide information;
    • Maintain daily monthly and yearly statistics regarding the volume of cases handled by the program;
    • Perform clerical support tasks such as correspondence; create and maintain record systems for efficient case management;
    • Attend professional seminars or conferences to improve skills and knowledge;
    • Perform all other duties assigned and articulated by the Director of Case Management.

QUALIFICATIONS:

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.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

Bachelors Degree in public administration business administration criminal justice psychology sociology or a closely related field and three years of professional administrative analytical related experience is preferred; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Knowledge of court procedures is preferred.

A Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school may substitute for two years of the recommended experience.

Ability to handle matters with the professional manner required of court employees. Ability to communicate clearly both orally and in writing with proficient spelling and grammar. Ability to concentrate and perform job duties in a stressful working environment. Ability to use a personal computer and navigate common software programs.

SKILLS:

LANGUAGE SKILLS: Ability to read analyze and interpret general business periodicals professional journals technical procedures or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports business correspondence and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond professionally to questions from groups of managers clerks clients customers and the general public.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS: Ability to calculate figures using addition subtraction multiplication and division. May compute ratios rates and percentages.

REASONING ABILITY: Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written oral diagram or schedule form.

CERTIFICATIONS LICENSES REGULATIONS:

Notary Public or be able to obtain a Notary Public Commission within three months of hire.

Valid Drivers License in order to travel to all court facilities within the circuit.