Court Administrator at City of Eastpointe – Eastpointe, Michigan

The Court Administrator is a high-level management position under the direction of Chief Judge James M. Biernat. The Court Administrator is responsible for all administrative functions of the court. Directs staff responsible for processing civil, traffic, criminal, small claims, and probation cases, providing security and fulfilling other non-judicial functions.

Responsible for research and planning, jury utilization, personnel, caseflow, fiscal and facilities management, as well as other administrative matters such as records and information systems management. The court is comprised of one (1) Judge, one (1 part-time) Magistrate and approximately 12 employees.

An employee in this position may be called upon to do any or all of the following functions. These examples do not include all the duties which the employee may be expected to perform. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactory.

1. Directs the activities of the District Court staff. Responsible for all personnel management and labor relations functions within the court, including employment, orientation, training, staff assignments, reviewing employee performance, disciplinary measures and grievance administration. Works on building a cohesive team with high sense of engagement amongst colleagues through addressing performance and instills accountability.
2. Establishes priorities, monitors and evaluates the effectiveness and efficiency of court programs. Develops and implements methods to improve services. Investigates, analyzes and resolves problems related to program coordination and operation.
3. Oversees the processing of legal documents and cash receipts and ensures compliance with applicable statutes, court rules and accepted accounting practices.
4. Prepares and presents the annual court budget subject to Chief Judge approval. Assists in the budget presentations and provides supporting documentation. Has responsibility for maintenance of accounting auditing systems and prepares reports on revenues and expenditures, ensuring proper management and distribution of funds. Also reviews and authorizes all court purchase orders/requisitions for materials, supplies and equipment, which frequently required vendor contact and interaction.
5. Identifies need for, and establishes or directs the development of, policies, standards and work procedures affecting all administrative areas of the court, including caseflow management, automated records information systems, jury management and space and equipment management.
6. Oversees jury utilization for the court, ensuring that adequate juror pools are available, jurors are summoned, and that effect orientation and training is provided to prospective juror. Oversees the preparation of payment vouchers for witnesses and jurors.
7. Plans, organizes and directs programs to provide required court services in accordance with court rules, applicable laws and policies. Determines organizational requirements and assigns personnel as needed to develop and maintain court programs. Responsible for periodically reviewing automated systems reports.
8. Confers with the Chief Judge and bench regarding case progress, backlogs and other concerns, recommending courses of corrective action as appropriate. Rectifies processing problems and mistakes, responds to employee procedural questions, addresses complaints and questions regarding court activities and procedures.
9. Regularly interfaces with attorneys, law enforcement representatives, funding unit and committees, other courts and the public. Explains court policy and procedures to promote cooperation and understanding of court activities.
10. Coordinates District court activities with other trial and appellate courts, law enforcement agencies, Prosecutor’s Office and other governmental agencies. Studies pending legislation and current decisions for their possible impact on the court and keeps the bench advised.
11. Oversees the maintenance of court employee personnel and payroll records. Includes approving and monitoring leave usage, processing personnel transactions such as promotions, step increases, insurance changes, etc. Also oversees the maintenance of court records, ensuring safe custody and storage.
12. Compiles data for required State Court Administrative Office's statistical reports.
13. Assumes the responsibilities of staff in their absence.
14. Performs related duties as assigned.

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, abilities and minimum qualifications necessary to perform the essential functions of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the job.

1. Possess a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in the field of Business Administration, Public Administration, Psychology, Criminal Justice or a related field.
2. A minimum of five (5) years of progressively more responsible court or legal experience.

Additional Desired Educational and Experience Qualifications

1. Master’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Psychology, Criminal Justice or related field, or a Juris Doctorate degree.
2. CEDP Fellowship through the National Center for State Court’s Institute for Court Management.
3. Previous supervisory experience within a union environment.
4. Previous district court experience.
5. Experience in project management.
6. Knowledge of JIS, OnBase, MiFile, and Zoom technology.
7. Working knowledge of grant application processes and proposal writing, as well as ability to compile grant reports and maintain accurate grant records.

The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Mobility to work in typical office setting and use standard office equipment; stamina to sit for extended periods of time; strength to lift and carry up to 20 pounds; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen, and hearing and speech to communicate in over the telephone,

Notice of At-Will Employment

All at-will employees of the 38th District Court serve at the pleasure of the Chief Judge James M. Biernat.

THE 38TH DISTRICT COURT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER