Municipal Court Services Manager

at  City of Yakima WA

Initial candidate eligibility is based on the job application and any accompanying documentation. It is the responsibility of the applicant to provide sufficient information and details within the body of the application (education and work experience sections) to permit the City of Yakima to properly evaluate the candidate’s qualification, abilities and experience as it relates to the requirements of the position. For calculation of experience, one year of experience equals 12 months with a minimum of 173.33 hours per month. Additional required documents must be attached. Resumes are not accepted in lieu of application fields.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Criminal Justice, or related field and five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in office administration, operations and/or records management in a judicial, legal or government environment, including two (2) years supervisory experience. High School Diploma or GED and an additional two (2) years of general experience may substitute for the education requirement. Experience working with elected officials and executive staff is highly desired. Certified Court Manager (CCM) facilitated by the National Center for State Courts is preferred.
Successful candidates must pass a background screening regarding applicant’s aptitude, character, judgment, credit, driving record and criminal history.

JOB SUMMARY

Exercising considerable independence this position is a City of Yakima division manager responsible for the administrative and program functions of the Yakima Municipal Court system.
This position directs and supervises the work of subordinate personnel involved in court administrative functions ensuring work is completed in compliance with all applicable laws, procedures and policies. Ensures the accuracy of court records and documents; and the effective utilization of court personnel and resources.
Work is performed under the general direction of the Municipal Court Judge, in conjunction with City administration. Performance is reviewed by the Municipal Court Judge, through observation, conferences and probationary/annual performance evaluations to ensure goals and objective are successfully and consistently achieved.

Plans, organizes and directs all functions of the Yakima Municipal Court including but not limited to: court-related programs and systems; financial systems and budgeting; clerical and administrative support services; and records management.
Supervises and participates in the work of the division, providing guidance, direction, oversight, and evaluation of subordinate staff. Assists with hiring; plans, coordinates and arranges staff training in safety, operational and technical skills; and develops staff providing professional leadership and ongoing development opportunities. Evaluates program and staff performance including but not limited to recommending hiring decisions and performing or recommending disciplinary action as necessary in compliance with City of Yakima policies and under the direction of the Municipal Court Presiding Judge. Responsible for ensuring probationary and annual performance evaluations are completely timely, professionally and proficiently.
Assists staff in resolving difficult or unusual situations and problems. Ensures performance, processes, and procedures are in compliance with all applicable laws, State and Federal regulations, City ordinances, policies, and sound financial practices.
Maintains high standards of professional ethics, upholding and promoting the independence, integrity, impartiality and the appearance of impropriety, that might impugn the dignity of the court.
Develops and administers short-term and long-term plans, goals and objectives for the Yakima Municipal Court system. Manages the court’s financial system, including annual budget preparation, account reconciliation, and cash flow/revenue analysis and projection.
Implements and manages all automated systems to ensure the Yakima Municipal Court is efficiently operated. Plans, develops and recommends integrated systems. Ensures proper court procedures are implemented and followed.
In conjunction with the Municipal Judges, assists in planning arraignments, court trials, jury trials, pre-trial hearings, mitigation/contested hearings and show-cause hearings. Responsible for the proper processing of court documents according to all applicable laws and procedures. Analyzes proposed and newly enacted legislation affecting the court and recommends adjustments as necessary.
Analyzes and solves complex problems including researching, proposing, developing, coordinating, writing and/or implementing guidelines, policies and procedures. Produces written and oral presentations for the purpose of making policy recommendations. Prepares various regular reports, including necessary statistical analysis for internal staff and outside agencies. Negotiates contracts for jury trial services.
Responsible for quality of contacts external to the court, such as the Yakima Police Department, public defenders and prosecutors, other City staff, Office of Administrator of the Court, State Auditor and various local law enforcement and/or social service agencies.
Contributes to the effective administration of City government by fostering an attitude among staff that encourages cooperation and coordination of efforts, productive time management, and efficient use of resources. Provides continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide exceptional customer service to internal and external customers.
Performs other related worked as required.
Requires regular and reliable attendance.