Administrative Specialist 4 - Civil Division

The New Jersey Judiciary is a 8,500-member team operating with high standards of independence, integrity, fairness, and quality service. This role contributes to meaningful work that impacts public trust in the court system, addressing issues like bail reform, marijuana decriminalization, and recovery court.

About the role

The Union Vicinage is seeking a highly motivated, dependable professional to serve as an Administrative Specialist 4 (AS4) in the Civil Division. Under the general direction of the Court Executive 2b (Civil Division Manager) or Court Executive 1b (Assistant Civil Division Manager), the AS4 will review court filings for compliance, mediate Civil Division cases, and provide case management assistance to the Presiding Judge for specialty case types. Experience in civil practice, litigation, dispute resolution, or prior experience as a court-appointed mediator or settlement agent is preferred. Familiarity working with a diverse, multilingual customer base is helpful.

Responsibilities

• Prepare for and convene mediation hearings, reporting results to the Court.
• Facilitate communication and information exchange between counsel and parties to resolve matters without trial or assist in trial preparation.
• Conduct settlement conferences in Civil Law and General Equity cases.
• Demonstrate persuasive communication, listening, negotiating, and creative thinking skills, along with an understanding of the litigation process.
• Review, interpret, and analyze written materials, and develop administrative control systems, policies, or procedures for efficient operations.
• Provide strong decision-making, direction, and feedback.
• Analyze cases in accordance with existing laws, regulations, or professional practices.
• Respond to complaints from employees, attorneys, litigants, or citizens.
• Explain Judiciary policies or procedures to clients or customers.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Regular and predictable physical presence at the worksite is an essential function of this position.

Qualifications

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree and four years of experience in professional case management and/or dispute resolution.

• Substitution: Applicants without the required education may substitute additional paraprofessional or professional experience on a year-for-year basis (one year of experience equals 30 semester-hour credits).
• An associate degree from an accredited college or university plus two years of additional paraprofessional or professional experience may substitute for a bachelor’s degree.
• A master’s degree from an accredited college or university may substitute for one year of experience.
• A law degree from an approved American Bar Association law school may substitute for two years of experience. Note: Only one substitution (master’s or law degree) may be used.

Education Note: Degrees conferred outside the United States must be evaluated by a recognized evaluation service (NACES).

Requirements

• Driver’s License: Required only if operating a vehicle is necessary for essential duties.
• Authorization to Work: U.S. citizenship is not required, but selected candidates must be authorized to work in the U.S.
• Background Check: Newly hired employees must consent to a thorough background check, including fingerprinting.
• Residency Law: Newly hired employees must establish and maintain principal residency in New Jersey within one year, per N.J.S.A. 52:14-7. Exemptions may be requested for hardship or employer critical need.

Pay

The salary range for this position is:

• Schedule A: $81,866.60 to $127,586.80
• Schedule B: $81,866.60 to $121,207.46

Newly hired individuals typically start at the minimum of the salary range. Current Judiciary employees receive a 5% base salary increase upon promotion or advancement, not exceeding the maximum of the range or the minimum of the band/level, whichever is greater.

Schedule Notes: Judiciary employees hired prior to June 3, 2014, are classified as Schedule A. Employees hired on or after June 3, 2014, are classified as Schedule B.

Schedule

The Judiciary offers a hybrid work schedule, with this position qualifying for up to 2 days of remote work outside Judiciary buildings. Participation requires high-speed home internet access and installation of a multifactor authentication app on a phone or tablet.