Court Services Officer 1/Court Services Officer Trainee

The Somerset/Hunterdon/Warren Vicinage is seeking a self-directed professional with strong communication, technical, organizational, and leadership skills for a Court Services Officer 1/Court Services Officer Trainee position in the Hunterdon Civil Division. The ability to work well in a team environment is essential. Note: The selected individual may be reassigned to Somerset, Hunterdon, or Warren counties if operational needs require it.

About the role

Under the direction of the Assistant Civil Division Manager (Court Executive 1B) and other supervisory personnel, the selected individual will manage case flow and/or monitor outcomes in Civil dockets from docketing through disposition.

Responsibilities

• Scheduling, facilitating, and maintaining case calendars.
• Reviewing continuances and adjournment requests and recommending further action.
• Moderating remote court events using multiple technology platforms.
• Communicating regularly with judges and chambers staff regarding case management processes.
• Communicating, verbally and in writing, with staff, attorneys, and self-represented parties.
• Assisting in the cross-training of coworkers in procedures and use of Judiciary information systems.
• Overseeing electronic filing systems and completing data entry to reduce case backlog.
• Scheduling all Civil/Special Civil and Chancery/Foreclosure matters before assigned judges to create appropriate calendar balance, including trials, conferences, oral arguments, post-judgment hearings, and return orders to show cause.
• Coordinating attorney availability for events scheduled before the Assignment Judge.
• Reviewing and interpreting statistical case data.
• Preparing and analyzing statistical reports to address overdue scheduling, undecided motions, backlog, clearance, unprocessed fees, and data entry.
• Monitoring discovery deadlines, cases, pleadings, and case management orders for compliance with court rules, statutes, and established practices.
• Other related duties as required.

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

Qualifications

Court Services Officer Trainee

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree.

Court Services Officer 1

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree.
• One year of paraprofessional experience in case management involving gathering, reviewing, and verifying case-related information, which shall have included one or more of the following:
  • Conducting investigations.
  • Monitoring casework flow.
  • Interviewing clients or customers for needed information.
  • Preparing investigative fact-finding reports.
  • Writing case notes or other case-related correspondence.

Applicants who do not possess the required education may substitute additional paraprofessional or professional experience on a year-for-year basis, with one year of such experience being equal to 30 semester hour credits. An associate degree from an accredited college or university and two years of additional paraprofessional or professional experience may be substituted for a bachelor’s degree.

Education Note: Degrees conferred outside of the United States must be evaluated by a recognized evaluation service. (https://naces.org/members/)

Supplemental Information

• Physical Ability: For some positions, applicants must have the ability to perform work which requires climbing and prolonged standing, stretching, bending, and reaching. Selected candidates may need to frequently lift and carry supplies weighing 30 to 50 pounds and occasionally materials weighing up to 75 pounds.
• Driver's License: Appointees will be required to possess a driver’s license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle is necessary to perform essential duties.
• Authorization to Work: US citizenship is not required. Selected candidate must be authorized to work in the US according to Department of Homeland Security, US Citizenship and Immigration Services regulations.
• Background Check: Newly hired employees must agree to a thorough background check that will include fingerprinting.
• Residency Law: In accordance with N.J.S.A. 52:14-7 (L. 2011, Chapter 70), all persons newly hired by the Judiciary within one year must establish and maintain principal residence in the State of New Jersey. Exemptions may be requested on the basis of hardship or employer critical need.

Schedule

The Judiciary currently offers a hybrid work schedule, and this position may qualify for up to 2 days of remote work outside of Judiciary buildings. To participate, you must have high-speed home internet access and install a multifactor authentication app on your phone or tablet.

Pay

Court Services Officer 1:

• Schedule A: $52,593.71 to $86,166.03
• Schedule B: $52,593.71 to $81,857.73

Court Services Officer Trainee:

• Schedule A: $50,776.88 to $80,037.83
• Schedule B: $50,776.88 to $76,035.93

For newly hired individuals, the starting salary will normally be at the minimum of the salary range. For current Judiciary employees, salary upon promotion or advancement will be an increase of 5% of base salary, not to exceed the maximum of the range, or the minimum salary of the band/level, whichever is greater.

Judiciary employees hired prior to June 3, 2014, are considered Schedule A. Newly hired individuals and Judiciary employees hired on or after June 3, 2014, are considered Schedule B.