Court Services Officer - Juvenile Matters

About the role

Provide a full range of alternative dispute resolution, case management, and court-related administrative services for child protection cases at one or more Juvenile Matters court locations.

Responsibilities

• Manage court dockets
• Conduct conferences and pre-trials with parents, attorneys, and the Department of Children and Families
• Utilize mediation and negotiation skills to facilitate settlement of cases before trial that are in the best interests of the children
• Confer with the presiding judge to discuss status of cases and procedural issues
• Provide guidance for involved parties on legal issues, juvenile court procedures, and other social issues related to child protection
• Conduct emancipation investigations and prepare recommendations for the court
• Monitor cases for compliance with court-ordered expectations, continuance dates, and referrals for professional services
• Review written status reports from the Department of Children and Families and other agencies
• Coordinate with the Department of Children and Families, Office of the Attorney General, private and court-appointed counsel, and other related persons and agencies to ensure preparation for court hearings
• Assist in training new Court Service Officers
• Assist supervisor with special projects with statewide impact
• Perform related duties as required

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in the social sciences or a related field and three years of professional experience in social work, counseling, or human services related to child welfare or child development
• A Master's degree in the social sciences or a related field is preferred and may substitute for one additional year of the required experience
• Valid Connecticut motor vehicle operator's license and a motor vehicle available for daily use

Pay

Salary range: $98,284 - $123,848 per year. New employees begin at the minimum. The starting salary for existing state employees may be higher, in accordance with existing Judicial Branch policy.

Benefits

• Paid holidays, vacation, sick, and personal leave
• Group life insurance
• 457 Deferred Compensation plan
• Voluntary flexible spending account programs
• Discounted auto and home insurance policies
• Long- and short-term disability coverage