Pro-Tempore Court Commissioner - Dependency

King County   Seattle, WA   Full-time     Legal Services
Posted on November 16, 2024
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Salary

$119.15 Hourly

Location

Multiple locations in King County, WA

Job Type

Short Term Temporary, Part Time, Std Wkly Hrs Vary

Job Number

2024-23210

Department

KCSC - Superior Court

Opening Date

11/15/2024

Closing Date

12/8/2024 11:59 PM Pacific

FLSA

Exempt

Bargaining Unit

Z5C : Superior Court Commissioners

Full- or Part-Time

Part Time

Summary



King County Superior Court is accepting applications for Pro-Tempore Commissioners to support Dependency calendars. Pro-Tempore Commissioners play a critical role in the Court's mission to equitably serve the diverse public by administering justice through accessible, inclusive, and unbiased forums for the fair, understandable, and timely resolution of legal matters .

This recruitment will supplement Superior Court's list of Pro Tempore Commissioners. Current Pro Tempore Commissioners for Dependency calendars will remain on the Court's list and are not required to submit a new application.

Please note King County Superior Court is also currently accepting applications for Pro-Tempore Commissioners to support Family Law/Protection Order calendars. Qualified applicants may apply for those positions at www.kingcounty.gov/jobs . Separate applications are required for the Family Law/Protection Order and Dependency calendars.

The hourly pay rate for Commissioners Pro-Tempore is $119.15.

Who may apply: This position is open to attorneys licensed to practice in Washington State.

Work Schedule: The Commissioner Pro-Tempore is an intermittent, temporary position, filling in when a sitting judicial officer is unavailable. The hours of work are typically between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday but may include additional hours for preparation and entry of orders outside of those hours.

Work Location: These positions may serve in any of the King County Superior Court facilities: King County Courthouse - 516 3rd Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104; Clark Children and Family Justice Center- 1211 East Alder Street, Seattle, WA 98122 ; Maleng Regional Justice Center - 401 4th Avenue N., Kent, WA 98032. They will primarily be at the Clark Children and Family Justice Center and the Maleng Regional Justice Center.

Required Application Materials:
  1. You must completely fill out the on-line application with your relevant education and work experience. Applications that state "see my resume" are considered incomplete and will not be accepted.
  2. You must include a resume and a letter of interest describing how you meet or exceed the requirements of the position. These materials are supplemental to your application.
  3. You must complete and attach the following:
  • Confirmation of Citizenship form, per RCW 2.24.010
  • WSBA Release
  • Criminal Records Background Check form
Electronic versions of these documents may be found at the link below: Job opportunities - Superior Court - King County, Washington

Job Duties



In accordance with RCW 2.24.040 and RCW 26.12.060 the Pro-Tempore Dependency/FTC/ARY/CHINS and Truancy Commissioner's duties include presiding over matters pertaining to Dependency and Termination cases as defined in RCW Chapter 13.34; and performing other related duties as assigned by the Presiding Judge or Dependency Lead Judge, when a sitting judicial officer is unavailable. These duties include, but are not limited to:
  • Efficiently and effectively conduct shelter care hearings and determine shelter care.
  • Address and incorporate requirements and procedures of state and federal Indian Child Welfare Act.
  • Determine safe and appropriate placement of children, visitation, and services for families.
  • Conduct Review and Permanency Plan Hearings, making findings of compliance and progress regarding parents of children in dependency, Extended Foster Care, and Legally Free status.
  • Issuance of Restraining Orders under RCW Chapter 26.44.
  • Review and authorize warrants and pick-up orders.
  • Review and rule upon procedural and substantive motions.
  • Issuance of Agreed Dependency Orders and Termination of Parental Rights based on Publication.
  • Conduct Disposition hearings.
  • Conduct hearings regarding Special Immigrant Juvenile Status and Vulnerable Youth Guardianships.
  • Conduct court proceedings remotely utilizing the Zoom videoconferencing application.
  • Participate in staffing and conduct hearings and proceedings in Family Treatment Court.
  • Efficiently and effectively preside over At-Risk Youth and Child in Need of Services hearings and fact-findings.

Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills



Required Qualifications - Pro Tempore Commissioner (Dependency Calendar):
A minimum of five years of experience in the area of dependency under RCW Title 13 is required, as is familiarity with King County Juvenile Court rules, policies, and practices. For attorneys currently practicing dependency with caseloads at or above 25% of their practice, applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis to address potential issues with conflicts, appearance of fairness, and records access. Familiarity with RCW Chapter 13.32A (ARY/CHINS) and/or truancy under RCW 28A.225.090, as well as offender work, is desirable.

Additional Required Qualifications
Applicants must meet the requirements of RCW 2.24.010. Membership in good standing with the Washington State Bar Association, with no history of discipline by the Washington State Bar Association, is required. Must be able to use a personal computer, Microsoft Office programs, and the Zoom videoconferencing application.

Knowledge of the judicial system, including dependency law in RCW Chapter 13.34 and King County local rules, statutes, legal principles and case precedents, court procedures, King County Superior Court protocols and King County Superior Court calendaring practices is required.

The ability to objectively identify, analyze and interpret legal issues, principles and arguments; direct and control courtroom proceedings in a decisive, orderly, equitable and trauma-informed manner is required. A successful candidate will be able to communicate orally and in writing in a concise, professional, and effective manner, exercise appropriate judicial temperament and demeanor, and effectively handle pressure in difficult and unexpected situations by responding in a calm, trauma informed and rational manner.

The ability to effectively manage a high-volume court calendar within appropriate time frames, including the requisite reading and preparation, is required. Knowledge and experience with therapeutic court models and practice, as well as recovery frameworks within the child welfare system is preferred but not required.

The ability to proficiently use court-based technology programs, including KC Script, KCMS, ShareFile, and E-Filing is required.

Supplemental Information



Necessary special requirements: The ability to reliably travel throughout the county is required. Finalists are subject to the Washington State Patrol criminal background check and a reference check. Criminal background records are not automatically disqualifying.

Selection process: Application materials will be screened for qualifications and offers will be made to the most competitive candidates.

Union membership: These positions are not represented by a union.

If you have questions regarding this position, please call King County Superior Court Human Resources at 206-477-7641.



King County offers a highly-competitive compensation and benefits package designed to meet the diverse needs of our employees and support our employees' health and well-being. Eligible positions receive the following benefits and have access to the following programs:
  • Excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage options: King County provides eligible employees with options, so they can decide what's best for themselves and their eligible dependents
  • Life and disability insurance: employees are provided basic coverage and given the opportunity to purchase additional insurance for both the employee and eligible dependents
  • Retirement: eligible King County employees may participate in a pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems and a 457(b) deferred-compensation plan
  • Transportation program and ORCA transit pass
  • 12paid holidays each year plus twopersonal holidays
  • Generous vacation and paid sick leave
  • Paid parental,family and medical, and volunteer leaves
  • Flexible Spending Account
  • Wellness programs
  • Onsite activity centers
  • Employee Giving Program
  • Employee assistance programs
  • Flexible schedules and telecommuting options, depending on position
  • Training and career development programs
For additional information about employee benefits, visit our Benefits, Payroll, and Retirement Page .

This is a general description of the benefits offered to eligible King County employees, and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. If any information on this document conflicts with the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), the CBA prevails.

NOTE: Benefits for Term Limited Temporary (TLT) or Short Term Temporary (STT) positions, including leave eligibility and/or participation in the pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems, will vary based upon the terms and details of the position.Short Term Temporary positions are not eligible for an ORCA transit pass.

For inquiries about the specifics of this position, please contact the recruiter identified on this job posting.