Closing Date: 10th November, 2026

Description:

Job Summary:
Conducts hearings as allowed by Michigan State statute and administrative orders, performs related work as assigned, and makes decisions as the law allows or makes recommendations for the Judge from hearings conducted by the Referee.

Examples of Duties:
Essential Duties:

Conducts a variety of preliminary, review and dispositional hearings and emergency admissions to detention. Makes final decisions regarding authorization of petition acceptance of releases or consents in adoption. Makes findings and recommendations for the Judge in all other matters.
Performs legal research of statutes, case law, Attorney General opinions, court rules, jury instructions, guidelines and other documents related to delinquency, abuse, neglect and other areas of the juvenile justice system and child welfare for the purpose of hearings, or for assistance to the Judge or Juvenile Court staff.
Prepares a variety of written motions, memoranda and correspondence and other written documentation for the purpose of hearings, or for assistance to the Judge or Juvenile Court staff.
May advise the Judge on substantive and procedural policies of the Court, may represent the Court in community activities.
Performs a variety of related judicial office support work such as maintaining records and files and preparing reports related to the work of the Court.
Important Duties:
Operates standard office equipment, including a computer terminal. May be required to drive a County vehicle or own vehicle to various work sites.
Performs related work as assigned.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by personnel so classified.

Employment Qualifications:
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Principles and practices of juvenile, domestic relations law.
Legal research principles, techniques and resources.
Applicable federal and state laws and constitutional provisions.
Rules of evidence
Techniques of legal report, brief and opinion writing.
Computer applications related to the work.
Basic administrative and case management principles.
Basic supervisory principles and practices.
Performing detailed and complex legal research.
Interpreting, applying and explaining complex laws, regulations, opinions and court decisions.
Time management, strong organizational skills, and ability to direct proceedings in courtroom setting.
Training others in work procedures.
Organizing work, setting priorities, meeting critical deadlines and following up on work with minimal supervision.
Using tact, discretion, initiative and independent judgment within established guidelines.
Preparing clear, concise and effective written opinions, correspondence and other written materials.
Organizing and maintaining accurate files and records.
Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.

Licenses/Certifications:
Must be licensed to practice law in the State of Michigan. Specific positions require working weekends and on an on-call basis.

Physical Demands:

Duties require sufficient mobility to work in a normal office setting and use standard office equipment including a computer, vision to read printed materials and a computer screen and hearing and speech sufficient to communicate in person or over the telephone.
These requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodations.

Education:
Possession of a Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school and membership in the Michigan State Bar.

Experience:

Three (3) years in the active practice of law which has included child welfare/child protective proceedings and/or juvenile justice cases.
This class description intends to identify the major duties and requirements of the job and should not be interpreted as all inclusive. Incumbents may be requested to perform job-related duties other than those outlined above and may be required to specific job-related knowledge for successful job performance.