Summary Overview:

This is an unclassified shared position between Ross County Court of Common Pleas Probate and Juvenile Division and the General Division that serves at the pleasure of the Court. The incumbent will work 3 days a week (52 hours per pay) for the Probate and Juvenile Division and 2 days a week (28 hours per pay) for the General Division.

Probate and Juvenile Division:

The position under the Probate and Juvenile Division is responsible to assist the Judge and preside over court hearings in all types of juvenile and probate matters filed in the court. Position will issue orders and case decisions with findings of fact involving child support, custody, companionship, parentage, and other domestic cases under the court’s jurisdiction. The position will review and conduct Mental Illness hearings and preside over the Assisted Outpatient Program for the mentally ill. Incumbent will assist in abuse, neglect and dependency filings as well as unruly and delinquent cases.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct hearings and issue Decisions involving custody, companionship, child support, parentage and the establishment and enforcement of child support orders for the Child Support docket.
• Conduct hearings and issue Decisions on referred Probate Court cases and other     civil matters referred from the General Division.
• Prepare findings of facts, recommendations, and other legal documents for judicial review
• Conduct mental illness hearings on respondents in the affidavits filed in court.
• Responsible for the hearings and oversight of the Assisted Outpatient Treatment Program for the mentally ill.
• Conduct hearings and issue decisions on Juvenile Court cases involving abuse / neglect / dependency actions, unruly and delinquency cases as assigned.
• Conduct both in-person and remote hearings.
• Accepts calls from law Enforcement agencies after office hours, pursuant to Rule IV of the Ross County Juvenile Court.
• Responding to inquiries from various agencies and/or individuals (e.g., Judges, Court employees, attorneys, litigants, general public).
• Performing a variety of other duties related to this position as assigned by the Judge.

General Division:

This position is responsible for assisting the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas General Division with the review and disposition of domestic relations cases, civil stalking protection orders, and other assigned matters. This position requires the application of legal research and the Magistrate’s own knowledge and judgment to formulate recommendations to the Judges. Hearings are conducted by the Magistrate to obtain evidence and resolve disputes.

Essential Job Duties 

and Responsibilities:

• Preparing, organizing, and reviewing case files to determine appropriateness of relief requested, sufficiency of evidence presented and presence of necessary parties.
• Reviewing divorce decrees and other orders submitted to the Court for accuracy and appropriateness of order and making recommendations to the Judges.
• Scheduling and conducting hearings on domestic relations cases and civil stalking protection order cases to reach a settlement or full adjudication of disputes.
• Effectively managing a large case docket while maintaining work product of exceptional quality.
• Reviewing and researching legal issues and writing opinions and memoranda of law.
• Responding to inquiries from various agencies and/or individuals (e.g., Judges, Court employees, attorneys, litigants, general public).
• Performing a variety of other duties related to this position as assigned by the Judges.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities 

and requirements for both Courts:

• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with Judges, staff, Court employees, attorneys, litigants, outside agencies, and the public.
• Must be able to analyze and evaluate testimony and evidence and to make objective and fair decisions.
• Extensive knowledge of applicable and relevant laws and rules of practice and procedure.
• Proven organizational, analytical, and legal research skills, and attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to effectively manage a large case docket and produce work product of exceptional quality.
• Ability to complete assigned work without specific direction or instruction regarding manner of completion.
• Ability to work independently without daily supervision (e.g., docket management, conduct of hearings, formulation of recommendations).
• Ability to work effectively and in a professional manner when under stress and confronted with tight deadlines.
• Effective time management, reliability, and punctuality.
• Ability to maintain sensitive and confidential information.
• Ability to organize and prioritize duties.
• Professional appearance and demeanor at all times.
• Familiarity with the CSEA and Title IV-D preferred.

Education and Experience:

• Juris doctor (J.D.) degree and admission to the Ohio Bar with Certificate of Good Standing.
• A minimum of four (4) years in the active practice of law.

Working Environment and Physical Demands

• Office and courtroom environment located within a historical courthouse structure.
• Exposures encountered include disputing, belligerent, and potentially hostile litigants.
• Essential physical requirements consist of daily navigating multi-level courthouse, sitting, standing, typing, and occasional light lifting of up to 20 pounds.
• Travel as needed to maintain Ohio law license, participate with the Ohio Association of Magistrates, and complete all training requirements for magistrate position.

Applicant Requirements:

Qualified applicants may be required to submit to a criminal history background check and drug testing for employment. Proof of education and employment references will be required before final interview.

Submit resume to Cheri Smitley cherismitley@rosscountyohiocourts.gov