Magistrate

Location:

Hamilton County is one of Indiana’s fastest growing, highest educated and wealthiest counties in the state and the Midwest. Two-thirds of the workforce lives and works in the county -- a percent that has remained constant since 2010.  Hamilton County is continually recognized in rankings ranging from “Best Cities to Relocate To” and “Best City to Raise a Family” to “Healthiest County in Indiana” and “Happiest Suburbs in the Nation”.  Come be a part of all Hamilton County has to offer as we work together to serve the citizens of Hamilton County.

Job Description:

POSITION:  Magistrate

DEPARTMENT:  Court Administration        

WORK SCHEDULE: As assigned

STATUS:  Full-time

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

Applicants must provide a cover letter and resume in a single pdf file

To perform this position successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed in this document are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Incumbent serves as Magistrate for the Hamilton County Courts.

DUTIES:

Conduct hearings of all types as assigned by the supervising judge, including criminal hearings such as preliminary, initial, omnibus, or other pretrial hearings, and civil case-type hearings such as dissolution of marriage, paternity, guardianship, and protective order. Conducts evidentiary hearings or trials and receives jury verdicts.

Take and certify affidavits or depositions, order issuance of subpoenas, compel attendance of witnesses, punish contempt of court, issue warrants, set bail, and enforce court rules.

Report findings in evidentiary hearings, trials, and/or jury verdicts to the court. Verify certificates for the authentication of records of a proceeding conducted by the Magistrate.  Enter final orders, conduct sentencing hearings, and impose sentences when the Magistrate presides at a criminal trial.

Review memoranda and files in regard to hearings, discussions with judges, probation officers, attorneys, and/or caseworkers as needed.

Perform other duties as allowed by law, including, but not limited to, administering an oath or affirmation.

Serve as a judge pro tempore or as a special judge as required.

Serves a 7-day, 24-hour on-call status in rotation with all other elected judges and magistrates for emergencies.

Serves as judge for night court in rotation with all other magistrates.

Supervises and manages assigned court reporter and/or any other staff as assigned to them.

Performs related duties as assigned.

I.  JOB REQUIREMENTS AND DIFFICULTY OF WORK:

Possession of a Doctor of Jurisprudence degree and admission to practice of law in the State of Indiana.

Thorough knowledge of and ability to interpret and apply federal, state and local laws and ordinances to various specific situations and circumstances.

Thorough knowledge of legal terminology and standard legal documents and forms.

Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing with judges, probation officers, caseworkers, law enforcement personnel, and the public, including being sensitive to professional ethics, gender, cultural diversities, and disabilities.

Working knowledge of standard English grammar, spelling and punctuation, and standard office procedures.

Ability to provide public access to or maintain confidentiality of court information and records according to state requirements. 

Ability to comply with all court policies and work rules, including but not limited to attendance, safety, drug-free workplace, and personal conduct.

Ability to competently serve the public with diplomacy and respect.

Ability to occasionally work extended, weekend, and evening hours, and periodically travels out of town, sometimes overnight.

Ability to appropriately respond to emergencies on a 24-hour basis.

II.  DIFFICULTY OF WORK:

Incumbent applies a broad scope of laws, rules and regulations to, and oversees court proceedings and legal procedures.  Independent judgment is needed in adaptation of statutory law, case law, general guidelines, and accepted procedures to meet specific situations and to best fit contradictory or complex circumstances. 

III.  RESPONSIBILITY:

Incumbent makes a major contribution to the development, administration and implementation of court determinations and legal actions.  Supervisory review is minimal and generally restricted to outlining general policy and results desired. 

IV.  PERSONAL WORK RELATIONSHIPS

Incumbent maintains frequent contact with judges, probation officers, caseworkers, law enforcement personnel, and the public for the purpose of exchanging information, resolving problems, and conducting judicial proceedings.

Incumbent serves at the pleasure of the elected judges of Hamilton County.

V.  PHYSICAL EFFORT AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Incumbent performs duties in standard office environment and in a courtroom, with little or no unusual physical demands associated with normal activities.  Incumbent may be exposed to irate or uncooperative individuals.

Incumbent occasionally works extended and/or evening hours and serves a 7-day, 24-hour on-call status in rotation with all other elected judges and magistrates for emergencies.

APPLICANT/EMPLOYEE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The job description for the position of Magistrate for Hamilton County describes the duties and responsibilities for employment in this position.  I acknowledge that I have received this job description, and understand that it is not a contract of employment.  I am responsible for reading this job description and complying with all job duties, requirements and responsibilities contained herein, and any subsequent revisions.

Hamilton County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We participate in E-Verify.