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Director I - Support Hearing Officer Unit, Family Division, Domestic Relations
Job Code:2024-CP-134
Location:Common Pleas Court
Department:Family Division
FT/PT Status:Full Time
  
REQUIREMENTS

POSITION:   DIRECTOR I – Support Hearing Officer Unit
Court of Common Pleas, Family Division, Domestic Relations

(Open to promotion, transfer and new applicants)

 

SALARY:      $94,068 - $105,130 (G33)

FILING DEADLINE: CONTINUOUS

 

REQUIREMENTS:

  1. Member in good standing of the Bar of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania and five years of experience with an active law practice concentrating in the field of domestic relations law.

    OR

  2. Experience as a court employed attorney in the Domestic Relations Branch.

    OR

  3. Experience as a Judicial Law Clerk to a Family Court Judge.
  4. Experience as a Domestic Relations Hearing Officer is highly desirable.

    OR

  5. Equivalent combinations of training and experience providing the characteristics required to perform the essential functions of the class may substitute.
  6. Ability to perform the essential functions of the position.
  7. Covid-19 vaccination recommended.
  8. Must work on site (not remote).

 

GENERAL DEFINITION:

This is a highly responsible position serving in a quasi-judicial capacity as a Hearing Officer with the Domestic Relations Branch of Family Court, specifically to hear child support matters. The incumbent of this position also serves in an administrative capacity, supervising and directing the work of a team of Support Hearing Officers. This group conducts hearings and recommends decisions regarding child support under the guidance of the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure.

An employee in this class supervises a group of attorneys serving as Hearing Officers in support matters. A significant aspect of the work is the direction of the scheduling of cases, controlling the number of continuances, and reviewing any disputes resulting from decisions rendered by those Hearing Officers under his/her supervision. The position also supervises the clerical staff and the electronic recording of hearings. Administrative supervision and general legal direction is provided by an Administrative superior under the general supervision of the Administrative Judge, Family Division.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The following duties are normal for this position. They are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be assigned and required.

  • Manages the daily operation of the Hearing Officer Unit for support cases.
  • Serves on committees as appointed or requested by the Administrative Judge of the Family Division, the Supervising Judge of the Family Division, or their designee.
  • Makes presentations on behalf of the Domestic Relations Branch as requested by judicial and administrative superiors.
  • As a Hearing Officer in Support, conducts hearings involving parties engaged in child support litigation where no agreement could be reached during the mandatory office conference.

 

MARGINAL FUNCTIONS:

Performs related work as required.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • Thorough knowledge of the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure governing actions for child support and custody.
  • Thorough knowledge of statutory and case law relating to child custody and child support.
  • Thorough knowledge of the proper conduct of hearings held in accordance with Pennsylvania laws and Rules of Evidence.
  • Thorough knowledge of the preparation of legal documents and court orders.
  • Thorough knowledge of administrative organization and management principles, standards and goals.
  • Ability to exercise judgment and discretion in applying law to factual situations and support recommendations made by appropriate legal authority.
  • Ability to fairly and objectively rule on a multitude of cases that involve highly emotional issues.
  • Ability to present ideas effectively, both orally and in writing.
  • Ability to communicate effectively with clients, coworkers, subordinates and the judiciary.
  • Ability to supervise professional personnel.
  • Ability to represent the assigned unit in conference and meetings with private and public officials.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

 

PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL STANDARDS:

Ability to perform the essential functions of the position.

 

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

 Standard clerical office conditions.

The First Judicial District is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the First Judicial District will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective employees and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.