Family Division Referee- Juvenile

Family Division Referee- Juvenile Third Judicial Circuit of Michigan - 4.0 Detroit, MI Job Details $102,606 a year 1 day ago Benefits Paid holidays Health insurance Dental insurance Vision insurance Loan forgiveness Retirement plan Qualifications Microsoft Excel Driver's License Productivity software

Bar Full Job Description SUMMARY:

Under the direction of the Chief Referee or Senior Referee, the Family Division Referee efficiently manages cases by conducting hearings and issuing well-reasoned recommendations in accordance with the law and Court policy. This role demands diligence, respect, and professionalism in ensuring the fair and timely resolution of Family Division matters. This is an at-will position serving at the pleasure of the Court which may unilaterally exercise the power to terminate your employment at any time, with or without cause.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Conducts hearings and issues recommended orders in Family Division cases, ensuring efficient case disposition and adherence to legal and court policies.
• Prepares clear, concise, and legally sound written reports summarizing testimony, findings, and recommended orders for the Court's review.
• Drafts proposed orders and recommendations.
• Participates in assigned court committees and engages with diverse communities served by the Court.
• Manages courtroom proceedings effectively and professionally.
• Recommends procedural and policy changes to management.
• Submits statistical reports in accordance with departmental guidelines.
• Reviews petitions to verify that legal criteria are met.
• Maintains consistent and reliable attendance requirements. (Courtroom, division/department office, or field assignment).
• Serves in either Family- Domestic or Family -Juvenile Division as assigned.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS, LICENSES and

CERTIFICATIONS

• Graduate of an accredited law school.
• Member of State Bar of Michigan in good standing. Five (5) years of legal practice, preferably in Juvenile Law, providing legal representation, including experience with diverse populations.
• Comprehensive knowledge of relevant statutes, case law, the Michigan Child Support systems and Court rules.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and experience with MS Office Suite and relevant court software and systems.
• If an employee drives on behalf of the Court, the employee must possess and maintain a valid Michigan driver's license, no fault insurance and access to a vehicle to use in the performance of assigned duties.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Ability to navigate family systems (human services, paternity, abuse/neglect, juvenile, child support, custody, immigration, etc.) family dynamics (cultural, geographic, economic, religious, etc.).
• Ability to respond clearly and logically to factual statements, laws, and arguments.
• Exceptional analytical skills to comprehend complex legal and factual details and apply the law to formulate sound recommendations to the Judge.
• Ability to perform in a manner consistent with the Michigan Code of Professional Responsibility.
• Ability to effectively communicate information and ideas with internal and external customers in lay terms.
• Ability to remain calm and effective in high-pressure situations.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with Directors, coworkers, employees, officials, and external contacts.
• Ability to understand and follow instructions, seeking clarification when needed.
• Strong issue identification and logical reasoning skills for effective problem resolution.
• Ability to communicate effectively in public forums.
• Proficiency in producing clear and concise reports, recommendations, and proposed orders.
• Excellent time management skills, with the ability to complete written orders and manage caseloads within specified guidelines
• Capacity to learn and apply Court processes and procedures.
• Demonstrated sound judgment and commitment to maintaining confidentiality.
• Ability to work with a diverse population and experience practicing with multiple family structures.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Successful completion of criminal and IV-D background check, fingerprinting, and rechecks.
• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the

U.S. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be able to lift 25 lbs.

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to the title. Incumbents may be required to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this description. Specific job duties vary from position to position. Grant funded positions are contingent on availability of grant funding and may be terminated should funding substantially reduce or cease. The affected employee may be considered as a candidate for other vacant positions within the Court for which they are qualified.

NOTES:

06/21/2013 Updated for content and format 11/26/2014 Updated Licenses, Certifications or Special Requirements 11/06/2017 Updated for content and format 05/29/2018 Updated for content 12/13/2018 Updated for content 9/15/2021 Updated for content 03/03/2025 Updated for content 03/04/2025 Updated for content 04/07/2025 Updated for content 04/08/2025 Updated for content 03/17/2026 Updated for content

ELIGIBILITY

: This examination is open to anyone who meets the minimum qualifications.

SELECTION

: Applications will be screened for compliance with eligibility requirements and minimum qualifications. Selection will be based on appropriate job-related criteria. Applicants who achieve a passing score on each portion of the screening process may be placed on the eligibility list.

NOTE :

Information provided on application forms and subsequent verification thereof may be used to determine applicant's qualifications for this position . Incomplete or illegible applications will not be considered . Faxed or emailed applications are not acceptable .

THE COURT MAY LIMIT FURTHER CONSIDERATION TO THE APPLICANTS WHOM APPEAR TO BE MOST QUALIFIED . SCREENING EXAMINATION COMPONENTS AND WEIGHTS

(Total 100% MAX-70% MIN) Evaluation of Training, Experience & Personal Qualifications Pass/Fail Interview 100%

APPLICATION PROCEDURE& DEADLINE

:

APPLICATIONS FOR THIS POSITION WILL ONLY BE ACCEPTED IN ELECTRONIC FORM THROUGH THE COURT'S WEBSITE

www.3rdcc.org . The direct link to this site: https://secure6.entertimeonline.com/ta/6051784.careers?

CareersSearch A valid email address is required to apply. Applicant will receive a confirmation after successful submission of the electronic application. An official copy of all transcripts/diplomas must be available at time of interview. Resumes may be included with the application form but may not be substituted for it. Applicants with disabilities may be entitled, under applicable State and Federal law, to reasonable accommodations to facilitate participation in the examination process. If you will require special accommodations because of a disability, please call (313) 224-7018.

POSTING :

This notice must be posted on all bulletin boards until the filing date has expired.

• AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

• Equal Employment Opportunity Policy The Court is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against otherwise qualified individuals on the basis of age, gender, race, religion, color, national origin, handicap/disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, height, weight or any other legally protected status.

The prohibition against employment discrimination may extend to conduct that employees are subjected to from vendors, contractors, customers, or others who enter the workplace. Unlawful discrimination may include, but is not limited to, employment actions related to recruitment, examination, transfer, appointment, training, promotion, or the administration of employee benefits. The Court is committed to complying with all applicable federal, state, and local laws that pertain to employment. In addition to wages, retirement plan, medical, dental, and vision benefits, the Court offers generous vacation time and has an extensive holiday schedule that includes paid end-of-year shut down. Additionally, employees of the Court may be eligible for forgiveness of their student loans under the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. More importantly, if you are service-oriented and have an interest in work that is closely connected to the community, employees of the Third Judicial Circuit of Michigan are rewarded with the satisfaction of participating in the provision of justice in Michigan's largest, most populous county.

Posted Dates:

3/17/2026- Until filled