Municipal Judge

CITY OF TEGA CAY, SOUTH CAROLINA JOB DESCRIPTION JOB TITLE

MUNICIPAL

JUDGE MUNICIPAL COURT GENERAL STATEMENT OF JOB

Performs professional judicial duties for the Municipal Court to interpret, apply and enforce local ordinances and applicable State laws by presiding over Municipal Court pre-trials, trials, hearings and other judicial proceedings, and to supervise Court staff. Reports to the City Manager.

To formally apply:

Please visit https://tegacaysc.org/1214/Human-Resources

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

The list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this position title. The omission of an essential function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed herein if such functions are a logical assignment to the position. Supervises, directs, and evaluates assigned staff: develops and oversees employee work schedules to ensure adequate coverage and control; compiles and reviews timesheets; approves/processes employee concerns and problems and counsels or disciplines as appropriate; assists with or completes employee performance appraisals; directs work; acts as a liaison between employees and management; and trains staff in operations, policies, and procedures. Organizes, prioritizes, and assigns work: prioritizes and schedules work activities in order to meet objectives; ensures that subordinates have the proper resources needed to complete the assigned work; monitors status of work in progress and inspects completed work; consults with assigned staff to assist with complex/problem situations and provide technical expertise; provides progress and activity reports to management; and assists with the revision of procedure manuals as appropriate. Presides over Municipal Court for all City matters, criminal jury and non-jury trials, pre-trial conferences, hearings, and other judicial proceedings tried in

Municipal Court:

maintains Court docket; makes determinations regarding information and requests presented to the Court, such as requests for continuances, bond amounts, admissibility of evidence, innocence or culpability, and other issues; and ensures proper documentation of all Court decisions. Imposes fines and jail sentences to those defendants found guilty not exceeding the limits set forth in state law and local ordinance: and ensures equity and uniformity in the application of existing laws and ordinances. Issues arrest warrants, bench warrants, search warrants, subpoenas and summons as requested and required in conformance with established laws, rules and judicial standards. Supervises jury notification and trial activities: monitors and directs the administration of juror notification; directs jurors in trial cases; and explains the jury's role in the interpretation and application of the law.

Prepares appeals as needed:

monitors returns from the Municipal Court to the Court of Common Pleas; and prepares written report and explanation of the charges preferred, the testimony, the proceedings and the sentence or judgment. Reviews legislation and current case law affecting offenses and the criminal justice system: evaluates and implements procedures to ensure compliance; performs legal research as needed; and determines and updates fine amounts as required. Collaborates with the City Manager, City Council and City Departments to ensure existing and pending policies, ordinances and orders are within the parameter of established laws, rules and regulations: and provides advice and direction and makes recommendations regarding the same. Processes a variety of documentation associated with departmenUdivision operations, within designated timeframes and per established procedures: receives and reviews various documentation; reviews, completes, processes, forwards or retains as appropriate; prepares or completes various forms, reports, correspondence, and other documentation; compiles data for further processing or for use in preparation of department reports; and maintains computerized and/or hardcopy records. Operates a personal computer to enter, retrieve, review or modify data, utilizing word processing, spreadsheet, database, presentation, Internet, e-mail, or other software; and operates general office or other equipment as necessary to complete essential functions. Communicates with City officials, other City employees, attorneys, defendants, plaintiffs, witnesses, law enforcement, the public, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, or resolve problems.

ESSENTIAL SAFETY FUNCTIONS

It is the responsibility of each employee to comply with established policies, procedures and safe work practices. Each employee must follow safety training and instructions provided by the City's Safety and Risk Manager. Each employee must also properly wear and maintain all personal protective equipment required for their job. Finally, each employee must immediately report any unsafe work practices or unsafe conditions as well as any on the-job injuries or illnesses. Every manager/supervisor is responsible for enforcing all safety rules and regulations. In addition, they are responsible for ensuring that a safe work environment is maintained, safe work practices are followed and employees are properly trained.

ADDITIONAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Performs related duties as required.

MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

Associate degree in criminal justice or a related field required; supplemented by five years of experience in criminal justice, law enforcement, or related field, to include lead or supervisory experience; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.

Specific License or Certification Required:

Must possess and maintain a valid South Carolina driver's license. Must obtain required training and certification from the State within one-year of hire.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS OR STANDARDS REQUIRED TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Physical Requirements:

Must be physically able to operate a variety of automated office machines including computer, adding machine, copier, etc. Must be physically able to exert up to ten pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. Position involves standing for periods as well as sedentary work. May involve reaching and stooping. Must be able to lift and/or carry weights of up to twenty-five pounds.

Data Conception:

Requires the ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable, functional, structural or compositional characteristics (whether similar to or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people or things.

Interpersonal Communication:

Requires the ability of speaking and/or signaling people to convey or exchange information. Includes receiving of information and instructions from supervisor.

Language Ability:

Requires the ability to read a variety of documents and reports. Requires the ability to prepare documents, and reports using proper format, punctuation, spelling and grammar. Requires the ability to communicate with co-workers, supervisors and the public, etc. with poise, voice control and confidence.

Intelligence:

Requires the ability to apply principles of rational systems such as secretarial science in order to solve problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exits; to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagrammatic or schedule form.

Verbal Aptitude:

Requires the ability to record and deliver information and to follow oral and written instructions.

Numerical Aptitude:

Requires the ability to add and subtract totals, to multiply and divide, to determine percentages and decimals, to determine time. Must be able to use practical applications of fractions, percentages, ratio and proportion.

Form/Spatial Aptitude:

Requires the ability to inspect items for proper length, width and shape, and visually read various information.

Motor Coordination:

Requires the ability to coordinate hands and eyes rapidly and accurately in using automated office equipment and communications machinery.

Manual Dexterity:

Requires the ability to handle a variety of items including computer keyboards, office equipment, control knobs, switches, etc. Must have minimal levels of eye/hand/foot coordination.

Color Discrimination and Visual Acuity:

Requires the ability to differentiate colors and shades of color; requires the visual acuity to determine depth perception, peripheral vision, inspection for small parts; preparing and analyzing written or computer data, etc.

Interpersonal Temperament:

Requires the ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions. Must be adaptable to performing under minimal stress when confronted with an emergency or tight deadline.

Physical Communication:

Requires the ability to talk and hear: (talking: expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words; hearing: perceiving nature of sounds by ear).

PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

Knowledge of Job:

Is knowledgeable in the methods, policies and procedures of the Department and City pertaining to specific duties of the Municipal Judge. Is knowledgeable in the laws, ordinances, standards and regulations pertaining to the specific duties and responsibilities of the position. Has knowledge of the organization of the City and of related departments and agencies. Has the ability to comprehend, interpret and apply regulations, procedures and related information. Has excellent paralegal, secretarial, customer service and clerical skills. Has knowledge of the administrative functions of a law enforcement department and court department. Has knowledge of modern office practices and equipment. Has knowledge of and skill in the maintenance of efficient filing systems. Has knowledge of proper English usage, vocabulary, punctuation and spelling; has knowledge of basic mathematics. Is able to use computers for data processing and records management. Has knowledge of various police, legal and court documents associated with assigned activities and is able to prepare and/or process such documents in an accurate and timely manner. Is able to type accurately at a rate sufficient for the successful performance of assigned duties. Knows how to operate and maintain a variety of office equipment as necessary in the performance of daily activities. Is skilled in applying a responsible attention to detail as necessary in preparing reports and correspondence. Is able to read and interpret various materials pertaining to the responsibilities of the job. Is able to maintain confidentiality as required. Is able to take the initiative to complete the duties of the position without the need of direct supervision. Is able to use independent judgment in performing routine tasks. Has the ability to plan, organize and prioritize daily assignments and work activities. Is able to offer assistance to fellow employees as necessary. Has the ability to learn and utilize new skills and information to improve job performance and efficiency. Knows how to perform duties in a courteous manner and with the utmost integrity in the best interest of the public. Is capable of working under stressful conditions as required. Knows how to react calmly and quickly in emergency situations.

Quality of Work:

Maintains high standards of accuracy in exercising duties and responsibilities. Exercises immediate remedial action to correct any quality deficiencies that occur in areas of responsibility. Maintains high quality communication and interaction with internal and external entities with whom the position interacts.

Quantity of Work:

Performs described Essential Functions and related assignments efficiently and effectively in order to produce quantity of work which consistently meets established standards and expectations.

Dependability:

Assumes responsibility for completing assigned work. Completes assigned work within deadlines in accordance with directives, policy, standards and prescribed procedures. Maintains accountability for assigned responsibilities in the technical, human and conceptual areas.

Attendance:

Attends and remains at work regularly and adheres to policies and procedures regarding absenteeism and tardiness. Provides adequate notice to higher management with respect to vacation time and leave requests.

Initiative and Enthusiasm:

Maintains an enthusiastic, self-reliant and self-starting approach to meet job responsibilities and accountabilities. Strives to anticipate work to be accomplished, and initiates proper and acceptable action for the completion of work with a minimum of supervision and instruction.

Judgment:

Exercises analytical judgment in areas of responsibility. Identifies issues or situations as they occur and specifies decision objectives. Identifies or assists in identifying alternative solutions to issues or situations. Implements decisions in accordance with prescribed and effective policies and procedures and with a minimum of errors. Seeks expert or experienced advice where appropriate and researches issues, situations and alternatives before exercising judgment.

Cooperation:

Accepts supervisory instruction and direction and strives to meet the goals and objectives of same. Questions such instruction and direction when clarification of results or consequences are justified, i.e., poor communications, variance with established policies or procedures, etc. Offers suggestions and recommendations to encourage and improve cooperation intra- and inter-departmentally. Relationships with

Others:

Shares knowledge with managers, supervisors and co-workers for mutual benefit. Contributes to maintaining high morale among all employees. Develops and maintains cooperative and courteous relationships inter- and intra-departmentally, and with external entities with whom the position interacts. Tactfully and effectively handles requests, suggestions and complaints in order to established and maintain good will. Emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive image.

Coordination of Work:

Plans and organizes daily work routine. Establishes priorities for the completion of work in accordance with sound time-management methodology. Avoids duplication of effort. Estimates expected time of completion of work elements and establishes a personal schedule accordingly. Attends required meetings, planning sessions and discussions on time. Implements work activity in accordance with priorities and estimated schedules.

Safety and Housekeeping:

Adheres to all established safety and housekeeping standards. Ensures such standards are not violated.

To formally apply:

Please visit https://tegacaysc.org/1214/Human-Resources

DISCLAIMER

This job description is not an employment agreement or contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice.

Pay:

$69,520.00 - $97,334.00 per year

Benefits:

Dental insurance Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Retirement plan Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person