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City of Austin - JOB DESCRIPTION

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Community Court Judge
FLSA: Standard/Exempt EEO Category: (20) Professionals
Class Code: 11710 Salary Grade: MB6
Approved: Last Revised: February 23, 2018

Purpose:
 

Performs oversight and managerial duties for the Downtown Austin Community Court (“DACC”) as set forth in Article 4, Section 2-10-33 of the Austin City code and any other duties required by law. 
Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:
  Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.
  1. Maintains control over unique courtroom with a high percentage of defendants.
  2. Presides over pre-trial hearings and bench and jury trials for State misdemeanor violations, violations of City code, and any other cases within the jurisdiction of DACC.
  3. Rules on motions in community court cases. Interprets law and legislative issues for the court.
  4. Represents DACC at various community boards and commissions.
  5. Communicates with prosecutor and case managers regarding appropriateness and effectiveness of court sentencing and supervision of defendants. Meets with stakeholders concerned about court goals and progress in achieving those goals.
  6. Sets master courtroom docket. Oversees scheduling of all cases and activities of DACC.
  7. Assists with development of programs for court processing, including Information Technology (IT) needs of court, case management, court reporting, and accounting software.
  8. Provides input to establish and administer the organization, policies, and priorities of the court. Provides input for goals for the upcoming year for the DACC budget and business planning.
  9. Assists with the development and recommendation of the long-range plans for DACC. Assists with the preparation of the annual budget request for the department.
  10. Performs all other duties of an Associate Judge.
Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:
 

Limited supervision of courtroom staff and oversight of court management and operations.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.
  • Knowledge of judicial procedures.
  • Knowledge of civil and criminal law.
  • Knowledge of Municipal codes and State laws.
  • Knowledge of applicable processes, techniques, and methods.
  • Knowledge of Federal, State, and Local laws and ordinances as it applies to this position.Knowledge of City practice, policy, and procedures.
  • Knowledge of supervisory and managerial techniques and principles.
  • Skill in effective oral and written communication.
  • Skill in handling conflict and uncertain situations.
  • Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
  • Skill in using computers and related software applications.
  • Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
  • Ability to organize, interpret, and apply legal principles to complex legal problems.
  • Ability to direct and assign the work of others.
  • Ability to supervise personnel.
  • Ability to apply knowledge of criminal/civil law.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective communication and working relationships with City employees and the public.
  • Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
  • Ability to train others.
Minimum Qualifications:
 
  • Graduation from an accredited school of law, plus two (2) years of experience as a practicing attorney in the State of Texas.
  • Residency in the City of Austin for a period of not less than two (2) years immediately preceding appointment is required.
Licenses and Certifications Required:
 

Member in good standing of the State Bar of Texas.

This description is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty required of the position given this title and shall not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of management to assign, direct and control the work of employees under supervision. The listing of duties and responsibilities shall not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of similar kind or level of difficulty.