Family Case Manager

The Family Case Manager works with parties to understand the judicial process, assists them with the completion of court documents, and facilitates discussions between the parties. The Case Manager must maintain an understanding and working knowledge of the various statutes, administrative policies, rules, and procedures related to family court operations. Work is performed with considerable latitude for the exercise of independent judgment and initiative while maintaining an effective and cooperative working relationship with the staff, clerk and judicial officers of the court. The position is supervised by the Court Operations Manager with ongoing direction provided by the judge and magistrates of the Family Court.

The ideal candidate for the Case Manager position will bring strong professional, administrative, problem solving, and customer service skills. A high level of professionalism and confidentially is essential. This is a great opportunity for someone with professional experience in the fields of Family Services, Social Work, Counseling, Human Services, or Legal Services who is looking to have an impact in the Judicial system by becoming part of the Orleans court staff team.

Desired Skills

• Ability to work independently and effectively under time and workload demands
• Ability to exercise good judgment, tact and courtesy in dealing with people
• Ability to identify, analyze and resolve problems effectively
• Ability to communicate effectively, both oral and written

This is a permanent full-time position for a Family Case Manager in Newport, Vermont. This is a Judicial Branch position equivalent to pay grade 23. Starting salary is $28.05 per hour. The State of Vermont’s total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits that are worth about 30% of your total compensation.

Benefits:

• 80% State paid medical premium and a dental plan at no cost for employees and their families
• Work/Life balance: 12 vacation days earned per year, 12 sick leave days earned per year, 5 personal days earned per year, 14 paid holidays each year
• Two ways to save for your retirement: A State defined benefit pension plan and a deferred compensation 457(b) plan
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Flexible spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts
• Low-cost group life insurance
• Incentive-based Wellness Program
• Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

Minimum Requirements

Education: Bachelor's Degree Preferred

Experience: Two years or more in a judicial or legal setting above entry level

Graduate work in counseling or a related field may be substituted for the experience on a semester for six months basis. Completion of a one-year program in paralegal studies/mediation may be substituted for six months of experience.

Additional years of related judiciary experience, or experience as defined above may be substituted for a bachelor’s degree on a semester for six months basis.

Summary of Duties

• This position involves professional, administrative, problem solving and customer service work. This person will assist litigants to understand the judicial process and provide direction in the completion of court documents. A major part of this person’s work will be to help litigants identify issues to be resolved and facilitate the discussion and resolution of issues presented. 
• The person filling this position will assist the judge and magistrate by ensuring cases and/or litigants are prepared for hearing; ensure that the court is accessible to the pro se litigant; identify cases that require judicial attention; work with the judge to arrange alternative dispute resolution, evaluations, supervised parental contact and other services needed by families. 
• This person will conduct settlement or status conferences on child support, parentage, child contact matters and property and debt issues for divorce and civil unions. These conferences will facilitate settlement in cases where there is substantial agreement or narrow the issues for hearing where there is not. 
• The incumbent must maintain an understanding and working knowledge of the various statutes, administrative policies, rules and procedures related to family court operations and must maintain an effective working relationship with members of the legal profession and social service agencies in the community.
• This person will process cases, schedule cases, file court documents, docket their cases as needed, keep records of court proceedings, monitor statistics and perform related duties as necessary. 

Scheduled hours of work generally conform to public court hours, but assignments may extend beyond those hours to assist litigants and to meet with community organizations. Occasional travel to other courts within the State of Vermont may be required. Travel will be reimbursed according to State policies. This position will be eligible for longevity increases in accordance with the State step pay plan and annual cost of living increases as enacted by the Vermont State Legislature. Job Code # 26033

The State of Vermont celebrates diversity and is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect and meaningful inclusion that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills in all state government positions. The Judiciary is committed to maintaining a positive work environment that ensures all employees are treated with dignity, respect, and courtesy.