Assistant Register Of Probate - Hampden Probate & Family Court

Massachusetts Trial Court•Springfield, MO

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The employees in this position assist the Register of Probate in performing administrative and legal duties set forth in state statutes and court rules, and perform the duties of the Register in his or her absence. Work is performed under the direction of the Register of Probate. Supervision is exercised over support personnel within the Register's Office. An Assistant Register is appointed for a term of three years by the Register of Probate of the Division, with the approval of the Chief Justice of the Probate and Family Court Department, pursuant to G.L. Chapter 217, Section 23A. This position is designated as management position and is covered by the Trial Court Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual.

Requirements

Thorough knowledge of the Trial Court organization structure, functions, jurisdiction and authority of the court.
Thorough knowledge of relevant state statutes, rules and procedures which prescribe the powers and duties of the court, and an ability to interpret and apply them to the cases before the court.
Knowledge and ability to use computer software such as MS Office, including word processing, spreadsheets, data bases and Power Point.
Ability to maintain complex and accurate court records.
Ability to plan and supervise the work of professional and administrative staff.
Good communication skills and ability to maintain effective working relationships with court officials, attorneys, other employees and the public.
A Bachelor’s Degree; and knowledge, skills and abilities acquired through 6 or more years of relevant work experience in criminal justice, public administration or business administration including supervisory experience; or an equivalent combination of higher education and relevant experience equal to 10 years total.
OR
A law degree or a graduate degree in a relevant field (for example: criminal justice, public administration or business administration); and knowledge, skills and abilities acquired through 2 or more years of relevant work experience.

Responsibilities

Assists the Register with the administration, management and supervision of all locations of the Registry, including satellite offices if any.
Performs administrative tasks, including coordinating and participating in the hiring and promotion process, supervising the training of new employees, reviewing and evaluating work performance, and resolving employee conflict and problems.
Assists the Register in all matters concerning employee misconduct and the progressive discipline of Registry employees.
Assists the Register in the implementation and use of the MassCourts Case Management System and use of Departmental Case Management and Time Standards orders and procedures.
Performs other administrative functions as assigned by the Register of Probate including confidential administrative support duties.
Represents the Register and/or acts as liaison, if necessary, in meetings and conferences with administrative offices of the Trial Court, the Department of Revenue and other agencies and entities doing business with the Registry office.
Attends meetings and trainings at the request of the Register in order to assist in the development of uniform court policies and procedures among the divisions.
Assists the Registry and court staff in the interpretation and application of court rules, including reviewing pleadings to ensure that they comply with the General Laws of the Commonwealth and Rules of the Court and advising staff on legal issues pertaining to jurisdiction and venue.
Works with Registry staff to oversee and track appeals, assemble records, and communicate with the Appeals Court when necessary.
May authenticate papers and ensure the proper issuance of writs of capias, writs of ne exeat regno, mittimuses, habeus corpus, discharges from jail, executions, attachments and summonses to trustee.
May review requests for determination of indigency, take testimony of witness to prove will, approve bonds, administer oaths, and perform such other duties as are not performed by the Register.
Performs magisterial work under the Massachusetts Uniform Probate Code.