Court Administrator

City of Lakewood•Lakewood City Hall, WA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Under the direction of the Municipal Court Judge and consultation with the City Manager, the Court Administrator has the overall responsibility for developing, implementing, and administering court and probation services policies and rules; managing court and probation personnel, budgetary matters, planning, accounting, records, and reports; and coordinating the efforts of partner agencies as related to municipal court and probation services activities. The Court Administrator serves as an active member of the Municipal Court’s therapeutic court teams and will either have or be required to receive certifications of Certified Court Manager (CCM) and Certified Court Executive. The Court Administrator will also be expected to be an active member in good standing of the District and Municipal Court Managers’ Association (DMCMA) and has a working knowledge of Washington State Court Rule General Rule (GR) 29 and a commitment to the rule of law and judicial independence in assisting the Presiding Judge.

Requirements

Bachelors degree in public or business administration, criminal justice, or related field.
Three (3) years of increasingly responsible experience in management of a municipal court operation or equivalent.
Must be fingerprinted and complete the CJIS (Criminal Justice Information Services) Security Certification Test to be allowed to view sensitive court and criminal justice information (per Washington State Patrol ACCESS unit).
Comprehensive knowledge of municipal court operations, procedures, and case flow management.
Knowledge of probation services administration and therapeutic court programs.
Knowledge of Washington State court rules, including General Rule (GR) 29 and principles of judicial independence.
Knowledge of municipal, state, and applicable federal laws, regulations, and court procedures.
Knowledge of Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) security requirements and compliance standards.
Knowledge of court financial management practices, including bail, bonds, fines, appeals, payroll, purchasing, and budgeting.
Knowledge of public sector budgeting, fiscal administration, grant management, and financial accountability principles.
Knowledge of personnel management, performance evaluation, employee development, discipline, and labor relations practices.
Knowledge of records management systems, court technology applications, and automated case management systems.
Knowledge of jury administration processes and court security procedures.
Knowledge of organizational management principles, strategic planning, and program administration.
Knowledge of intergovernmental relations and collaboration with law enforcement agencies, attorneys, correctional facilities, social service providers, and other governmental entities.
Knowledge of customer service principles and public communication practices.
Leadership and organizational management skills.
Staff supervision, coaching, mentoring, and performance management skills.
Strategic planning and program development skills.
Policy development, implementation, and compliance management skills.
Budget preparation, financial analysis, and fiscal oversight skills.
Project management and workflow coordination skills.
Court administration and case flow management skills.
Conflict resolution and problem-solving skills.
Analytical and critical thinking skills.
Public speaking and presentation skills.
Interpersonal communication and relationship-building skills.
Negotiation and consensus-building skills.
Records management and documentation skills.
Technology proficiency, including court management software, spreadsheets, databases, word processing, and reporting systems.
Research, data analysis, and report preparation skills.
Time management and organizational skills.
Customer service and stakeholder engagement skills.
Ability to direct and oversee all non-judicial operations of a municipal court and probation department.
Ability to develop, interpret, implement, and enforce policies, procedures, and operational standards.
Ability to ensure compliance with legal, regulatory, security, and administrative requirements.
Ability to effectively supervise, motivate, and develop professional staff.
Ability to analyze operational challenges and implement effective solutions.
Ability to manage multiple priorities, projects, deadlines, and interruptions simultaneously.
Ability to prepare, administer, and monitor complex budgets and financial operations.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment when handling sensitive information.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with judges, court personnel, elected officials, attorneys, law enforcement agencies, community organizations, and the public.
Ability to communicate complex legal, operational, and policy information clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing.
Ability to represent the court professionally before City Council, committees, public hearings, community groups, and external stakeholders.
Ability to evaluate and implement technological improvements to enhance court operations and records management.
Ability to work independently while exercising initiative and accountability.
Ability to interpret and apply laws, court rules, policies, and procedures consistently and accurately.
Ability to maintain professionalism and composure in high-pressure, sensitive, or difficult situations.
Ability to foster collaboration among diverse stakeholders and coordinate activities across departments and agencies.
Ability to demonstrate commitment to public service, ethical conduct, judicial independence, and continuous improvement.

Nice To Haves

5+ years of experience in court management or justice system experience.
5+ years of supervisory experience.
Combination of relevant education and experience demonstrating the applicant’s knowledge, skill, and ability to effectively perform the duties of Court Administrator.
Certified Court Manager (CCM) certification.
Certified Court Executive certification.
Active member in good standing of the District and Municipal Court Managers’ Association (DMCMA).
Working knowledge of Washington State Court Rule General Rule (GR) 29.
Commitment to the rule of law and judicial independence.

Responsibilities

Direct all non-judicial operations of the Municipal Court and Probation Department, ensuring effective case flow, procedural compliance, staff performance, and strategic alignment with court goals and legal standards.
Develop, implement, and enforce court and probation policies and procedures in compliance with municipal code and state law; ensure ongoing compliance with legal, procedural, and security requirements, including CJIS (Criminal Justice Information Services) standards.
Oversee the recruitment, training, supervision, and performance of court and probation personnel; foster a culture of accountability, service, and continuous improvement.
Manage court and probation budgets, including planning, expenditure tracking, purchasing, and financial operations involving bail, bonds, fines, and payroll; ensure financial accountability and alignment with citywide fiscal policies.
Serve as the primary liaison between the court and external stakeholders - including law enforcement, attorneys, jails, and government agencies - while also representing the court at City Council meetings, public hearings, and community forums as needed.
Serve as the representative of the Court in coordinating with Departments within the City of Lakewood.
Directs the operations of the court and probation services and supervises court and probation services staff in accordance with City policy; develops, implements, and administers policies, procedures, and rules established for the municipal court and probation services, and may assist with labor negotiations.
Oversee the selection, supervision, coaching, recognition, and evaluation of employees within the Judicial Branch using performance management techniques; approves discipline and terminations, as needed.
Develops, administers, implements, supervises, and maintains efficient and effective court procedures, ensuring established goals and objectives are met; case flow policies and procedures; a security system for the court; and summoning and qualification of jurors in an efficient and cost-effective way.
Analyzes, evaluates, and recommends implementation of automated systems to assist the court and enhance case flow and records management.
Prepares and administers the approved budget for the municipal court and probation services; monitors budgeted expenditures including grant funding.
Controls and supervises a variety of financial functions including, but not limited to, bails, bonds, appeal cases, and fines.
Ensures financial accountability of budgeting, payroll, purchasing, records, and reports for the municipal court and probation services.
Maintains communications and courteous, effective working relationships with co-workers, supervisors, other City employees, other government agencies, elected and appointed officials, community groups, and the general public to discuss and explain court related activities, resolve problems, and exchange information.
Directs the preparation and maintenance of complex records and reports related to court cases, budgets, and personnel.
Attends meetings and conferences; participates in staff development activities to increase competence; represents the Court by providing technical expertise during public hearing and public meetings.
Along with the Presiding Judge, attends City Council, committee meetings, and public hearings as needed; makes public presentations at meetings and respond to questions and comments; presents technical information and policy options related to the Municipal Court operations and programs.
Operates the computer for various report processing, word processing, and spreadsheet applications.
Develops and maintains effective working relationships between the City, jails, attorneys, law enforcement agencies, and probation and related social services.
Maintains knowledge of municipal court practices, procedures, jurisdiction, and legal and procedural regulations pertaining to bails, fines, processes and warrants; procedures for the Department of Licensing, Driver and Vehicle Division; and records management practices.
Deals tactfully and courteously with the public, coworkers, and other City employees, occasionally in difficult customer service situations with persons of diverse occupational and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Plans, prioritizes, and organizes workflow to meet position and departmental goals and deadlines.
Works effectively and in a professional manner while working with interruptions, strict deadlines, and handling multiple projects simultaneously.
Coordinates actions with other City departments.
Maintains confidentiality of records and other information.
Works independently on routine assignments.
Completes work and projects in a thorough and timely manner.
Understands and follows directions from supervisors, posted work rules, and procedures.
Regular, reliable, and punctual attendance.
Shows initiative in performing job duties.
Performs other duties as assigned by the Presiding Judge.