Custody Support Master (Court Administration)

County of Berks • Reading, PA

8d • Onsite

About The Position

The Custody/Support Master conducts custody conciliations and record support hearings. Agreed Orders or recommendations are prepared as well as temporary orders and other miscellaneous orders. The person in this position uses a high degree of independent judgment and must be capable of maintaining order in their hearing room as well as judging the credibility of the witnesses. Sound judgment and discretion is necessary when deciding what is in the best interest of the children involved in these cases.

Requirements

• Juris Doctorate
• Knowledge of the Pa. Rules of Civil Procedure
• Knowledge of the Pa. Rules of Professional Conduct
• Knowledge of the Pa. Rules of Civility
• Knowledge of the Pa. Rules of Appellate Procedure
• Knowledge of the Pa. Rules of Evidence
• Knowledge of the PACSES system
• Knowledge of the Prothonotary CMS system
• Trial advocacy skills
• Negotiation skills
• Ability to make independent judgments
• Ability to operate a computer, word processor, printer and recording equipment
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Ability to thrive in a stressful, fast-paced team environment

Responsibilities

• Conducting custody conciliations and then creating orders or recommendations that are in the best interest of the child(ren) and giving those to Family Court staff for processing.
• Conducting support hearings and creating a proper record in case exceptions are filed.
• Preparing agreed Support Orders or Recommendations at the conclusion of the hearings, including a provision for payment of arrears as applicable and giving those orders to DRS support staff for processing.
• The Custody/Support Master provides guidance for the hearings such as including admitting or denying evidence, permitting participation remotely, ruling on continuance requests, and ruling on whether children should be interviewed.
• Attending periodic meetings with the Judges and/or DRS staff.
• Staying current on Custody and Support case law.
• Remaining members in good standing with the Pa. Supreme Court and meeting their annual continuing legal education requirements.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree