Judicial Secretary - Judge Elect Nicole Huddleston

Oakland County•Pontiac, MI

8h•$60,057 - $80,464•Onsite

About The Position

Overview & Benefits Oakland County is more than just a workplace. It is a place where you can make a real difference. As one of Michigan’s leading public service organizations, we are committed to strengthening communities, delivering essential services, and improving the quality of life for nearly 1.3 million residents. When you join our team, you become part of a mission-driven workforce guided by integrity, innovation, and a passion for public service. We offer competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and the opportunity to do meaningful work that matters. Apply today and help shape the future of Oakland County, where we are All Ways Moving Forward. For more information about Oakland County benefits and employee perks, please visit: https://www.oakgov.com/government/human-resources/benefits/new-hire General Summary $60,057 - $80,464 Are you someone who thrives in a fast-paced legal environment and enjoys being a trusted partner to a judge while keeping everything running seamlessly behind the scenes? In this highly confidential and impactful role, you’ll play a key part in supporting court operations while serving as a central point of communication for a wide range of stakeholders. What You’ll Do • Provide confidential, high-level administrative and secretarial support to a Probate Court Judge • Serve as a key liaison between the judge, attorneys, elected and appointed officials, court staff, and the public • Screen calls, respond to inquiries, and direct communications with professionalism and discretion • Take and transcribe confidential dictation related to legal and policy matters • Prepare, review, and process legal documents and court orders for the judge’s signature, ensuring accuracy and compliance with procedures • Support daily court operations by managing priorities, handling sensitive information, and assisting with special projects as needed • Utilize Countywide and department-specific systems to complete assignments efficiently Why You’ll Love It Here • Be at the center of the judicial process, supporting meaningful work that impacts the community • Work closely with a judge and legal professionals in a highly respected and professional environment • Gain hands-on experience with court procedures, legal documentation, and public service • Enjoy a role that offers variety, responsibility, and the opportunity to build strong professional relationships • Be trusted with confidential matters and recognized as a key contributor to the success of court operations Minimum Qualifications EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES Preferred Minimum Qualifications Be a high school graduate or have a certificate of successful completion of the General Educational Development Test. Have had five (5) years of full‑time responsible clerical experience within a court or legal setting, at least one (1) year of which involved stenographic and/or secretarial responsibilities. Type 40 corrected words per minute. Pass the complete examination, including the employment medical, established for this classification. NOTE: Course work at an accredited college, university, business, or commercial school in a related area may be substituted for the required work experience on a year‑for‑year basis. NOTE: Applicants possessing transcripts from a college or university outside of the United States will be required to provide documentation of degree equivalency from a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (http://naces.org/members.html). The degree evaluation will be required for application processing. NOTE: Employees of this class may be required to perform stenographic duties. Additional Desirable Qualifications Considerable knowledge of and considerable experience in performing a wide variety of secretarial, stenographic and record keeping activities, particularly as they relate to court operations. Considerable skill in taking and transcribing verbatim dictation. Considerable knowledge of specialized legal terminology, laws, the State Court Administrator's Office, the Legislature and of procedures relating to court operations. Considerable ability and skill in compiling and abstracting court data in preparing special and annual reports. Considerable ability and skill to recognize and correct departures from routine departmental practices and procedures. Considerable ability and skill in initiating improvements in departmental practices and procedures. Considerable knowledge of, and reasonable experience in, modern office practices and procedures, and record keeping management systems and operations. Considerable ability to communicate with the general public. Considerable ability to follow oral and written instructions. Considerable ability to make routine decisions in accordance with established policies and procedures. Considerable knowledge of grammar, spelling and punctuation. Considerable skill in operating a personal computer. Considerable ability to perform standardized computations. Considerable ability to write legibly. Considerable knowledge of and ability to utilize current word processing, spreadsheet, database, e-mail, and Internet software. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS Serves as a confidential secretary by taking and transcribing legal dictation and preparing confidential correspondence involving specialized terminology relating to judicial decisions and opinions, court policy and procedure and various other legal or court‑related documents. Screens visitors to determine the nature of their business. Takes messages, schedules appointments, and performs related public relations activities by representing the court and/or the judge to attorneys, elected and appointed officials and the general public. Answers inquiries from court personnel, media and the public regarding court proceedings and operations by responding to requests for information requiring considerable familiarity with judicial and/or court procedures. Keeps active and inactive files current to ensure their prompt availability to supervision. Prepares reports by compiling and summarizing case or court related information. Maintains an up-to date knowledge of court computer programs in order to retrieve case related information as needed. Formulates, recommends, and implements procedural changes in the operations of the judge's office according to the judge's policies and intent and/or to comply with departmental administrative procedures as approved. Reviews court orders and other documents prepared for the judge's signature in order to ensure compliance with policy and court records. Requires familiarity with laws, codes, and procedures that are utilized in the court. Prepares legal documents for the judge to sign, including letters, opinions, orders, remands, jury instructions, and judgment of sentence forms. Arranges for adjournments, special court hearings and appearances before the judge when necessary, contacting the appropriate parties to inform them of the time, date, and any other pertinent information. May schedule a variety of hearings as needed. Participates in the preparation and maintenance of state mandated reports and requests for information from the State of Michigan. Recognizes and corrects actions which deviate from established administrative policies. Prepares, organizes, and maintains files for department functions such as personnel, work procedures, budget requests, press releases, statistics, and related organizational materials. Assists in organizing the court's annual report and prepares reports and requests for information from the State Court Administrator’s Office and state legislature. Coordinates travel plans for the District Court Judge to attend conferences, seminars, and special meetings, including accommodations, registration forms and airline reservations. Starts and stops video court recording software at the beginning and end of all court proceedings. Utilizes current Countywide and/or department specific software to complete assignments. ESSENTIAL MENTAL & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS Ability to communicate to accurately convey information. WORKING CONDITIONS Work is performed in a typical office and/or court environment. May encounter situations where people could become confrontational. IMPORTANT NOTE: The primary purpose of this job description is to set a fair and equitable salary range for this job classification. Generally, only those key duties necessary for proper job evaluation and/or labor market analysis have been included. Other duties and responsibilities will be assigned by the supervisor EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS & ABILITIES Under the Merit System Resolution, Section II, adopted November 8, 1966, employees in this class are excluded from the Merit System for the purpose of the manner of selection, appointment, removal from office or limitation of political activity. NOTE: The Desirable Qualifications for this classification, when provided to the Human Resources Department will be stated on a separate page. These Desirable Qualifications may be subject to revision by the District Court Administrator and/or Chief District Court Judge. NOTE: Job performance, knowledge, ability and/or previous experience may substitute for Desirable Qualifications. The District Court Administrator and/or Chief District Court Judge has the right to waive the desirable qualifications. Additional Minimum Qualifications Union If applicable EEO Statement We are committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity and will not discriminate against an applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances. Inclusion Statement Oakland County is committed to welcoming applicants from all backgrounds, including those with prior convictions, as we believe in providing equal opportunities for all. We value the unique perspectives and experiences each individual brings to our team and are dedicated to fostering an inclusive, supportive workplace. If you have the skills and qualifications for the position, we encourage you to apply. All candidates are evaluated based on their ability to meet the job requirements, legal obligations and thrive in our organization. All ways, MOVING FORWARD. At Oakland County, we offer a stable and supportive work environment, competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, professional development, and generous education assistance program. We value the dedication and hard work of our team and our commitment to the communities we serve - it's at the heart of our success. We're always seeking new ways to enhance our workplace and foster a culture of growth, inclusion, and innovation. We believe that our people are our greatest asset, and our future depends on the diverse perspectives, experiences, and talents of our team. Join us on our mission to keep Oakland County a vibrant place to live, work, and play.

Requirements

Be a high school graduate or have a certificate of successful completion of the General Educational Development Test.
Have had five (5) years of full‑time responsible clerical experience within a court or legal setting, at least one (1) year of which involved stenographic and/or secretarial responsibilities.
Type 40 corrected words per minute.
Pass the complete examination, including the employment medical, established for this classification.
NOTE: Course work at an accredited college, university, business, or commercial school in a related area may be substituted for the required work experience on a year‑for‑year basis.
NOTE: Applicants possessing transcripts from a college or university outside of the United States will be required to provide documentation of degree equivalency from a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (http://naces.org/members.html). The degree evaluation will be required for application processing.
NOTE: Employees of this class may be required to perform stenographic duties.
Ability to communicate to accurately convey information.

Nice To Haves

Considerable knowledge of and considerable experience in performing a wide variety of secretarial, stenographic and record keeping activities, particularly as they relate to court operations.
Considerable skill in taking and transcribing verbatim dictation.
Considerable knowledge of specialized legal terminology, laws, the State Court Administrator's Office, the Legislature and of procedures relating to court operations.
Considerable ability and skill in compiling and abstracting court data in preparing special and annual reports.
Considerable ability and skill to recognize and correct departures from routine departmental practices and procedures.
Considerable ability and skill in initiating improvements in departmental practices and procedures.
Considerable knowledge of, and reasonable experience in, modern office practices and procedures, and record keeping management systems and operations.
Considerable ability to communicate with the general public.
Considerable ability to follow oral and written instructions.
Considerable ability to make routine decisions in accordance with established policies and procedures.
Considerable knowledge of grammar, spelling and punctuation.
Considerable skill in operating a personal computer.
Considerable ability to perform standardized computations.
Considerable ability to write legibly.
Considerable knowledge of and ability to utilize current word processing, spreadsheet, database, e-mail, and Internet software.

Responsibilities

Provide confidential, high-level administrative and secretarial support to a Probate Court Judge
Serve as a key liaison between the judge, attorneys, elected and appointed officials, court staff, and the public
Screen calls, respond to inquiries, and direct communications with professionalism and discretion
Take and transcribe confidential dictation related to legal and policy matters
Prepare, review, and process legal documents and court orders for the judge’s signature, ensuring accuracy and compliance with procedures
Support daily court operations by managing priorities, handling sensitive information, and assisting with special projects as needed
Utilize Countywide and department-specific systems to complete assignments efficiently
Serves as a confidential secretary by taking and transcribing legal dictation and preparing confidential correspondence involving specialized terminology relating to judicial decisions and opinions, court policy and procedure and various other legal or court‑related documents.
Screens visitors to determine the nature of their business.
Takes messages, schedules appointments, and performs related public relations activities by representing the court and/or the judge to attorneys, elected and appointed officials and the general public.
Answers inquiries from court personnel, media and the public regarding court proceedings and operations by responding to requests for information requiring considerable familiarity with judicial and/or court procedures.
Keeps active and inactive files current to ensure their prompt availability to supervision.
Prepares reports by compiling and summarizing case or court related information.
Maintains an up-to date knowledge of court computer programs in order to retrieve case related information as needed.
Formulates, recommends, and implements procedural changes in the operations of the judge's office according to the judge's policies and intent and/or to comply with departmental administrative procedures as approved.
Reviews court orders and other documents prepared for the judge's signature in order to ensure compliance with policy and court records.
Requires familiarity with laws, codes, and procedures that are utilized in the court.
Prepares legal documents for the judge to sign, including letters, opinions, orders, remands, jury instructions, and judgment of sentence forms.
Arranges for adjournments, special court hearings and appearances before the judge when necessary, contacting the appropriate parties to inform them of the time, date, and any other pertinent information.
May schedule a variety of hearings as needed.
Participates in the preparation and maintenance of state mandated reports and requests for information from the State of Michigan.
Recognizes and corrects actions which deviate from established administrative policies.
Prepares, organizes, and maintains files for department functions such as personnel, work procedures, budget requests, press releases, statistics, and related organizational materials.
Assists in organizing the court's annual report and prepares reports and requests for information from the State Court Administrator’s Office and state legislature.
Coordinates travel plans for the District Court Judge to attend conferences, seminars, and special meetings, including accommodations, registration forms and airline reservations.
Starts and stops video court recording software at the beginning and end of all court proceedings.
Utilizes current Countywide and/or department specific software to complete assignments.