Courtesy Juvenile Judge

Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation • Toppenish, WA

3d

About The Position

The Juvenile Judge presides over, hears, and adjudicates dependency, neglect, abuse, and delinquency cases filed in the Yakama Nation Children’s Court and scheduled on its docket. The judge ensures procedural and substantive due process in all cases and makes legal determinations intended to secure the health, safety, and welfare of Indian children. The judge is responsible for the proper and prompt disposition of Children’s Court cases and issues writs, orders, decrees, judgments, opinions, or legal memoranda needed to exercise the powers prescribed in the RYC. The judge may also be assigned appellate, criminal, or civil cases.

The Juvenile Judge is supervised by the Chief Judge, who is responsible for ensuring the proper discharge of judicial responsibilities, including prompt disposition of matters. The judge may be delegated authority to supervise fellow judges at the Chief Judge’s request. Judges must comply with applicable judicial conduct expectations, the Oath of Office, and rules or policies established by Yakama government leadership. The position is a four-year appointment by the Yakama Tribal Council. Travel may be required, and candidates may be asked to complete a writing exercise. Pre-appointment and random drug testing are required. The judge must be in good health for the nature and stress of the work and able to de-escalate volatile situations involving juveniles and their families.

Requirements

• Membership or enrollment in the Yakama Nation or another Indian Nation within the United States.
• Must never have been convicted of a felony.
• Must not have been convicted of a misdemeanor within one year of appointment.
• Completion of twelve years of education or a GED.
• Knowledge of Yakama Nation customs, traditions, and laws.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to interpret laws and court findings.
• Ability to research case law and traditional law and render fair, timely, and consistent decisions.
• Ability to make independent, decisive, clear, swift, fair, and impartial decisions based on the facts and applicable law, rules, procedures, and circumstances.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and work under stressful, fast-paced conditions.
• Ability to maintain judicial demeanor and demonstrate good moral character and temperate habits.
• Knowledge of Yakama Nation organizational structure, communication channels, operating manuals, and tribal directives.
• Ability to work within established policies, rules, and procedures and follow the prescribed organization chart and lines of authority.
• Ability to maintain working relationships with the Chief Judge, colleagues, court staff, tribal programs and employees, public agencies, law enforcement, attorneys, court personnel, and people involved in court cases.
• Good listening and interpersonal skills, including the ability to work with children, parents, custodians, and other court participants.
• Knowledge of the Yakama Law & Order Code and applicable state and federal laws, including the Indian Child Welfare Act and Indian Civil Rights Act as they apply to juveniles on the Yakama reservation.
• Knowledge of legal practices and standards in the Yakama Nation Children’s Court, Adult Court, and Court of Appeals.
• Excellent work attendance and writing skills.
• High ethical and personal standards and willingness to take an Oath of Office.
• Good health given the nature of the work and the stress involved in decision-making.
• Ability to pass pre-appointment and random drug testing.

Nice To Haves

• Graduation from an accredited law school, graduate school, or completion of a bachelor’s degree is encouraged but not required.
• Legal or related work experience or education is highly desired.

Responsibilities

• Preside over, hear, and adjudicate dependency, neglect, abuse, and delinquency cases in the Yakama Nation Children’s Court.
• Ensure procedural and substantive due process and make legal determinations addressing the health, safety, and welfare of Indian children.
• Dispose of Children’s Court cases properly and promptly.
• Issue writs, orders, decrees, judgments, opinions, and legal memoranda necessary to exercise judicial powers prescribed in the RYC.
• Hear appellate, criminal, or civil cases when assigned.
• Comply with applicable judicial conduct expectations, the Oath of Office, and rules or policies established by Yakama government leadership.
• Potentially supervise fellow judges when delegated authority by the Chief Judge.
• De-escalate volatile situations involving juveniles and their families.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED