Probate Commissioner

State of Oregon • Madras, OR

1d • $5,004 - $7,763 • Onsite

About The Position

The Oregon Judicial Department (OJD) is seeking a Probate Commissioner for the Jefferson County Circuit Court in Madras, Oregon. This role involves managing all aspects of the probate caseload, including data entry for estates, conservatorships, and guardianships, reviewing documents for accuracy and completeness, processing transfer or change of venue cases, and accepting or rejecting cases. The Probate Commissioner will also review wills, sign orders appointing personal representatives, recommend bond amounts, grant extensions, conduct audits, and prepare documents for the judge's signature. Additionally, the position requires meeting with self-represented litigants to explain court processes and fees, review forms, and provide information on available resources. Collaboration with court staff to develop training materials, research and update local procedures, business processes, resource materials, and manuals is also a key responsibility. The role includes tracking legislative updates, answering phones, assisting the public, and providing coverage for the front office and a counterpart at the Crook County Circuit Court as needed. Assigned tasks may be adjusted based on workload and organizational needs.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in business, court administration, public administration, or a related field.
• Three (3) years of professional legal secretarial, progressively responsible court support, or paralegal experience.
• OR Any combination of education and experience equivalent to seven (7) years of experience that typically supports the knowledge, skills, and abilities for the position.
• Experience performing a variety of clerical or administrative support tasks that included using a computer to enter and retrieve information, meeting strict deadlines, and maintaining accuracy when interrupted or distracted by a noisy work setting.
• Experience responding professionally to customers or clients who are facing challenging life circumstances, stressful situations, or trauma.
• Experience explaining processes, procedures, policies, or decisions on behalf of an employer.
• Experience identifying, handling, and securing confidential information and materials.
• Experience and skill in writing and reviewing documents for accuracy, content, grammar, and punctuation.

Responsibilities

• Handle all aspects of the probate caseload, including data entry for estates, conservatorships, and guardianships.
• Review documents for accuracy and completeness.
• Review transfer or change of venue cases.
• Accept and reject cases as appropriate.
• Review wills, sign orders appointing personal representatives, recommend bond amounts, grant extensions, and conduct audits.
• Prepare documents for the judge’s signature.
• Meet with self-represented litigants to describe court processes and fees and to review their forms for completeness.
• Provide information about available resources such as victim assistance, domestic violence services, mediation, crisis centers, and public law libraries.
• Collaborate with other court staff to prepare training materials, including handouts and brochures.
• Help prepare and update local procedures, business processes, resource materials, and manuals by conducting research.
• Track legislative updates related to domestic relations laws.
• Answer phones and assist the public.
• Provide coverage for the front office and for the counterpart at the Crook County Circuit Court as needed.

Benefits

• 95% to 99% of medical insurance premiums paid for full-time employees, including mental health coverage.
• 10 paid holidays, 2 floating holidays, 3 personal business days, separate sick and vacation paid leaves (prorated for part-time employees).
• Optional insurances and flexible spending plans.
• 5% allowance for bilingual skills (includes ASL) if skills test is passed and skills are assigned on the job.
• Eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level