Supervising Court Investigator

San Bernardino Superior Court•San Bernardino, CA

About The Position

The Supervising Court Investigator plans, coordinates, and supervises the Investigations unit and oversees employees conducting civil investigations of conservatorships and guardianships. The position ensures investigations and recommendation reports are complete, compliant with applicable law and court policies, and submitted to the court promptly. The incumbent may also conduct investigations and provide recommendations to the court. The role oversees unit operations, workflow, staff training and development, performance, and quality assurance. It requires independent judgment and a thorough understanding of court policies, procedures, customer service, and applicable probate law. The position reports to the Family and Children Services Division Manager and supervises Court Investigators and support staff. The work involves coordination with judicial officers, court leadership, court employees, and partner agencies. The employee works in an office environment with usually quiet to moderate noise.

Requirements

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in science, social science, behavioral science, liberal arts, or nursing.
Four years of experience performing casework or investigations in a legal, financial, law enforcement, or social services setting.
Meet annual continuing education requirements pursuant to California Rule of Court 10.478.
Hold a valid California Class C driver's license and maintain insurability under the Court's vehicle insurance program.
Knowledge of codes, rules, policies, procedures, and legal terminology applicable to probate court operations and courtroom support.
Knowledge of effective investigative and interview methods and techniques; issues affecting elderly and mentally disabled people; and social issues including child abuse, domestic violence, drug abuse, and elder abuse.
Knowledge of agency roles in probate proceedings, medical and psychological terminology, basic budgeting and purchasing, court work-process improvement, judicial system organization, applicable federal, state, and local laws, and professional practices for dispute investigation and resolution.
Knowledge of customer service, business communication, correct English usage, effective supervision, and court personnel policies and labor contract provisions.
Ability to plan, supervise, assign, review, and evaluate the work of employees conducting conservatorship and guardianship investigations; coordinate work; and allocate staff and resources according to operational needs.
Ability to ensure the unit meets professional, statutory, rule, and procedural requirements.
Ability to interview and communicate effectively with a variety of people, including elderly people, developmentally disabled people, and children.
Ability to understand and analyze financial, legal, and medical reports and documents; define issues; analyze problems; evaluate alternatives; and develop sound, independent conclusions and recommendations.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing; interpret and apply specialized laws, rules, policies, forms, and legal terms; and present proposals clearly and persuasively.
Ability to represent the court effectively, maintain confidential information, use standard business software and complex assignment-related software and databases, exercise tact and diplomacy, and establish effective working relationships.
Ability to operate a motor vehicle and travel between court districts and other locations as needed.

Nice To Haves

Two years of experience as a court investigator in a Superior Court is highly desirable.
A master's degree is preferred.
Experience working with elderly or developmentally disabled people is preferred.

Responsibilities

Plan, coordinate, and supervise the Investigations unit and its staff.
Organize, assign, schedule, supervise, and evaluate staff work; develop and monitor work plans and unit objectives.
Participate in hiring and selection; approve leave and timesheets; establish performance expectations and development targets; train, coach, mentor, and evaluate employees; recommend recognition and, with management concurrence, implement progressive discipline.
Promote a high-performance, customer service-oriented work environment and ensure safe working conditions and practices.
Review incoming cases, seek clarification or correction of minute orders as needed, monitor workflow, and assign cases to support timely, high-quality investigations and recommendation reports.
Professionally review, approve, and ensure the legal and policy compliance of investigations and reports prepared by Court Investigators.
Conduct case conferences and meetings; guide and support staff in resolving investigations; participate in complex or high-profile cases, including field investigations, as required.
Conduct investigations of conservatorships and guardianships as needed and provide recommendations to the court.
Coordinate, collect, and compile statistical workload reports; prepare and maintain records and reports.
Confer with the manager and judges; develop, recommend, implement, and revise work programs, procedures, policies, manuals, and forms to improve service, productivity, and achievement of unit goals.
Communicate procedural changes, including those related to new legislation, probate law, or professional standards, to staff.
Research and resolve complex unit issues, complaints, and problems.
Act as a liaison to Judicial Assistants, the Department of Children and Family Services, Adult Protective Services, attorneys, the public guardian, regional centers, other courts, and county and state agencies.
Serve on court-wide committees and perform special projects and other assigned duties.