ASSISTANT MUNICIPAL COURT DIRECTOR

Official job specification

The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.

Definition

Under direction of the Municipal Court Director, assists in planning, organizing, and directing all phases of a large municipal court; does related work as required. DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS Positions in this class assist in directing all of the activities in the court system including the development of goals and objectives, the setting of internal operating procedures, and the integration and direction of the court programs. The primary function of an Assistant Municipal Court Director is assisting in the management of the court's operation. As such, the Assistant Municipal Court Director does not serve as a first line supervisor of court employees engaged in the performance of quasi- judicial functions. Rather, the Assistant Municipal Court Director exercises control over employees performing quasi-judicial functions through subordinate supervisory personnel, including the Municipal Court Administrator. The Assistant Municipal Court Director does not perform quasi-judicial functions reserved by law to Municipal Court Administrators, including the issuance of warrants, acceptance of complaints, bail determinations, and swearing in of witnesses at trials. A further distinction between the Assistant Municipal Court Director and that of the Municipal Court Administrator is in the overall scope of administrative responsibility, authority, and accountability for court programs and activities - the Assistant Municipal Court Director having substantially greater scope of authority, responsibility, and freedom to act with respect to those areas of management. Appointments to the position of Assistant Municipal Court Director will only be approved in a large municipal court system requiring such services in addition to those of a Municipal Court Director.

Examples of work

Assists in planning and directing the development and implementation of management objectives and goals; establishes program evaluation criteria; establishes office procedures and policies; and develops appropriate staffing patterns to ensure the efficient and effective operation of the court. As directed, may represent the Municipal Court Judge at meetings, conferences, or work sessions with the governing body, professional groups, or the general public. Assists in coordinating budget development and administration, including appropriation of funds and budget hearing testimony; may oversee the preparation of the annual budget and financial discrepancy resolution. Assists in ensuring that court operations fully comport with the Rules of the Court as well as the administrative directives and policies of the Administrative Office of the Courts, vicinage Assignment Judge, and the Municipal Court Judge. Assists in coordinating the activities of the court with those of the Police Department, other law enforcement agencies, and the Administrative Office of the Courts. As directed, assures that established accounting and auditing procedures are followed in collecting, recording, and disbursing fines and other court revenues. Implements work plans, priorities, and schedules; establishes office procedures and policies in support of program objectives; and assures that staff and resources are effectively allocated among the various court activities in order to meet desired work objectives. Manages subordinate supervisory employees by providing required direction, advice, and training; evaluates their work performance and takes remedial action when necessary; may approve or disapprove employee requests for changes in work schedules, sick, and vacation leave, change in work assignments, and so forth. Researches, evaluates, and make recommendations regarding the purchase of equipment, supplies, and work support systems. Participates in studies designed to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of current operations such as the automation of manual procedures. Prepares or directs the preparation of summary, statistical, and other reports. Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and computerized information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.

License

Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

Knowledge of the principles and practices of effective management. Knowledge of the principles of budget development and fiscal management. Knowledge of program design and implementation procedures. Knowledge of the concepts and techniques of program analyses, evaluation, and management. Knowledge of the methods used in providing the coordination of a large scale organization. Knowledge of the techniques involved in the establishment and maintenance of needed personnel, financial, equipment, and other records. Ability to plan and organize work programs. Ability to motivate, supervise, and direct the work of others. Ability to evaluate established procedures and regulations for applicability, efficiency, and to plan and implement orderly change. Ability to implement program and changes. Ability to evaluate program operations and develop corrective action plans. Ability to monitor program operations. Ability to resolve personnel, fiscal, and program problems. Ability to implement an operating budget. Ability to analyze statistical and narrative reports in order to assess program effectiveness and efficiency. Ability to establish and maintain effective work relationships with officials or agencies. Ability to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units. Ability to read, write, speak, understand, or communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication. Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform the essential functions of the job after reasonable accommodation is made to their known limitations. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.

Note

Applicants must meet one of the following or a combination of both experience and education. Thirty (30) semester hour credits are equal to one (1) year of relevant experience. Five (5) years of professional management experience which shall have included the organization, direction, planning, coordination, or control of significant operating programs. OR Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; and one (1) year of the above-mentioned professional experience. "Professional experience" refers to work that is creative, analytical, evaluative, and interpretive; requires a range and depth of specialized knowledge of the profession's principles, concepts, theories, and practices; and is performed with the authority to act according to one's own judgment and make accurate and informed decisions