Court Technology and Programs Manager

The Court Technology and Programs Manager is responsible for implementation and maintenance of the new case management system for the St. Clair County Court system. The candidate should possess a high level of knowledge related to computer systems, databases and project management related to software/hardware installation. He/she is responsible for project management and to support development and implementation of programs and services for the court/community that benefit individuals and families involved in the court system. The incumbent is responsible for all aspects of priority project areas by participating in activities that support cross-departmental goals and objectives. Sets priorities for new projects, and determines court resource requirements; determines short- and long-term goals and strategies to achieve them; coordinates with other organizations to accomplish goals; monitors progress and evaluates outcomes.  The incumbent must be focused on providing innovative customer service that will utilize modern technology to remove barriers for court customers.  
 
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Serve as project manager for implementation of technology projects in the courts.
• Work directly with software vendors and court staff to implement technology projects within the court.  
• Perform computer programming functions to implement technology projects within the court.
• Interact with attorneys, law enforcement officials, social service agencies, victims, defendants, plaintiffs, etc.
• Creates and prepares documents needed for contracting with service providers and vendors.  Prepares resolutions for the Board of Commissioners. 
• Prepares scope of work needed for Request for Proposals, reviews contracts before finalization and follows-up with finalization of contracts.
• Identifies and pursues funding opportunities for identified priority projects. 
• Pursues funding from state and federal sources, and may also explore opportunities through private or corporate foundations.
• Assists with managing grant awards, in coordination with Chief Judges and court administrators, including maintaining communication linkages with all components of the various programs, preparing analytical reports and studies as required, providing overall program evaluation, ensuring compliance with applicable policies and laws and organizing and/or conducting meeting.
• Manages project resources and expectations according to contractual obligations; Leads and navigates project team thru the solutions delivery process; Manages project resources, payment schedules and expenses according to contract budget; Maintains clear communications with sponsors, stakeholders and project team members.
• Responsible for monetary expenditures, preparing and monitoring budgets, reimbursements, tracking trends, fees, county requirements, and fiscal audit.
• Prepares various operating or special reports detailing department operations, statistics, and other department information that require operational research, explanation, and opinions.
• Oversees improvements and upgrades to the court website; keeping the website up-to-date and accurate.
• Assists with the development of training programs and materials for court staff and public.
• Provides oversight, day-to-day operational support, and enhancements to the court's case management system.
• Assists in overseeing department programs by reviewing forms and documents for compliance with operational policies and procedures.
• Research state and national trends regarding best practices and cutting-edge trends, and provide insightful recommendations and plans. 
• Serve as project manager for different ventures that various court departments may undertake.
• Prepare and submit performance measures reporting to the State, including caseload reporting, jury utilization, collections, etc. 
• Participate actively as a member of the court management team, working collaboratively with other members of the leadership team to identify overall goals, support priority projects to achieve goals, and monitor progress.
• Provides leadership to support the success of a variety of collaborative teams that incorporate court staff and representatives of community agencies and organizations.
• Maintains up-to-date information on programs offered in other communities, maintains contacts with other communities in Michigan and across the country, and visits other courts or communities while researching literature and programs offered.
• Operational oversight of coordinated court functions such as collections, indigent defense, etc., and supervision of related staff.
• Assigns or delegates responsibility for assignment of work, directs assigned personnel, evaluates performance of assigned employees and assures necessary training and professional development. 
• Takes disciplinary action according to established procedures.
• Lead the development, implementation and on-going management of the court case management system, document management system, imaging and other technology necessary to provide quality court services.
• Effectively communicate ideas and concepts orally and in writing, and making presentations in public forums.
• Exercises leadership among other justice-related agencies to develop strategies that join the interests of the branches of government, while, maintaining its independence.
• Formulates objectives and priorities, and implement plans consistent with long-term interests of the courts.
• Responsible for program quality assurance and reliability, to ensure that all court requirements and standards are met.
• Ensures the compliance of court operations with applicable laws, court rules and administrative regulations.
• Effectively communicates with the public regarding automated court processes, services and options for access.
• Maintain a thorough knowledge of the professional public management techniques involved in budgeting, personnel administration and resource management, and the ability to identify and implement new best practices.
• Develops, manages and/or assists in various special projects.
• Other duties as assigned. 

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:
Work is performed under the direct supervision of the Circuit/Probate/Family Court Administrator.
 
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Responsible for supervision of assigned support staff. Coordinates with Court Management Team.
 
EXPERIENCE, SKILLS, EDUCATION:

• Possession of a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Criminal Justice, Computer Science, Computer Programming.  Advanced degree preferred. 
• Three to five (3-5) years of experience in a judicial or related agency setting.
• Knowledge of:
  • Software applications utilized by the courts.
  • Advanced PC and network computing.
  • Court operations, including case processing, financial and scheduling.
  • Court data reporting requirements and formats.
  • Developing, coordinating and managing (IT) projects and resources.
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Excel and Access.
• Familiarity with databases and SQL queries. 
• Manage and direct departmental operations, including budgeting, strategic planning. Knowledge of and interpret applicable federal, state and local regulations. Develop, apply and explain department and County procedure and policies. Plan and coordinate work staff activities, prioritize, instruct, set deadlines, objectives, measure success, and make recommendations and resolve issues. Methods of research, planning, conducting and implementing major studies or projects. Design and recommend new forms, reports or procedures. Ability to understand and work in complex data processing system, analyze data and exercise sound financial judgment. Analyze administrative problems, evaluate alternatives and implement sound solutions. Prepare and present reports, speeches or training programs to groups. Provide training and guidance in handling difficult or complex problems or resolving escalated complaints or disputes. Work independently with limited direct supervision. Coordinate activities with other departments.                  
• Writing, reading, mathematical principles; proficient computer skills-Microsoft Office Suite, Outlook; exercise sound judgment and decision making in accordance with policies and procedures; ability to research and problem solve independently; knowledge of County operations and functions; ability to prioritize and time manage; handle stressful situations, provide effective and friendly customer service; support the County's mission and values; ability to think critically where necessary.          
• Knowledge or understanding of basic administrative tasks: operate standard office equipment; document management; prepare and maintain records, various correspondences and reports; answer general inquiries and refer as necessary; answer telephone calls, process mail, order supplies/equipment; prepare meeting agendas, attend meetings, record/transcribe/distribute minutes; entering, transcribing, recording, storing or maintaining information in written or electronic form with speed and accuracy; maintain calendars, arrange meetings, schedule rooms and equipment as necessary.                 
• Ability to communicate effectively and efficiently with management, co-workers and clients; obtain and communicate accurate information; apply common sense understanding to complex instructions and respond accordingly;  communicate complex ideas through graphs, charts, presentations, reports or other professional correspondence.    

 
ESSENTIAL ABILITIES FOR ALL ST. CLAIR COUNTY JOB CLASSIFICATIONS:

• Ability to demonstrate predictable, reliable, and timely attendance.               
• Ability to read, write & communicate in English; follow written and verbal instruction and understand basic mathematics and figure checking.                
• Ability to interpret and apply procedures, rules, technical information, instructions, manuals to complete tasks accurately and on schedule.                                     
• Ability to learn from directions, observations, and mistakes; and apply procedures using good judgement.                                        
• Ability to use discretion and maintain sensitive and confidential information.   
• Ability to work independently or part of a team; ability to interact appropriately with others such as County officials, employees, vendors and the general public.
• Ability to work under supervision, receiving instructions/feedback, coaching/counseling and/or action/discipline.                            
• Adaptability to change in the work environment, managing competing demands and ability to deal with frequent changes, delays or unexpected events.
• Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services including customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction
• Proficient skills using Microsoft Office programs including, but not limited to: Word, Excel, Access, and Outlook required.  Proficiency may be tested.        

 
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• Prior to starting employment, the candidate must complete a satisfactory background check.  The background check is understood to encompass all forms of pre-employment screening, including but not limited to: drug screen, physical, criminal background, driving record, sex offender registry, education, training and licensing verification, employment history, credit check, and professional and personal references.
• Possess a valid State of Michigan Operator's License and maintain eligibility to drive as per the County's vehicle policy throughout employment in this position.

 
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job with or without accommodations.  Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
 
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to:

• Speak to others to convey information effectively.
• Read, interpret and understand procedures, rules, technical information, instructions and manuals.
• Hear and understand information presented through spoken words and sentences.
• Specific vision requirement includes close vision, distance vision, color and depth perception.
• Use hands to operate a computer, handle materials and operate equipment.
• Push or pull carts, reach with hands and arms forward, above and below shoulder level.
• Lift, move or carry objects, equipment and supplies weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Sit, bend, stoop, crouch, crawl and kneel in an ergonomically correct manner.
• Stand and walk, climb stairs.
• Normal office hours are from 8:00 a.m. through 4:30 p.m.
• Generally works in a normal office environment.
• The noise level in the work environment is moderate with many interruptions.

 
 
 
Disclaimer: The statements contained in this job description are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position.  They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job requirements or duties performed.  The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.
                                                                                                 
AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: It is the policy of St. Clair County not to discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, disability that does not prevent performing essential job functions or because he or she is a protected veteran.