Director I - Support Hearing Officer Unit

Company Description

A best-in-class city that attracts best-in-class talent, Philadelphia is an incredible place to build a career. From our thriving arts scene and rich history to our culture of passion and grit, there are countless reasons to love living and working here. With a workforce of over 30,000 people, and more than 1,000 different job categories, the City of Philadelphia offers boundless opportunities to make an impact.

As an employer, the City of Philadelphia values inclusion, integrity, innovation, empowerment, and hard work above all else. We offer a vibrant work environment, comprehensive health care and benefits, and the experience you need to grow and excel. If you’re interested in working with a passionate team of people who care about the future of Philadelphia, start here.

What we offer

• Impact - The work you do here matters to millions. 
• Growth - Philadelphia is growing, why not grow with it? 
• Diversity & Inclusion - Find a career in a place where everyone belongs.
• Benefits - We care about your well-being.

Agency Description

The First Judicial District of Pennsylvania (“FJD”) is the Philadelphia County Court System and is composed of two courts:  the Court of Common Pleas and the Municipal Court.  The mission of the FJD is to adjudicate cases and provide services to the community within our jurisdiction while ensuring fair, timely, and accessible justice to the people of Philadelphia.  The FJD is part of the Unified Judicial System reporting in to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court of Pennsylvania.

Job Description

This is a highly responsible position serving in a quasi-judicial capacity as a Hearing Officer with the Domestic Relations Branch of Family Court, specifically to hear child support matters. The incumbent of this position also serves in an administrative capacity, supervising and directing the work of a team of Support Hearing Officers. This group conducts hearings and recommends decisions regarding child support under the guidance of the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure.

An employee in this class supervises a group of attorneys serving as Hearing Officers in support matters. A significant aspect of the work is the direction of the scheduling of cases, controlling the number of continuances, and reviewing any disputes resulting from decisions rendered by those Hearing Officers under his/her supervision. The position also supervises the clerical staff and the electronic recording of hearings. Administrative supervision and general legal direction is provided by an Administrative superior under the general supervision of the Administrative Judge, Family Division.

In order to apply and be considered for this position, please visit https://fjdcareers.phila.gov/Cyberweb/ to complete an application and upload a resume.

Essential Functions

The following duties are normal for this position. They are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be assigned and required.

• Manages the daily operation of the Hearing Officer Unit for support cases.
• Serves on committees as appointed or requested by the Administrative Judge of the Family Division, the Supervising Judge of the Family Division, or their designee.
• Makes presentations on behalf of the Domestic Relations Branch as requested by judicial and administrative superiors.
• As a Hearing Officer in Support, conducts hearings involving parties engaged in child support litigation where no agreement could be reached during the mandatory office conference.

MARGINAL FUNCTIONS:

Performs related work as required.

In order to apply and be considered for this position, please visit https://fjdcareers.phila.gov/Cyberweb/ to complete an application and upload a resume.

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure governing actions for child support and custody.
• Thorough knowledge of statutory and case law relating to child custody and child support.
• Thorough knowledge of the proper conduct of hearings held in accordance with Pennsylvania laws and Rules of Evidence.
• Thorough knowledge of the preparation of legal documents and court orders.
• Thorough knowledge of administrative organization and management principles, standards and goals.
• Ability to exercise judgment and discretion in applying law to factual situations and support recommend