Judicial District Operations & Programs Director

Description

AOPC/Judicial District Operations and Programs is comprised of 19 employees who work closely with court administration at both the state and judicial district levels to facilitate the efficient operation of trial and magisterial district courts. The department researches and promotes best practices in court management; administers innovative treatment court programs (i.e. Veteran’s Court, Mental Health Court, Drug/DUI Court) as well as behavioral health-focused court programs and services; provides technical assistance to judicial districts and training for judges and staff; oversees training, testing and certification for language interpreters; assesses, collects, analyzes, and disseminates information regarding court operations; and coordinates the assignments for senior judges. The department serves as a point of contact for all district court administrators and their staff, meeting with them regularly to exchange ideas and understand the needs and concerns of the trial and magisterial district courts. The team also works closely with other AOPC departments to assist in the implementation of policies, procedures, rule changes, and reporting standards. This senior management position reports to the State Court Administrator.

Primary Duties

• Oversees the strategic planning, research, development, and implementation of various court management programs, projects, initiatives, and educational events related to Pennsylvania’s 60 judicial districts.
• Develops and presents proactive, creative, and innovative solutions to current challenges faced in district court administration that address legal, business, or operational requirements. Ensures that objectives and goals are aligned with business needs.
• Oversees statewide program audits and assessments, federal and state grants, certification of problem-solving courts and language interpreters, judicial assignments, professional conferences and training, and publications on court management topics. Ensures appropriate monitoring, evaluation, and forecasting of program effectiveness.
• Reviews and resolves issues, problems, or conflicts involving court administration in the trial and magisterial district courts. Advises stakeholders of current trends and evidence-based practices.
• In consultation with the Legal Department, provides legal guidance and interpretation on employment law, rules, and UJS policies.
• Prepares executive summary documents to advocate a proposal, initiative, or strategy or to disseminate project results or outcomes. Presents recommendations or findings.
• Collaborates with common pleas president judges, district court administrators, and AOPC colleagues in the development of policies, standards, and procedures.
• Collaborates with human resources regarding district court employment activity, such as reviewing all hiring recommendations, staff performance evaluations, and disciplinary actions. Presents recommendations for organizational changes. In consultation with the Legal Department, provides legal viewpoint on internal investigations.
• Reviews proposed and pending legislation and considers its impact on the judiciary.
• Serves as liaison to the PACM Board of Directors.

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation from an ABA-approved school of law. Admission to and a member in good standing of the Bar of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania.
• Ten years of progressively responsible experience in court or justice system administration, including at least five years in a leadership role.

Additional Requirements/Preferences

• Satisfactory criminal background check required. Ability to travel overnight as necessary.
• Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment and discretion, particularly with confidential matters.
• Knowledge of court administration and management methods.
• Ability to communicate effectively and collegially with various internal and external constituencies.

Additional Information

• Excellent benefits program including comprehensive, low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription plans for employees and eligible family members beginning on the first day of employment; 13 paid holidays, 12 paid sick days, and 12+ paid vacation days per year; salary increases; student loan forgiveness plan; employee assistance programs; and retirement plans.
• Free parking (Harrisburg location).

Unified Judicial System Hiring Policy

The Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania recruits, employs, and promotes the most qualified applicants without regard to their political affiliation, race, color, age, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, disability, or other non-merit facts or considerations. Reasonable accommodations will be provided to applicants with disabilities as may be necessary to ensure that all applicants are given a fair and equal opportunity to compete for all employment positions. Applicants who need accommodation for an interview should request so in advance. UJS hiring and employment policies and procedures are intended to conform to all applicable state and federal laws governing fair and non-discriminatory hiring and employment practices and are subject to change as necessary to remain in compliance with such laws.

Applicants requiring accommodation, for any part of the application and/or interview process, should contact Human Resources at (717) 231-3309 or human.resources@pacourts.us.