Judicial Secretary I

This position is Exempt from the State of Delaware Merit System

Recruitment #091624-J65270-20800

Introduction

Family Court’s mission is to provide equal access to justice for the families and children under its jurisdiction in a manner that is fair and efficient and that maintains the public’s trust and confidence in an independent and accountable judiciary.

We strive each day to build an atmosphere that ensures all members of the public are treated with courtesy, dignity, and respect.  We strive to have the same environment for our staff and value a diverse workforce.   

We offer career opportunities that make a difference in people’s lives every day.  Come join our team where our goal is to operate Family Court through great staff across the state (or statewide).

Please note: FREE parking is available in New Castle County for Family Court staff.

Summary Statement

This is a Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) Exempt position appointed by, and serves at the pleasure of the Chief Judge of the Family Court. The incumbent will report to a Judge of Family Court and is responsible for all administrative support required by the Judge, and will carry out all duties and assigned tasks recognizing the confidential nature of the position. Responsibilities include calendar management, file management, scheduling, and the development of documents and communications using the Microsoft Office Suite and other technologies and software applications.

Preferred Qualification

  • Prior experience as a legal secretary or an executive assistance to a senior level manager in a family court, juvenile court, other court or criminal justice agency which includes the interpretation and application of Federal and State statutes, court rules, policies and procedures.
  • Prior experience as a legal secretary or an executive assistance dedicated to supporting a senior level partner or director in a law firm or manager in a private industry organization.
  • Experience with e-filing.

Essential Functions

Judicial Secretary
  • Perform administrative tasks assigned by the Judge in support of fulfilling the mission of the Family Court for the State of Delaware.
  • Perform calendar management, scheduling of meetings, conference calls and rooms, travel arrangements, and completion of expenses reports.
  • Attend various meetings and capture, compile, and distribute meeting minutes accurately and in a timely manner.
  • Serve as the primary contact for all inbound communications for the Judge.
  • Prepare and distribute memorandums, letters, and other various communications accurately, efficiently, and in a timely manner.
  • Prepare narratives, summaries, spreadsheets, and other reports as directed by the Judge.
  • Maintain all files and records in accordance with court policies, practices, and procedures.
  • Performs related work as required.

Job Requirements

Judicial Secretary:
Applicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas. Resumes may not be substituted for the application.
  1. Experience as a full-time Legal Secretary or Paralegal. 
  2. Experience coordinating administrative projects and event planning. 
  3. Experience using standard computer software programs for word formatting, spreadsheets, or databases.
  4. Experience creating reports and various documents. 
  5. Experience in the principles, practices, and procedures of office administration and management. 
  6. Experience reviewing and evaluating legal/court documents for completeness and accuracy. 
  7. Ability to communicate courteously and effectively to a diverse audience and on sensitive/confidential issues.
  8. Excellent writing skills. 
  9. Ability to handle a high volume of work. 
  10. Ability to work effectively as part of a team. 
  11. Good organizational skills.

Conditions of Hire

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

Criminal background check:  A satisfactory criminal background check is required as a condition of hire.  The recruiting agency may require the applicant to pay for the criminal background check as part of the conditional offer of hire.

Benefits

To learn more about the comprehensive benefit package please visit our website at https://dhr.delaware.gov/benefits/

Selection Process

The application and supplemental questionnaire are evaluated based upon a rating of your education, training and experience as they relate to the job requirements of the position.  It is essential that you provide complete and accurate information on your application and the supplemental questionnaire to include dates of employment, job title and job duties.  For education and training, list name of educational provider, training course titles and summary of course content.   Narrative information supplied in response to the questions must be supported by the information supplied on the application including your employment, education and training history as it relates to the job requirements.

Once you have submitted your application on-line, all future correspondence related to your application will be sent via email.  Please keep your contact information current.  You may also view all correspondence sent to you by the State of Delaware in the “My Applications” tab at StateJobs.Delaware.gov.

Accommodations

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities in all phases of the application and employment process.  To request an auxiliary aid or service please call (302) 739-5458. TDD users should call the Delaware Relay Service Number 1-800-232-5460 for assistance.

The State of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity employer and values a diverse workforce. We strongly encourage and seek out a workforce representative of Delaware including race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.