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.
Please note: FREE parking is available in New Castle County for Family Court staff.
Summary Statement
The incumbent of the Judicial Secretary II position works directly for the Chief Judge of the Family Court for the State of Delaware providing secretarial and administrative support in all areas. This is a confidential position within the Delaware Judicial Branch, and the employee serves at the pleasure of the Chief Judge in accordance with the Supreme Court of Delaware Judicial Branch Personnel Rules.
Essential Functions
The incumbent provides technical support at an advanced level for all adjudicative and related administrative functions performed by the Chief Judge. The incumbent serves as the personal/confidential legal secretary and assistant to the Chief Judge. The incumbent also relieves the Chief Judge of routine legal/administrative duties and is responsible for coordinating all on-going judicial activities. There is regular interaction with the staff in other judicial offices, Administrative Team, attorneys, etc. in the conduct of business on behalf of the Chief Judge.
The incumbent’s primary responsibilities include screening and prioritizing all correspondence coming into Chambers using independent judgment in its dissemination. As the Chief Judge’s personal legal secretary, the incumbent is responsible for preparing draft replies for signature and ensuring that all materials are handled promptly. Likewise, the incumbent is responsible for sending out routine correspondence for the Chief Judge. This position requires independent thinking and close coordination with the Chief Judge.
On behalf of the Chief Judge, through delegated authority, the incumbent’s primary responsibilities also include coordination with personnel in various courts or agencies regarding on-going activities or special projects which involve the Court. The incumbent is responsible for exercising greater latitude in problem-solving and decision-making than the Judicial Secretary I position given the depth and breadth of the Chief Judge’s administrative responsibilities.
The incumbent’s primary responsibilities also include continuously monitoring the status of all cases under judicial review by the Chief Judge and maintaining a working knowledge of relevant aspects of each case. The incumbent is responsible for coordinating all activities pertaining to those cases with Operations on behalf of the Chief Judge.
The incumbent’s primary responsibilities also include producing complex, confidential documents such as memorandums, court orders, and/or legal opinions which the incumbent is then responsible for directing distribution and maintaining the related filing system.
Another primary responsibility of the incumbent in this position is to maintain the Chief Judge’s appointment calendar by integrating the court calendar with administrative assignments, arranging meetings and/or conferences as required, and compiling pertinent information to brief the Chief Judge as to the status of issues and any pending actions. In the event of changing circumstances, the incumbent is responsible for rearranging/rescheduling the Chief Judge’s calendar.
The incumbent’s primary responsibilities also include interacting regularly with other members of the Court, judicial officers, and administrators in other courts, attorneys appearing before the Court, the general public, etc., to resolve problems and/or disseminate information, and keep the Chief Judge informed of current issues and assist in resolving potential problems.
Job Requirements
Job Requirements - Judicial Secretary II
Applicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas:
- Experience as a full time Legal Secretary or Paralegal.
- Experience coordinating administrative projects and event planning.
- Experience in using standard computer software programs for word formatting, spreadsheets, or databases.
- Experience in creating reports and various documents.
- Experience in the principles, practices, and procedures of office administration and management.
- Experience reviewing and evaluating legal/court documents for completeness and accuracy.
- Ability to communicate courteously and effectively to a diverse audience and on sensitive/confidential issues.
- Excellent writing skills.
- Ability to handle a high volume of work.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
- 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
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.