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The South Carolina Judicial Branch (SCJB), invites applications for Deputy Director, Trial Court Services. This position is located in Court Services.

The Deputy Director for Trial Court Services is responsible for the management and supervision of the Trial Court and Summary Court Sections as well as the Court Support Services Section.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE POSITION

This job bulletin represents general duties for this position and is not intended to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Directly supervises Trial Court Services staff to include Court Support Services and staff attorneys.
• Oversees the day-to-day functions of the Trial Court Services Section, including responding to substantive legal and procedural questions regarding the operation of the Circuit, Family, Probate, Magistrate, and Municipal courts.
• Assists and reviews the drafting of rules, procedures, forms, orders and other documents for distribution to the impacted courts; assists with the preparation of advisory committee meetings, orientations, annual conferences, and other education programs affiliated with court services; and assists and reviews legislative changes affecting court services stakeholders.
• Specific to Summary Courts (Magistrate and Municipal), oversees daily operations to include maintaining information on approximately 700 Summary court judges; monitors magistrate appointments and reappointments; oversees assistance provided to municipalities for the municipal judge appointment process; develops and implements the magistrate eligibility exam; coordinates and participates in a twice-yearly, two-week orientation program for summary court judges; administers the magistrate and municipal judges certification exam; coordinates and conducts mandatory educational program for magistrates; and participates and teaches in schools, conferences, and training events.
• Reviews procedural and substantive legal questions from summary court judges, clerks of court, and their staffs. Reviews and responds to phone calls, letters, and other inquiries from the public, inmates, legislators, and other government or court-related entities.
• Monitors legislative activity and disseminates necessary information to judges, clerks of court, and other stakeholders. Works with staff attorneys and court representatives to create policies, procedures, and forms, required to implement new laws and provisos. Advises and assists in adapting and implementing reporting procedures to conform to any legislative or policy changes. Oversees the creation of Fiscal Impact Statements, CDR codes and NOA codes.
• Oversees data requests submitted to Court Services. Specifically, responsible for managing the Rule 610 bulk data program and requests and the Court Statistics Project from the National Center for State Courts (NCSC) for South Carolina Trial Courts. Evaluates monthly reports and creates statewide Master-in-Equity and Probate reports. Oversees the posting of monthly and annual summary reports for Family Court, Common Pleas, and General Sessions, which includes Benchmark Graphs; and supervises and aids in creating the Business Court report.
• Oversees the annual composition and distribution of a comprehensive fees and assessments memorandum which governs the imposition, collection, and distribution of court generated revenues statewide.
• Oversees the maintenance of the Bench Book, manuals, forms, and Administrative Orders. Maintains and updates the sccourts website to include forms, documents, manuals, guides, and general information.
• Collaborates with various state agencies to provide appropriate judicial services to the citizens of the State. Staffs various boards including Board of Magistrate and Municipal Judge Certification, and the Magistrate Advisory Council; and others as assigned.
• Stays abreast of developments and trends in the courts, including technological and programmatic ones. Keeps Court Administration management informed of the trends and make recommendations to adopt changes designed to improve service delivery and positively impact the administration of the unified judicial system. Attends conferences, seminars, and training sessions both in-state and out-of-state.
• Performs all other duties as assigned by the Director and State Court Administrator.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE) 

• A Juris Doctorate degree from an American Bar Association (ABA) accredited school of law:
• Admission to practice law in the State of South Carolina;
• A member of the South Carolina Bar in good standing;
• Five (5) or more years of related work experience;
• Experience managing a large staff, including managers, in a variety of tasks from the routine to major organizational change;
• Practical court experience; and
• Must possess dependable transportation as this position requires occasional travel throughout the state.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND OTHER CHARACTERISTICS

Knowledge of:

• The South Carolina Judicial system; and
• The laws of South Carolina.

 Skilled in:

• Operating a computer;
• Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Power Point, Microsoft Outlook, and West Law; and
• Leadership and supervisory skills.

Ability to:

• Build and maintain strong internal and external working relationships;
• Demonstrate a high degree of independence and discretion in carrying out job functions;
• Demonstrate a strong, consistent, dependable work ethic;
• Communicate effectively both verbal and written; and
• Coordinate and make presentations.

 PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS (EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE)

• Experience working with the media, the public, the Legislature, and state agencies or entities;
• Experience coordinating educational programs; and
• Experience developing and implementing new policies and procedures.

SCJB APPLICATION PROCEDURES

Interested persons meeting the required qualifications may submit an application at www.careers.sc.gov. All questions on the application must be completed and should include all work history and education. A resume may be included but will not be accepted or reviewed in lieu of an incomplete application. Supplemental questions are considered a part of your application and must be completed.

About SC Judicial Branch

The South Carolina Judicial Branch is the third co-equal branch of SC State Government. The SC Supreme Court is the highest court in South Carolina and has both appellate and original jurisdiction. The Supreme Court is responsible for promulgating rules governing all the courts of this state. This includes not only rules governing the practice and procedure before these courts, but also rules governing the administration of these courts. Additionally, the Court promulgates rules governing the admission of persons to practice law, and the conduct of lawyers, judges and court personnel. Further, the Chief Justice, as the administrative head of the Judicial Branch, is responsible for administering the courts, setting the terms of court and assigning judges to preside at those terms.

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