Judicial Officer (Legal)

POSITION TITLE: Judicial Officer
CLASSIFICATION: Nonexempt
DEPARTMENT: Tribal Court
SUPERVISOR: Chief Judge
GRADE: NE8
Position Summary:
The Judicial Officer will have dual responsibilities. The first is as a probation officer, who will provide supervision for pre and post incarceration of adult and juvenile offenders, monitor the progress of persons which are under the jurisdiction of the Santa Ana Tribal Court, and attend / monitor court appearances required by the courts. Secondly, as a Bailiff/Court Security Officer, who will ensure the efficient and orderly operation of the courtroom, court calendar, and all court proceedings. Provides administrative support, facilitates the flow of courtroom cases and official proceedings, and other court ordered appointments, and enforces the rules in the courtroom. Ensures safety, security and the preservation of life and property by maintaining order.
This list of duties and responsibilities is illustrative only of the tasks performed by this position and is not all-inclusive.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities as Probation Officer:

Supervises adult and juvenile offenders under the Santa Ana Tribal Courts jurisdiction. Meets with families and performs assessments for the court to maintain compliance with all court mandates and conditions of release. Conducts pre-sentence investigations, risk/need assessments, transfers investigations, chemical use screens, and domestic violence/sex offender screens. Attends court hearings and prepares pre-dispositional reports and filing of motions for violations of court-imposed conditions of release. Prepares and submits post-sentence violation, progress, discharge, and other needed reports to the court regarding an offenders progress and/or compliance with release. Prepares and maintains timely, well-organized case records and notes. Conducts investigations when required, obtains evidence, prepares reports regarding violations and the service of warrants. Maintains appropriate documentation on incidents as required by policies and procedures. Provides testimony, advice, and information about offenders to assist with court sentencing and probation violation hearings. Supervises random drug and alcohol testing, monitor/maintain drug and alcohol monitoring equipment, monitors employment history and performance, liaison with school administration, and works closely with Tribal Officials, Tribal Social Services representatives and other service providers. Supervises community service programs and hours for probationers. Participates in any pre-prosecution or post-sentencing diversion programs as directed by the Court. Attends training classes and seminars on probation and court security methods, techniques, safety, first aide, and related activity. Communicates with local, state, regional and outside agencies and assists as needed. Contributes to a team effort and accomplishes related results as required. Performs other duties as assigned.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities as Bailiff, Civil, Court Security Officer
Opens and closes the court; announces entrance of the presiding judge; calls witnesses; maintains order during court session and detains or causes the removal of persons violating the orderliness of the court at the direction of the presiding judge. Performs a wide variety of support tasks for the court; assists jurors, witnesses, attorneys and others, according to established guidelines, policies, procedures, statues, rules, and administrative orders. Maintains court security by providing protections to all participants to the extent permitted by law. Ensures courtroom security readiness for court proceedings; directs parties to the proper area; and secures courtroom at the end of the day. Screens all persons entering the courtroom for weapons visually and with a hand-held scanner when available or needed. Provides security and order in the courtroom and in the Court facility. Maintains appropriate documentation on incidences as required by policies and procedures.

Minimum Qualifications:
High School Diploma or GED and must be at least 21 years of age; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Must be able to successfully pass a pre-employment drug/alcohol screen, medical fit for duty examination, psychological examination, and background investigation including a motor vehicle check. Must possess and maintain a valid New Mexico drivers license and be insurable under the Pueblos insurance. Must possess or be willing to obtain a valid security guard license, level 3 preferred, but lower license levels will be considered.

Knowledge, Abilities, Skills, and Certifications:
Knowledge of law enforcement or probation and public relations activities. Knowledge of the Santa Ana Pueblo geography and road locations. Ability to give and receive orders, follow instructions in verbal and written format Ability to work as a team member in a structured working environment. Ability to comprehend, retain and recall information, and learn and apply acquired skills and techniques to the performance of assignment duties. Ability to integrate training, experience and common sense sufficient to identify potentially dangerous situations, make effective logical decisions and exercise the appropriate measure of tact or force to resolve the situation with minimum injury to self or other persons or minimum damage to property involved. Ability to demonstrate moral character, honesty, tact, fairness, lack of prejudice and desire to help when dealing with people. Ability to accept the dangers and stresses, regimentation, discipline and time demands of Probation and Court Services work. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associate personnel and the public. Ability to prepare accurate, complete and legible reports and present detailed, accurate and objective oral presentations and response to questions. Ability to become certified in CPR and First Aid Training. Knowledge of courtroom practices and procedures. Ability to maintain and use computerized databases and computer systems for the collection, tracking of probationers, and other court records.

Physical Demands:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to use their senses. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment:
Work is generally performed in a courtroom or office settings or in the field where exposure to natural weather conditions and various dusts and mists may occur. Prolonged standing and walking may be on uneven surfaces or unstable ground, in remote, steep, rugged, mountainous areas with unimproved dirt roads and trails. Situations may occur where prolonged sitting, driving, walking, or waiting is required. Evening, weekend, and/or holiday work may be required. Must be on call for emergencies. Travel is required for training, meetings, conferences, presentations, and other events.