Manager, Specialized Dockets Programs at STATE OF OHIO in Columbus, Ohio

Job Description:

The Supreme Court of Ohio is seeking to fill the position of Manager, Specialized Dockets Programs in the Specialized Dockets Section of the Office of Court Services.  The Manager of the Specialized Dockets Programs provides support services and resources to trial courts throughout Ohio. The Manager will monitor and assist in the research, development and continuation of various specialized docket programs throughout Ohio courts.  The programs include, but are not limited to, drug courts, mental health courts, domestic violence courts and family courts. The Manager is also responsible for budgeting, staffing, and policies within the program.

The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Assists and supports trial courts with developing specialized docket programs.


• Serves as the primary staff liaison and support to the Commission on Specialized Dockets and its subcommittees.


• Monitors new trends and research relative to specialized dockets, including pertinent state and federal legislation, and disseminates information to trial courts, committees, relevant outside agency personnel and relevant Supreme Court staff.


• Develops and manages program; prepares budget and monitors expenses; manages grants and other financial resources to ensure they are consistent with plans; analyzes trends and makes projections for future financial requirements; pursues alternative funding sources for specialized dockets and the work of the office.


• Assists trial courts with planning a certified specialized docket based on local community resources through assessing the need, identifying the necessary resources, and working with local court staff to draft essential operational documents, including caseflow charts, administrative orders, model court entries, program forms, and interagency memoranda of understanding.


• Assisting the trial courts with planning includes facilitating the trial court planning team and working with the local judge in developing necessary aspects of a specialized docket including target population, legal and clinical criteria, program entry and caseflow, phases, incentives and sanctions, criteria for successful completion, unsuccessful termination, and neutral discharge.


• Makes presentations to professional groups and training sessions; participates in regional and national associations that relate to the program managed.


• Supports trial courts with developing and operating specialized docket programs in compliance with Rules 36.20 - 36.29 and Appendix I of the Rules of Superintendence for the Courts of Ohio.


• Works with trial courts to draft documents required for certification under Superintendence Rules 36.20 - 36.29 to ensure compliance, including local court rule, adminsitrative order, program description, participant handbook, and participant agreement.


• Aids trial courts in preparing budgets, monitoring expenses, analyzing financial trends, projecting future financial requirements, and pursing funding sources for certified specialized dockets.


• Conducts site visits to specialized docket programs as required by the Rules of Superintendence to ensure compliance.


• Oversees the process to manage and support certified specialized dockets.


• Develops rules and standards as appropriate to assist with specialized docket programs.


• Assists local trial courts with continuing legal education programs in regards to the specialized docket and cross training as requested.


• Directs evaluation efforts and other research relative to specialized docket programs.


• Staffs and attends various related committees, subcommittees, and other public discussions.


• Maintains productive relationships with other appropriate national, state, and local agencies.


• Coordinates work with other staff and programs to ensure collaboration and cooperation when appropriate; serves as a liaison and interfaces with other pertinent agencies on projects and grants.


• Assists other staff with rule drafting, contract review and other legal services.


• Provides work direction or supervision for a small group of program support staff and specialized dockets counsel; develops and communicates section goals and objectives to staff and monitors performance.


• Participates with the Director of Judicial Services, the Director of Court Services, and other managers in developing overall strategic plans.

• Requires a Bachelor's degree or equivalent; A graduate degree from an accredited university or an active law license in good standing in the state of Ohio is strongly preferred.


• Requires a minimum of five years working with a specialized docket (problem solving court).  Experience in Ohio court programs is preferred.


• Previous Supervisory experience required.


• Certified Court Manager (CCM) preferred.


• Must possess the basic understanding of specialized dockets and the benefits of such programs.


• Requires the ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, to establish positive public relations and to interact effectively and justices, judges, attorneys, supervisors, so-workers, and the public.


• Requires the ability to establish and maintain collaborative effective working relationships with supervisors and subordinate staff, division directors and managers, public officials, and state agencies.


• Some experience writing and interpreting laws, rules, and policies preferred.


• Ability to make regular public speaking presentations.


• Travel is expected and required. Some overnight travel may be necessary. A valid driver’s license.

*Special Requirements:  This position is regularly exposed to sensitive information and the incumbent is expected to keep any such information strictly confidential.

At-Will Employment

The Supreme Court of Ohio is an at-will employer that seeks to attract, employ, and retain highly skilled and motivated individuals, attempts to maintain staff continuity for the efficiency of its operation, and desires to foster and maintain an ethical, professional, and impartial work environment. Pursuant to Adm. P. 4 (At-Will Employment), no person shall be offered or denied a position of employment with the Court, and no employee shall have the employee's employment terminated based upon political party affiliation, political activity permitted under Adm. P. 17 (Employee Code of Ethics), or other partisan considerations. Further, no employee shall have the employee's employment terminated with or without cause unless upon the concurrence of a majority of the Court.