Chief Deputy Probate Register

CHIEF DEPUTY PROBATE REGISTER

Hourly Pay: $22.95

Hours: Full Time Employee

Location: Circuit Court - Jackson County

Category: Human Resources

Position Summary

Performs a variety of tasks related to processing of estate, guardianship, mentally ill, and related probate matters. Set up files, receive, review and file legal documents and provide information to attorneys and the public regarding the processing of probate matters. Monitors files to ensure filing and other requirements have been met. Acts for the Probate Register in the absence of that individual. Easily apply by entering your contact information and uploading a cover letter and resume.

Position Description

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Under the supervision of the Probate Register:


1. Receives, records and files legal documents related to probate proceedings. Reviews documents for accuracy and completeness and ensures the appropriate filing fee is received. Sets up new files for all types of new probate cases.

2. Provides information to attorneys and the public on the filing of petitions, procedural requirements, prescribed time limits and related probate matters. Provides instruction on the completion of forms related to all types of probate matters.

3. Reviews computer generated reports on all estate, guardianship and conservatorship files to determine if filing requirements have been met. Prepares and distributes notices to fiduciaries where filing requirements have not been satisfied.

4. Serves as Court Recorder for Probate Division hearings in the absence of the Probate Register, including mental hearings at various hospitals and mental health units. Prepares transcripts for all hearings as requested.

5. Opens and maintains guardian and conservator files for developmentally disabled individuals, minors, and the legally incapacitated. Processes files including reviewing the initial papers, receipting the filing fee, scheduling hearing, noticing parties, typing documents, and contacting parties regarding case status.

6. Assists the Probate Register in monitoring estate files. Reviews accounts and the orders allowing final account and assigning residue. Reviews file to prepare for discharge and ensures that all requirements have been met.

7. Drafts and prepares orders of dismissal and other orders following court hearings for the signature of the Judge.

8. Reviews estate files to ensure all requirements have been met. Assists in maintaining case files and reviews files prior to court action to ensure documents are in order. Identifies potential problems or discrepancies for the Register or Judge.

9. Sets up new files and enters information on filed pleadings and other case information to computer system. Enters information to the computer system on all types of probate matters after reviewing the files to ensure paperwork is in order and filing requirements met.

10. Schedules hearings on petitions filed with the Court and issues notices of hearing and ensures proper service.

11. Serves as secretary to the Probate Judge, including typing correspondence, opinions, and other documents.

12. Responds to inquiries related to genealogy research. Locates old files to produce information.

13. Assists with filing wills, certifying copies, making copies, and performing related tasks.

14. Acts for the Probate Register in the absence of that individual, includes overseeing Probate Division, processing independent probate matters and performing other functions of the Register as designated.

15. Manages mental health petition processes from start to finish. Coordinates court schedules, processes files, and reviews all petitions. Collaborates daily with hospitals, mental health agencies, and attorneys. Drafts clear orders for the judge and maintains file records.

Other Functions

16. Oversees the daily functions of the Deputy Probate Register.

17. Provides assistance in policy creation and policy maintenance.

18. Provides training to new employees as needed.

19. Acts for the Probate Register in the absence of that individual.

BENEFITS EFFECTIVE DATE OF HIRE!

This is a non-exempt level position with excellent benefits, including health, life, disability, paid time off and paid holidays, effective date of hire!

CORE BENEFITS (Provided at no cost): $30,000 Life Insurance, $30,000 AD&D; Long-Term Disability; Employee Wellness Benefits; Employee Assistance Program; Paid Holidays; Paid Time Off (based on length of service); Paid bereavement leave; and Education Assistance of up to $3,000 annually.

OPTIONAL BENEFITS (cost share required): Medical, Prescription, Dental, Vision; Optional Life Insurance for employee, spouse and dependent children; Short-Term Disability; Flexible Spending Accounts (Medical and/or Dependent Care); Health Savings Accounts, Accident Protection, Critical Illness Protection, Consumerism Card; Legal Shield & ID Shield.

Employees opting out of the County's health benefit plan with proof of other coverage may qualify for an annual $3,000 Cash-In-Lieu benefit (payable in bi-weekly increments).

Full time employees are also offered an Employer match of up to 5% in our Defined Contribution Plan and greater than two times the employee contribution to our Retirement Health Savings Plan. The Employee contribution for the RHS Plan is $900 annually with an employer contribution of $2,050 annually.

For full benefit details, go to https://www.mijackson.org

REQUIREMENTS:

Education: High school graduation or its equivalent. Equivalent to one year of college level coursework in business or public administration, paralegal, law, or related area.

Experience: Two to three years of experience as a Deputy Probate Register or related capacity, or adequate background and exposure in a legal environment including word processing, office procedures, and public relations.

Relevant Skills/Specialized Equipment Knowledge:
• Basic office equipment such as telephone, calculator, photocopier, Fax., etc.
• Photographic, audio and video equipment.
• Computer programs including word processing, spreadsheets, database entry and maintenance and financial applications.
• Knowledge base of EPIC.
• Ability to locate, research and comprehend court rules, court statutes and legislation.