Chief Tribal Judge

SUMMARY

The Chief Tribal Judge is responsible for the operation and management of the Tribal Court and the programs operated by Tribal Court.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Is a member of the Grand Traverse Band who has attained the age of eighteen (18) and/or is an attorney licensed to practice before the courts of a state in the United States.
• 5 years of experience in legal practice.
• Has not been convicted, within ten (10) years of such appointment, of any felony by a court of competent jurisdiction.
• Must have a valid unrestricted driver license and be insurable by the GTB insurance carrier.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Oversee all Federal and State grants operated by the Court on behalf of the Tribe.
• Draft Tribal Codes that relate to the operation of Tribal Court
• Coordinate with the Tribal Prosecutor, Law Enforcement, Community and Family Services and other Tribal Programs in developing programs to improve the tribal community.
• Prepare and monitor the annual department budget.
• Assign judicial case assignments to associate judges.
• Determine fines and bonds pursuant to the Tribal Code.
• Presiding over all hunting and inland fishing cases.
• Conduct preliminary hearings, adjudication hearings, disposition hearings and disposition review hearings involving allegations of child abuse and neglect.
• Conduct emancipation hearings and adoption hearings.
• Perform marriage ceremonies and certify traditional marriages.
• Appoint guardians for incompetents and minors.
• Issue personal protection orders for domestic violence or stalking.
• Determine the release of adoption records.
• Conduct preliminary hearings detention hearings, adjudication hearings, disposition hearings and review hearings including probation violation hearings regarding allegations of juvenile delinquent offenses and juvenile status offenses.
• Oversee the remedies and enforcement of violations of the liquor control ordinances.
• Oversee the criminal and civil enforcement of violations of Animal Control Ordinance and Michigan Motor Vehicle Codes.
• Issue search or arrest warrants.
• Perform arraignments, trials and sentencing for criminal offenses.
• Shall have all responsibilities inherent in the position of judge.
• Preside over any civil cases and civil remedial forfeiture hearings.
• Hear landlord-tenant disputes and property foreclosures.
• Determine the validity of foreign court orders and the full faith and credit recognition of such orders.
• Order garnishments as appropriate.
• Preside over divorce, custody, and child support enforcement and visitation matters.
• Preside over any other hearings pursuant to the jurisdiction granted by the Tribal Code.
• Prepare, develop and implement one and five year plans based upon input received from Tribal Judicial Committee and program activity.
• Recommend new programs to supervisor; modify or recommend termination of existing programs based on effectiveness and community needs.
• Direct the formulation and implementation of program changes as required through the subordinate staff.
• Allocate and reprogram resources within the Tribal Court Department as required to accommodate changing conditions.
• Establish accountability and responsibility within department and achieve an equitable distribution of appropriate organizational resources through changes in the structure and alignment of functions.
• Redefine and prioritize departmental requirements and resources.
• Approve internal policies and operational changes within authority granted.
• Review and update program procedures as necessary.
• Prepare check requests and purchase requisitions as needed.
• Establish fees, charges and operational hours of Tribal Court Department.
• Arrange meetings with supervisor's and Tribal Judicial Committee to determine and coordinate the implementation of plans designed to meet departmental objectives and goals.
• Assess the value of service and the achievement of program objectives and goals through visits and discussions with Tribal Judicial Committee and other interested groups.
• Maximize the department's contribution in terms of operational effectiveness, service, and support to the community and public served.
• Initiate, via tribal and local media channels, a viable information awareness program detailing programs and services offered by the Tribal Court Department.
• Evaluate results achieved in terms or objectives, goals and costs.
• Analyze workload, the achievement of objectives and goals, Total cost of each program, quality of determine/suggest corrective action(s) as needed.
• Complete factual assessments and determine program shortcomings (if any) their underlying causes,

And determine measures required to preclude their recurrence.

• Oversee the budget preparation involving all operational activities within the department.
• Complete timely, in-depth fiscal reviews of each program with the appropriate program/activity supervisor(s).
• Manage all phases of operations in the department through analysis and evaluation of operating reports, accounting statements, and budgets.
• Serve as the focal point for policies and practices involving Tribal Court.
• Evaluate for merit all recommendations and/or criticisms received and direct appropriate adjustments or changes, or elevate concerns to appropriate level.
• Coordinate with appropriate individuals/entities and departmental changes that would involve or impact other elements in the community
• Follow necessary internal controls and safeguards to protect Government-owned resources against fraud, waste, and abuse, as developed by GTB.
• Direct changes to correct unusual or recurring problems, or elevate to appropriate level as needed.
• Update supervisor and staff on significant action plans, in process, or completed, and on problems of interest to the Tribal Judicial Committee.
• Provide assistance and direction to staff subordinates on preparing departmental actions that ensure uniformity and consistency in carrying out policy and operational activities.
• Maintain liaison with social and special service-related organizations.
• Attend and/or ensure proper department/tribe representation at meetings that relate to Tribal Court
• Adhere to sound business principles in managing activities that generate income; monitor internal controls in all activities to maintain financially stable operation.
• Ensure that departmental budgetary goals are achieved providing programs that are cost effective and insofar as possible, financially self-sufficient.

OTHER SKILL AND ABILITIES

• Use Microsoft Windows operating system, Microsoft Office Suite, and other computer software.
• Other duties as directed or assigned.
• Duties, responsibilities, requirements, and expectations pertaining to this job are subject to change as needed.
• Responsible for all overall direction, coordination and evaluation of the Court.
• Plans the work sets priorities for completion and assigns work to Court Administrator.
• Evaluates subordinates performance and advises, counsels, and instructs them on work and administrative matters according to established policy and procedure.
• Identifies and provides for developmental and other training needs of court staff.
• Interview and hires for vacancies in positions within the subordinate work unit.
• Resolves complaints and grievances originating within and /or affecting court staff.
• Determines and takes disciplinary action required, consistent with established policy and/or laws.
• Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable law.
• General proficiency in computers as detailed in the Additional Functions and Tasks section of this document.
• Basic proficiency in 10 keys and other office equipment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with demonstrated patience, tact and respect.
• Exceptional detail and follow-up skills.
• Ability to effectively establish priorities and meet deadlines.
• Basic General Advanced proficiency in leadership and management Skills and techniques.
• Ability to quickly evaluate alternatives and decide on a plan of action.
• Ability to read and write legibly.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Juries Doctorate degree.
• Successful completion of Program Director Training within one year from the date of hire.
• 5 years of experience in legal practice.
• Basic knowledge of business, budgeting, accounting, purchasing and planning.
• Advanced knowledge of applicable law, regulations, rules procedures, and administration.
• Advanced supervisory skills.

Required Qualifications:

Per the GTB Code, any person shall be eligible to serve as a tribal court judge only if he/she:

• Is a member of the Grand Traverse Band who has attained the age of eighteen (18) and/or is an attorney licensed to practice before the courts of a state in the United States.
• Is not presently a Tribal Council member or running to become a Tribal Council member; and
• Has not been convicted, within ten (10) years of such appointment, of any felony by a court of competent jurisdiction.
• Must have a valid unrestricted driver license and be insurable by the GTB insurance carrier.

EQUIPMENT TO BE USED

TYPICAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

TYPICAL MENTAL DEMANDS

Must be able to deal effectively with employees, court personnel and other legal personnel at all levels.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Travel within the local area is regularly required.
• Travel outside the state is infrequently required.
• Periods requiring travel are generally for less than one week.

COMMENTS

Native American Preference will apply. Must be willing and able to pass a background investigation and a drug and alcohol urinalysis as a condition of employment. Adherence to strict company policy in regard to confidentiality is a must.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed, as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. Management retains the right to add or to change the duties of the position at any time. Any qualification to be considered as equivalents in lieu of stated minimums require prior approval of the Director of Human Resources

Current Openings for Chief Tribal Judge Jobs at Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians