About the Department

Under the direction of the Municipal Court Judge and consultation with the City Manager, the Court Administrator has the overall responsibility for developing, implementing, and administering court and probation services policies and rules; managing court and probation personnel, budgetary matters, planning, accounting, records, and reports; and coordinating the efforts of partner agencies as related to municipal court and probation services activities.

Position Duties

Operations Management: Direct all non-judicial operations of the Municipal Court and Probation Department, ensuring effective case flow, procedural compliance, staff performance, and strategic alignment with court goals and legal standards.
Policy, Compliance, and Program Management: Develop, implement, and enforce court and probation policies and procedures in compliance with municipal code and state law; ensure ongoing compliance with legal, procedural, and security requirements, including CJIS (Criminal Justice Information Services) standards.
Team Leadership and Supervision: Oversee the recruitment, training, supervision, and performance of court and probation personnel; foster a culture of accountability, service, and continuous improvement.
Budget and Financial Oversight: Manage court and probation budgets, including planning, expenditure tracking, purchasing, and financial operations involving bail, bonds, fines, and payroll; ensure financial accountability and alignment with citywide fiscal policies.
Interagency and Public Engagement: Serve as the primary liaison between the court and external stakeholders - including law enforcement, attorneys, jails, and government agencies - while also representing the court at City Council meetings, public hearings, and community forums as needed. The Court Administrator also serves as the representative of the Court in coordinating with Departments within the City of Lakewood.
Care Coordinator: Serves as an active member of the Municipal Court’s therapeutic court teams.
Professional Certifications: The Court Administrator will either have or be required to receive certifications of Certified Court Manager (CCM) and Certified Court Executive. The Court Administrator will also be expected to be an active member in good standing of the District and Municipal Court Managers’ Association (DMCMA).
General Rule 29: Has a working knowledge of Washington State Court Rule General Rule (GR) 29 and a commitment to the rule of law and judicial independence in assisting the Presiding Judge.

Examples of Court Administrator Responsibilities:

Directs the operations of the court and probation services and supervises court and probation services staff in accordance with City policy; develops, implements, and administers policies, procedures, and rules established for the municipal court and probation services, and may assist with labor negotiations.
Oversee the selection, supervision, coaching, recognition, and evaluation of employees within the Judicial Branch using performance management techniques; approves discipline and terminations, as needed.
Develops, administers, implements, supervises, and maintains efficient and effective court procedures, ensuring established goals and objectives are met; case flow policies and procedures; a security system for the court; and summoning and qualification of jurors in an efficient and cost-effective way.
Analyzes, evaluates, and recommends implementation of automated systems to assist the court and enhance case flow and records management.
Prepares and administers the approved budget for the municipal court and probation services; monitors budgeted expenditures including grant funding
Controls and supervises a variety of financial functions including, but not limited to, bails, bonds, appeal cases, and fines.
Ensures financial accountability of budgeting, payroll, purchasing, records, and reports for the municipal court and probation services.
Maintains communications and courteous, effective working relationships with co-workers, supervisors, other City employees, other government agencies, elected and appointed officials, community groups, and the general public to discuss and explain court related activities, resolve problems, and exchange information.
Directs the preparation and maintenance of complex records and reports related to court cases, budgets, and personnel.
Attends meetings and conferences; participates in staff development activities to increase competence; represents the Court by providing technical expertise during public hearing and public meetings.
Along with the Presiding Judge, attends City Council, committee meetings, and public hearings as needed; makes public presentations at meetings and respond to questions and comments; presents technical information and policy options related to the Municipal Court operations and programs.
Operates the computer for various report processing, word processing, and spreadsheet applications.
Develops and maintains effective working relationships between the City, jails, attorneys, law enforcement agencies, and probation and related social services.
Maintains knowledge of municipal court practices, procedures, jurisdiction, and legal and procedural regulations pertaining to bails, fines, processes and warrants; procedures for the Department of Licensing, Driver and Vehicle Division; and records management practices.
Deals tactfully and courteously with the public, coworkers, and other City employees, occasionally in difficult customer service situations with persons of diverse occupational and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Plans, prioritizes, and organizes workflow to meet position and departmental goals and deadlines.
Works effectively and in a professional manner while working with interruptions, strict deadlines, and handling multiple projects simultaneously.
Coordinates actions with other City departments.
Maintains confidentiality of records and other information.
Works independently on routine assignments.
Completes work and projects in a thorough and timely manner.
Understands and follows directions from supervisors, posted work rules, and procedures.
Regular, reliable, and punctual attendance
Due to internal and external customer service needs, the Court Administrator must be able to work a full-time schedule, onsite at the municipal court
Shows initiative in performing job duties.
Performs other duties as assigned by the Presiding Judge.

Minimum Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

Bachelors degree in public or business administration, criminal justice, or related field.
Three (3) years of increasingly responsible experience in management of a municipal court operation or equivalent.

Desired Qualifications:

5+ years of experience in court management or justice system experience.
5+ years of supervisory experience.
Combination of relevant education and experience demonstrating the applicant’s knowledge, skill, and ability to effectively perform the duties of Court Administrator.

License & Certification Requirements
This position will be required to be fingerprinted and complete the CJIS (Criminal Justice Information Services) Security Certification Test to be allowed to view sensitive court and criminal justice information (per Washington State Patrol ACCESS unit).

Other Qualifications

KNOWLEDGE OF:

Comprehensive knowledge of municipal court operations, procedures, and case flow management.
Knowledge of probation services administration and therapeutic court programs.
Knowledge of Washington State court rules, including General Rule (GR) 29 and principles of judicial independence.
Knowledge of municipal, state, and applicable federal laws, regulations, and court procedures.
Knowledge of Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) security requirements and compliance standards.
Knowledge of court financial management practices, including bail, bonds, fines, appeals, payroll, purchasing, and budgeting.
Knowledge of public sector budgeting, fiscal administration, grant management, and financial accountability principles.
Knowledge of personnel management, performance evaluation, employee development, discipline, and labor relations practices.
Knowledge of records management systems, court technology applications, and automated case management systems.
Knowledge of jury administration processes and court security procedures.
Knowledge of organizational management principles, strategic planning, and program administration.
Knowledge of intergovernmental relations and collaboration with law enforcement agencies, attorneys, correctional facilities, social service providers, and other governmental entities.
Knowledge of customer service principles and public communication practices.

SKILL IN:

Leadership and organizational management skills.
Staff supervision, coaching, mentoring, and performance management skills.
Strategic planning and program development skills.
Policy development, implementation, and compliance management skills.
Budget preparation, financial analysis, and fiscal oversight skills.
Project management and workflow coordination skills.
Court administration and case flow management skills.
Conflict resolution and problem-solving skills.
Analytical and critical thinking skills.
Public speaking and presentation skills.
Interpersonal communication and relationship-building skills.
Negotiation and consensus-building skills.
Records management and documentation skills.
Technology proficiency, including court management software, spreadsheets, databases, word processing, and reporting systems.
Research, data analysis, and report preparation skills.
Time management and organizational skills.
Customer service and stakeholder engagement skills.

ABILITY TO:

Ability to direct and oversee all non-judicial operations of a municipal court and probation department.
Ability to develop, interpret, implement, and enforce policies, procedures, and operational standards.
Ability to ensure compliance with legal, regulatory, security, and administrative requirements.
Ability to effectively supervise, motivate, and develop professional staff.
Ability to analyze operational challenges and implement effective solutions.
Ability to manage multiple priorities, projects, deadlines, and interruptions simultaneously.
Ability to prepare, administer, and monitor complex budgets and financial operations.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment when handling sensitive information.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with judges, court personnel, elected officials, attorneys, law enforcement agencies, community organizations, and the public.
Ability to communicate complex legal, operational, and policy information clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing.
Ability to represent the court professionally before City Council, committees, public hearings, community groups, and external stakeholders.
Ability to evaluate and implement technological improvements to enhance court operations and records management.
Ability to work independently while exercising initiative and accountability.
Ability to interpret and apply laws, court rules, policies, and procedures consistently and accurately.
Ability to maintain professionalism and composure in high-pressure, sensitive, or difficult situations.
Ability to foster collaboration among diverse stakeholders and coordinate activities across departments and agencies.
Ability to demonstrate commitment to public service, ethical conduct, judicial independence, and continuous improvement.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
Physical Abilities
Work is performed in an indoor office setting with low noise levels. Requires mental acuity to ensure thorough mental analysis of situations in a fast-paced environment. Constant demand of sight, hearing, and speech abilities necessary to perform essential functions and communicate with others. Frequent fine finger manipulation and use of hands and arms in reaching/handling/fingering/grasping while operating office equipment and computers, preparing written documentation, handling paperwork, etc. Frequent sitting, may be extended at times, while doing desk activities. Frequent bending/twisting at waist/knees/neck while working at desk, worktable, or moving from sitting to standing position. Occasional pushing/pulling force up to 10 pounds opening doors, drawers, and moving materials. Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate standard office equipment.

FLSA DESIGNATION
Exempt, not eligible for overtime

UNION AFFILIATION
Non-represented

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
The City of Lakewood is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer that encourages, supports, and celebrates respect, empowerment, diversity, and inclusion for all. We welcome your contributions!

Benefits

BENEFITS SUMMARY
for
REGULAR STATUS, GENERAL FULL-TIME EMPLOYEES

This is a summary of benefits and is not meant to be all inclusive. Please refer to City policies and plan booklets for details.

WORK HOURS
The normal work week is five consecutive days of not more than eight hours per day, exclusive of lunch period. City Hall is open to the public from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Where appropriate, alternative work schedules may be established, providing that not more than forty hours are scheduled per work week.

SALARY INCREASES
Upon successful completion of an annual performance evaluation and annually thereafter, an employee may receive a salary increase based on merit or performance. However, no employee may exceed the maximum of their salary range.

HOLIDAYS
Employees are granted the following paid holidays:
New Year's Day
M.L. King, Jr. Day
Presidents' Day
Memorial Day
Juneteenth
Independence Day
Labor Day
Veterans' Day
Thanksgiving
the day after Thanksgiving
Christmas day

Employees accrue one floating holiday on their anniversary date, which must be used within the following 12 month period. Holiday pay is pro-rated for employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week.

COMBINATION LEAVE
Combination leave is a benefit granted to employees to continue normal compensation during approved absences. Combination leave may be used after 60 days of employment. Leave can be accrued without limit during the calendar year, however the maximum accrual amount that can be carried forward from one calendar year to the next shall not exceed two times the amount of the employee's current accrual rate.

Accrual Rate:

During the 1st year 120 hours of leave per year
After the 1st thru 2nd year 128 hours of leave per year
After the 2nd thru 4th year 136 hours of leave per year
After the 4th thru 9th year 152 hours of leave per year
After the 9th thru 14th year 184 hours of leave per year
After the 14th thru 20th year 216 hours of leave per year
After the 20th thru 29th year 232 hours of leave per year
After the 29th year 240 hours of leave per year

Combination leave accrual is pro-rated for employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week.

MEDICAL LEAVE
Medical leave is a benefit granted to employees to continue normal compensation during absences caused by illness, injury, etc. Medical leave is accrued at 64 hours per year (pro-rated for employees working less than 40 hours per week). It is available for use after 90 days of employment.

SHARED LEAVE
If an employee exhausts all paid leave, they may be eligible to receive donated combination leave to cover an absence caused by illness or injury.

MILITARY LEAVE
Employees who are members of any federal military reserve unit or the Washington National Guard will receive up to twenty-one working days of paid leave during each year beginning October 1 and ending September 30, while engaged in active training duty or active duty.

The City will maintain continuity of health benefits to employees' families when employees are ordered to involuntary active military duty. Military differential pay is available during active military duty of more than 30 days and for no longer than 24 months.

JURY DUTY LEAVE
Employees will be paid their regular compensation while serving on jury duty provided they forfeit the juror's daily stipend to the City.

RETIREMENT PLAN
Employees and the City make contributions to the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems (DRS) Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) Plan 2 or Plan 3 (with exception to the Assistant Police Chief and Police Chief Position which contribute to LEOFF).

Under Social Security's Government Pension Offset, any Social Security spouse's or widow's or widower's benefits you may be entitled to will be reduced based on any pension you receive from the City's retirement plan.

SOCIAL SECURITY REPLACEMENT
In lieu of Social Security, the City provides an alternative plan through the ICMA Retirement Corporation. The employee contributes 6.20% and the City contributes 4.77% of the employee's salary. The employee's investment choices range from conservative (low risk) to aggressive (high risk) opportunities. Employees are immediately 100% vested in the plan.

Under Social Security's Windfall Elimination Provision, any Social Security retirement or disability benefits you may be entitled to will be reduced based on any pension you receive from this replacement plan.

VOLUNTARY 457 DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN
Participation in a 457 deferred compensation plan is available to employees through payroll deduction. This is an optional investment program offered through the ICMA Retirement Corporation or Washington Department of Retirement Systems. The City matches an employee's contribution up to 3% of the employee's base monthly pay rate.

VOLUNTARY FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNT
The Flexible Spending Account (IRS Section 125) is an optional tax savings program which is offered to employees annually. It allows employees to reduce taxable income by using part of their salary on a pretax basis to pay for out of pocket health care expenses and dependent care costs.

The effective date of health insurance is the first day of the month following hire.
MEDICAL INSURANCE
Three medical plans are offered to employees and dependents through the Association of Washington Cities (AWC): the Regence High Deductible Health Plan (with a health savings account), the Regence HealthFirst Plan ($250 deductible), and the Kaiser Permanente Plan ($200 deductible).

Premiums for employees and dependents are pro-rated for employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week.

Employees may be eligible to opt out of medical insurance coverage to receive a $3,000 annualized contribution (pro-rated for part-time employees) to their deferred compensation account, flexible spending account (IRS Section 125), and/or pay.

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a voluntary, confidential resource available to employees, dependents and household members. The EAP provides professional counseling assistance in addressing a variety of concerns ranging from substance abuse to relationship issues. The premiums are paid by the City.

VISION INSURANCE*
A separate vision plan provides for annual eye examinations for employees and dependents. A $25 deductible benefit is also provided for lenses, frames and contact lenses.

DENTAL INSURANCE*
Washington Dental Service (WDS) Plan E insurance is provided through AWC. This is an incentive based plan - 70% to 100% of the cost for Class I and Class II benefits (routine exams, basic cleanings, x-rays, fillings, etc.) is covered. Class III benefits (crowns, inlays and onlays) are paid at 50%. The plan pays a maximum of $2,000 per individual annually for covered benefits per incentive period (a calendar year). A separate orthodontia plan provides a one time orthodontia benefit of $1,000 for eligible children.

*The City pays the entire premium cost for full-time employees and their dependents. Premiums for part-time employees and their dependents are pro-rated based on the employee's FTE status.

LIFE & LONG TERM DISABILITY INSURANCE
The City provides the following insurance coverage for employees through Standard Insurance (a copy of each plan certificate will be provided during orientation). The insurance is effective the first of the month following hire, unless an employee is hired on the first day of the month, in which case the coverage is effective immediately.

SURVIVOR INCOME LIFE INSURANCE
A monthly survivor income benefit is paid to an employee's eligible spouse and children upon the employee's death. Prior to any reduction for Social Security survivor's benefits, a benefit amount equal to 30% of the employee's insured earnings is paid to the spouse or children, and 60% is paid if both spouse and children survive.

BASIC LIFE INSURANCE/ACCIDENTAL DEATH & DISMEMBERMENT
A benefit equal to the employee's annual salary rounded up to the next thousand to a maximum of $170,000.

LONG TERM DISABILITY (LTD)
Effective after 90 days of continuous disability. The maximum amount of the LTD benefit is 60% of earnings or $5,000 per month, whichever is less.

VOLUNTARY SUPPLEMENTAL LIFE INSURANCE
Employees may elect to apply for $30,000 to $300,000 in supplemental term life insurance coverage. Spouses may also be insured. Premiums are paid entirely by the employee.

ADDITIONAL VOLUNTARY INSURANCE PLANS
Additional insurance plans are available to employees through AFLAC, such as accident/disability, cancer, STD, dental and hospital intensive care.

Agency Information

Employer: City of Lakewood (WA)
Address: 6000 Main Street SW

Lakewood, Washington, 98499-5027
Phone: 253-589-2489
Website: http://www.cityoflakewood.us