Probate Commissioner

Initial Posting Date:

Application Deadline:

Agency:

Salary Range:

Position Type:

Position Title:

Job Description:

Oregon Judicial Department (OJD) serves the public, and the people we serve may be facing challenging life circumstances, high levels of stress, or confusion about their next steps. The work you will do in this role affects members of our community who come to the court to have their cases resolved. We need people who want to impact their communities, value OJD’s efforts to remove barriers to access justice services, and welcome interacting with the public.

We are committed to building a diverse, inclusive team and encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply. We consider relevant work experience, education, and any transferable skills and abilities that may meet our qualifications or the skills and attributes we need for this position. We welcome all candidates who are inspired by our work and mission. 

The Jefferson County Circuit Court in Madras, Oregon, is hiring a Probate Commissioner.

In this role, you will handle all aspects of our probate caseload, including performing data entry for estates, conservatorships, and guardianships, reviewing documents for accuracy and completeness, reviewing transfer or change of venue cases, and accepting and rejecting cases as appropriate. You will also review wills, sign orders appointing personal representatives, recommend bond amounts, grant extensions, conduct audits, and prepare documents for the judge’s signature.

Additionally, you will meet with self-represented litigants to describe court processes and fees and to review their forms for completeness. You will provide information about available resources such as victim assistance, domestic violence services, mediation, crisis centers, and public law libraries. You will collaborate with other court staff to prepare training materials, including handouts and brochures, and will help prepare and update local procedures, business processes, resource materials, and manuals by conducting research.

You will spend part of your time tracking legislative updates related to domestic relations laws, answering phones, helping the public, and providing coverage for the front office and for your counterpart at the Crook County Circuit Court in Prineville as needed.

Assigned tasks may be changed to accommodate workload and organizational needs. 

Instructions for REQUIRED Cover Letter and Work History/Resume

Your cover letter and work history/resume should demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications, the Special Qualifications, and the Requested Skills and Attributes, which are listed below.

Cover Letter (REQUIRED)

• Attach your cover letter (not to exceed two pages) in the Resume/Cover Letter section of the application. Your cover letter and filename should include your name.

• Address the cover letter “To the Hiring Manager.”

• In the body of your cover letter, please include responses to all Requested Skills and Attributes listed below.

• Do not use a generic cover letter; please personalize your cover letter for this position. We read every letter.

• Prepare your cover letter before starting your Workday application.

Work History/Resume (REQUIRED)

• Attach your updated resume in the Resume/Cover Letter section of the application. Your resume and filename should include your name.
  
  OR

• Complete the Job History/Work Experience portion of your Workday profile if you are not using an updated resume.

Document Format

• Preferred format: PDF (.pdf, .tiff) or Microsoft Word (.docx)

• Acceptable format: Image (.jpg, .jpeg, .png) or Notepad (.txt)

• We are unable to accept: Apple (.pages), Google Docs (.gdoc), ZIP (.zip), and Microsoft Word 97-2003 (.doc)

Failure to follow these instructions may result in rejection of your application. All application materials will be evaluated for consistency of information, and your letter will be evaluated for grammar, spelling, punctuation, and language use in addition to demonstrated experience.

The application deadline is 11:59 p.m. PT on the date listed above.

(These must be evident in your resume or work history.)

The qualified candidate must have a bachelor’s degree in business, court administration, public administration, or a related field.

(These must be verifiable.)

None.

OJD is an eligible employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. To learn more about this program, and how to qualify, please click here.

Three (3) years of professional legal secretarial, progressively responsible court support, or paralegal experience.

Any combination of education and experience equivalent to seven (7) years of experience that typically supports the knowledge, skills, and abilities for the position.
 

(These must be addressed in your cover letter.)

• Experience performing a variety of clerical or administrative support tasks that included using a computer to enter and retrieve information, meeting strict deadlines, and maintaining accuracy when interrupted or distracted by a noisy work setting.

• Experience responding professionally to customers or clients who are facing challenging life circumstances, stressful situations, or trauma.

• Experience explaining processes, procedures, policies, or decisions on behalf of an employer.

• Experience identifying, handling, and securing confidential information and materials.

• Experience and skill in writing and reviewing documents for accuracy, content, grammar, and punctuation.

• This is a full-time position, and the work schedule generally is 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday; however, the hours may be irregular on occasion. This position is eligible for overtime compensation for hours worked in excess of 40 per workweek.

• Occasional after-hours or weekend overtime work may be required.

• Occasional travel, including during inclement weather, is required between the Jefferson County Circuit Court and the Crook County Circuit Court.

• Frequent phone and in-person contact with people from diverse backgrounds.

• Frequent phone and in-person contact with people who may be facing challenging life circumstances, highly stressful situations, or trauma, including people who are angry, hostile, confused, or frustrated.

• Possible exposure to hostile or violent situations.

• Possible exposure to disturbing or hazardous court exhibits.

• Long periods of sitting or standing.

• Regular use of the following equipment: telephone, OJD-assigned computer with multiple monitors, copy machine, fax machine, and scanner.

By submitting your application to OJD, you consent to reference checks about your qualifications, your workplace performance, and your work product.

United States Employment Eligibility
OJD does not offer visa sponsorships. Within three days of hire, you will be required to complete the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s I-9 form confirming authorization to work in the United States. OJD will use E-Verify to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States.

OJD does not request or require your age, date of birth, or attendance or graduation dates from an educational institution during the application process.

• If you require an alternate format to complete the application process, call 503-986-5930, or TTY: Oregon Relay Service 711 for the hearing impaired. Be prepared to describe the alternate format needed.

• Workday related information and resources are available here.

• For questions about a specific OJD job posting, call 503-986-5930 or email ojd.hrsd@ojd.state.or.us.