About the Indiana Supreme Court – Office of Judicial Administration (OJA):
The Office of Judicial Administration is responsible for the efficient administration of all agencies that operate under the direction of the Chief Justice and the Supreme Court. That includes 200 personnel; fiscal management; communication; technology; legal services; intergovernmental relations; services for the trial courts; and support for court boards, commissions, and committees. The Office is headed by Chief Administrative Officer Justin P. Forkner, who reports directly to the Chief Justice of Indiana and serves as the link between the Chief Justice and the agencies of the Court.
Salary: The salary for this position traditionally starts at $85,020 but may be commensurate with education and/or experience.
To Apply: Please apply by June 16, 2023.
About the Job:
The Court Improvement Program (“CIP”) is a federally funded program made possible by a grant awarded to the Indiana Supreme Court by the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families to assist juvenile courts in improving the safety, well-being, and permanency of children in care. This position oversees the administration of the federal grant including preparing the grant application, strategic plan, budget, and reports.
A Day in the Life:
Administers the Court Improvement Program grant, which is utilized to improve safety, permanency, and well-being outcomes for children and families involved in Children in Need of Services (CHINS) and Termination of Parental Rights (TPR) court proceedings. Provides staff support for various judicial and multi-branch interdisciplinary governmental committees, assisting with meeting agendas, preparing materials, logistics, projects, legislative or rule proposals, research, and drafting documents. Performs research and monitors related legislation that may affect the courts. Responsibilities include but not limited to:
- Prepare federal grant application, budget, strategic plans, and annual program assessment report.
- Promote, review, and award sub-grants. This includes but is not limited to, drafting grant application and report forms, advertising the availability of grant funds, encouraging judicial officers to apply for grant funds, assisting with the preparation of grant applications (as requested), assisting grantees in adequately understanding and meeting the federal requirements concerning matching grant funds, reviewing grant applications, scheduling grant review meetings and submitting grant award recommendations to the Deputy Director of Children and Families, the Executive Director of the Indiana Office of Court Services (IOCS), and the Chief Administrative Officer of the Office of Judicial Administration (OJA).
- Promote and process CIP Professional Development Scholarships awarded to judicial officers with juvenile court jurisdiction to attend child welfare-related conferences/meetings and/or membership in child welfare-related professional organizations.
- Provide staff support for the Child Welfare Improvement Committee. This includes scheduling meetings, preparing meeting agendas and minutes, and giving presentations.
- Develop educational topics, contact speakers, and prepare training curriculum for multi-disciplinary cross-training for judicial officers and staff, child welfare agency staff, and other stakeholders.
- Work with the Trial Court Judges, OJA and IOCS staff, Judicial Conference Committees, Administrative Committees, the Department of Child Services, and other agencies on child welfare matters.
- Collaborate on behalf of the judicial branch with the Department of Child Services on the federal Child and Family Services Reviews (CFSR) and Title IV-E Review and help develop and implement Program Improvement Plans (PIP) needed as a result of the reviews.
- Attending annual CIP meetings.
- Additional duties as assigned.
What You’ll Need for Success:
Juris Doctorate from an A.B.A. accredited law school and good standing with the Indiana State Bar. Thorough knowledge of Child in Need of Services (CHINS) law is required.
- Experience working in, or strong working knowledge of Indiana’s judicial system.
- Experience in and commitment to public service work.
- Excellent legal research and writing abilities.
- Experience utilizing Lexis and/or Westlaw and drafting legal documents.
- Superior knowledge of Microsoft Excel, including the ability to design and edit spreadsheets, databases, and large reports and presentation documents.
- Experience with Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and SharePoint, intermediate level.
- Knowledge of, or ability and willingness to learn Odyssey and Incite.
- Ability to work cooperatively, collaboratively, and diplomatically with a variety of community stakeholders, and to facilitate challenging discussions and problem-solving.
- Ability to think critically, analytically, and independently, as well as communicate effectively, to contribute to and lead discussions.
- Demonstrated ability to follow through on tasks, pay attention to details, and work independently.
- Superior level of professional ethical standards and organizational skills.
- Ability to be flexible and work on multiple tasks simultaneously.
- Ability to perform under pressure and comply with deadlines.
- Proven ability to exercise discretion in handling confidential information and materials in a professional manner.
- Possess a valid driver’s license, for occasional work-related travel.
- Have and maintain a lifestyle that ensures public confidence in the integrity, competence, impartiality, and independence of the judiciary.
Must exercise absolute confidentiality, avoid conflicts of interest and the appearance of conflict of interest, and abide by the Employee Handbook and Judicial Code of Conduct. Must be willing to submit to a criminal background check.
NOTE: This document is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed. It is not intended to provide an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities, nor is it intended to limit the authority of supervisors or managers to assign or direct the activities of employees.
Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:
This role does not provide direct supervision to direct reports; however, supervision may be assigned based on agency needs.
Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:
The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes:
- Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans;
- Wellness program (offers premium discount for the medical plan and gift cards);
- Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution;
- Deferred compensation 457B account (similar to 401k plan) with employer match;
- Two (2) fully funded pension plan options;
- A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:
- 150 hours of paid new parent leave;
- Up to 7.5 hours of paid community service leave;
- Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off;
- 12 paid holidays, 14 on election years;
- Group life insurance;
- Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits;
- Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program;
- Free Parking for most positions;
- Free LinkedIn Learning access;
- Hybrid Option for eligible employees / positions.
Equal Employment Opportunity:
The Indiana Supreme Court is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Equal employment opportunities are provided to all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), gender identity, national origin, age, disability, marital status, political affiliation, socioeconomic status, status as a protected veteran or any other protected status in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, and the Indiana Judicial Code.
If you are a qualified individual with a disability and will need a reasonable accommodation to assist you in apply for the position or to perform the essential functions of the job, the Indiana Supreme Court will provide such reasonable accommodations.
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