Family Intake Specialist - Abuse

Assists filers with the filing process, and in processing all Petitions for Protection from Abuse, Petitions for Protection from Sexual Violence or Intimidation and schedules all Indirect Criminal Contempt Petitions. Assists in arranging for the appointment of a Child Advocate, as necessary. Assist the PFA Supervisor and Family Deputy Court Administrators in the operation of the Family Division, as needed. This position requires the exercise of independent judgment and discretion, and is of substantial importance to the Court. The nature of the work in this function is confidential.

• Petitions for Protection from Abuse are scheduled/processed. Protection from Abuse petitions are reviewed and petitioner is interviewed - this is a VERY sensitive function. The performance of this function requires the exercise of independent judgment and discretion, and requires a basic knowledge of legal standards (specifically the PFA Act) and their application in individual cases. Temporary Orders are obtained from weekly signing Judge. Final hearing is manually scheduled. Copies are provided to petitioner for service of notice. Weekly hearing lists are prepared for the Court. Transport Orders are prepared for defendants in prison;
• Petitions for Protection from Sexual Violence or Intimidation are scheduled/processed. Protection from Sexual Violence or Intimidation petitions are reviewed and petitioner is interviewed. This is a VERY sensitive function. The performance of this function requires the exercise of independent judgment and discretion, and requires a basic knowledge of legal standards (specifically the PFA Act) and their application in individual cases. Temporary Orders are obtained from weekly signing Judge. Final hearing is manually scheduled. Copies are provided to petitioner for service of notice. Weekly hearing lists are prepared for the courtroom. Transport Orders are prepared or video arrangements are made for defendants in prison;
• The PFA Tracking System information is maintained and monitored to track filers through the court process;
• Indirect Criminal Contempt (ICC) charges are scheduled/disposed. Scheduling Orders and Transport Orders are prepared, if necessary. Dispositions are recorded and ICC waiting periods monitored and tracked. Involves communication with District Attorney and Public Defender staff;
• Communicate with the Montgomery County Child Advocacy Project (MCAP) to process orders for child advocates. Ensure that all parties to case are aware that Child Advocate is involved. Ensure notice to Child Advocate of any hearings/continuances;
• New cases and dispositions are recorded in the scheduling database, and statistical reports are prepared. Monthly and annual statistical reports are prepared. Dispositions are processed from the annotated courtroom lists;
• Assists Family Deputy Court Administrators in the operation of the Family Division, as needed. Answers questions based on information gathered by file review, computer review and/or experience. Emergency matters are directed for proper disposition. Again, the proper disposition of such matters requires a basic knowledge of legal standards and their application in individual cases.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Paralegal Certificate Preferred (not required);
• General knowledge of legal standards;
• Analytical/Reasoning skills;
• Computer knowledge/skills;
• Attention to detail;
• Communication (verbal and written);
• Organizational skills;
• Bilingual preferred (Spanish).

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.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; sit; and talk and hear. The employee is occasionally required to use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands or arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision and depth perception.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: 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 function.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.