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Title

Chief Circuit Court Referee 
Union Non-Union  
Pay Grade Grade 13  
Wage Scale $81,244 - $105,617 (2026 Wage Scale)  
Description

General Summary:

Under the general direction of the Friend of the Court, manages and coordinates the judicial functions of the Friend of the Court. Serves as FOC director for administrative purposes in the director’s absence. Assists with program planning, management, and other administrative functions.

 

Responsibilities include acting as Chief Circuit Court Referee, conducting hearing on a variety of domestic relations cases, reviewing all domestic relations orders for judges’ approval, researching legislation and case law and assisting staff and judges with changes in family law.

 

Essential Functions:

 

  1. Serves as Chief Circuit Court Referee conducting hearings on a variety of domestic relations cases and other matters as allowed by statute and court rules.

 

  1. Administers oaths, takes testimony, questions witnesses, admits evidence. Prepares a written report of findings and recommendations or makes findings of fact on the record. Prepares necessary orders to implement decisions.

 

  1. Conducts pre-trials with parties and attorneys in domestic relations cases to mediate and encourage settlements.

 

  1. Researches and evaluates legislation, court rules, office operations, and determines impact on FOC operations. Develops and implements policies and procedures to improve services. Ensures that operations are following applicable law. Advises judges, court staff, and local attorneys about changes in family law.

 

  1. Reviews all proposed domestic relations orders prepared by litigants, attorneys, or court staff. Recommends changes, discusses orders with appropriate parties and approves orders for judge’s signature.

 

  1. Assists in preparation of budgets for judicial approval, presentation of budget to County Administration and authorization and monitoring of budget expenditures. Works with court staff, funding unit, and state and federal officials regarding financial matters.

 

  1. Assists with negotiation of the annual IV-D contract, presentation of contract to county administration for approval and administration of contract including monthly billing activities.

 

 

  1. Supervises the implementation of effective case flow management to ensure cases are processed in accordance with management guidelines. Coordinates the resolution of case flow management problems with other court staff and judges.

 

  1. Oversees the FOC alternative dispute resolution program.

 

  1. Serves as liaison to county officials, local bar association, state and federal agencies, legislators, community agencies, news media, schools, and other organizations. Explains court programs, discusses legislation, explains court policy, addresses complaints and service issues and coordinates programs.

 

  1. Participates in employment interviews and selection, assists in training staff, and answering investigative, enforcement, and case processing issues.

 

  1. Analyzes IV-D referrals from DHS regarding paternity and child support to determine whether to initiate court action.

 

  1. Serves as the Friend of the Court for administrative purposes in the incumbent’s absence.

 

  1. Assists in administering departmental operations, including participating in developing policies and procedures, and other administrative functions. Assists the Friend of the Court in ensuring compliance with all policies and procedures of the office.

 

  1. Performs other duties as required.

 

 

 

An employee in this position may be called upon to do any or all of the above tasks. (These examples do not include all of the tasks which the employees may be expected to perform.)

 
Position Requirements

Employment Qualifications:

 

Education:

 

Law degree from an accredited law school.

 

Experience:

 

Five years of experience dealing with domestic relations cases in a legal capacity.

 

Other Requirements:

 

Licensed to practice law in the State of Michigan.

 

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite applications.

 

A Michigan Vehicle Operator’s License.

 

The qualifications listed above are intended to represent the minimum skills and experience levels associated with performing the duties and responsibilities contained in this job description. The qualifications should not be viewed as expressing absolute employment or promotional standards, but as general guidelines that should be considered along with other job-related selection or promotional criteria.

 

Physical Requirements:

(This job requires the ability to perform the essential functions contained in this description. These include, but are not limited to, the following requirements. Reasonable accommodations will be made for otherwise qualified applicants unable to fulfill one or more of these requirements):

 

Ability to access all county locations.

 

Ability to use a keyboard to enter and retrieve information from a computer.

 

Ability to communicate orally and in writing.

 

Ability to perform the physical tasks associated with the position.

 

Ability to withstand prolonged periods of sitting in front of a computer monitor or in a courtroom.

 

Working Conditions:

 

Works in an office setting but is also required to travel to court and other locations.

 
Full-Time/Part-Time Full-Time  
Shift Days  
Position Chief Circuit Court Referee  
Exempt/Non-Exempt Exempt  
Open Date 1/4/2026  
Location St. Joseph County Three Rivers Courts Campus  
About the Organization The mission of St. Joseph County Government is to provide statutory and constitutional services in a fiscally responsible manner worthy of the dignity and respect of all County citizens. Non-mandated services requested by citizens shall be evaluated and prioritized within the same context of fiscal responsibility and public trust. The basis for providing such services shall include, but not be restricted to: the safety and well-being of the public, the protection and improvement of natural resources, and the expansion of economic opportunities for all citizens.


St. Joseph County Government as stewards of people and resources promotes equal opportunity for all, and hereby encourages the talents, creativity and leadership of all County employees in striving for prompt, courteous, respectful and efficient delivery of services.




St. Joseph County provides an excellent benefit package. This includes health, dental, vision, life, and short and long term disability insurance. We also offer a very generous sick and vacation package and 13 paid holidays for most positions. Pension plans are available for many of our employees as well as additional retirement options.  
EOE Statement We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.  

This position is currently not accepting applications.

To search for an open position, please go to http://StJosephCounty.appone.com

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