Job Description

The Custody/Support Master conducts custody conciliations and record support hearings. Agreed Orders or recommendations are prepared as well as temporary orders and other miscellaneous orders. The person in this position uses a high degree of independent judgment and must be capable of maintaining order in their hearing room as well as judging the credibility of the witnesses. Sound judgment and discretion is necessary when deciding what is in the best interest of the children involved in these cases.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

Essential Functions

1. Conducting custody conciliations and then creating orders or recommendations that are in the best interest of the child(ren) and giving those to Family Court staff for processing.
2. Conducting support hearings and creating a proper record in case exceptions are filed.
3. Preparing agreed Support Orders or Recommendations at the conclusion of the hearings, including a provision for payment of arrears as applicable and giving those orders to DRS support staff for processing.
4. The Custody/Support Master provides guidance for the hearings such as including admitting or denying evidence, permitting participation remotely, ruling on continuance requests, and ruling on whether children should be interviewed.
5. Attending periodic meetings with the Judges and/or DRS staff.
6. Staying current on Custody and Support case law.
7. Remaining members in good standing with the Pa. Supreme Court and meeting their annual continuing legal education requirements.

(The preceding examples are representative assignments performed by the position and are not intended to be all inclusive.)

Non-Essential Functions

Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Juris Doctorate

MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of the Pa. Rules of Civil Procedure; the Pa. Rules of Professional Conduct; the Pa. Rules of Civility; the Pa. Rules of Appellate Procedure; the Pa. Rules of Evidence; the PACSES system.
• The Prothonotary CMS system; trial advocacy skills; negotiation skills; the ability to make independent judgments; the ability to operate a computer, word processor, printer and recording equipment; and strong oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to thrive in a stressful, fast-paced team environment.
• Physical presence in the office is required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Sitting for long periods of time.
• Reading and typing for long periods of time.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

Courtroom setting.

This position description serves as a guideline for communicating the essential functions and other information about the position to the applicant/employee. It is not intended to create a binding employment contract nor cover every detail of the position and may be changed where appropriate.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

The County of Berks provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, political affiliation or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

About Us:

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