Judicial Commissioner

The Judicial Commissioner is responsible for legal work associated with Circuit, General Sessions, and Juvenile Court operations in Sevier County. Primary areas of responsibility include determining probable cause for the issuance of arrest warrants, search warrants, failure to appear warrants, summons, juvenile criminal petitions, orders of protection, and emergency removal orders for dependent and neglected children. Additional duties involve conducting initial appearances for individuals in custody, interacting with court officers and law enforcement personnel, ensuring sufficient evidence for issuing warrants or citations, and verifying the correct TCA codes on legal documents. Job performance for this position will be evaluated by the Administrative Judicial Commissioner, the Director of Judicial Commissioners, and the General Sessions Judge(s). Evaluations are based on knowledge of legal proceedings, efficiency of court operations, ability to interact with law enforcement personnel, defendants, attorneys, and the public, as well as organizational and decision-making skills and understanding of legal procedures and protocols. Follows established operational policies and procedures to ensure the effective and efficient delivery of legal services for General Sessions, Circuit, and Juvenile Courts. Makes independent, neutral, and detached decisions in accordance with legal standards. Issues warrants for individuals suspected of criminal activity within Sevier County. Ensures compliance with established legal standards and procedures for the issuance of warrants, summons, search warrants, orders of protection, and other legal documents. Conducts initial appearance duties, including advising defendants of charges, setting arraignment dates, establishing bail, ordering conditions of release, issuing orders granting bail, GPS and bond conditions per Tennessee Code Annotated. Issues ex-parte orders of protection and petitions for orders of protection. Performs Initial Appearances within the secured area of the jail, ensuring compliance with legal standards while maintaining professionalism in an environment that may involve exposure to profane language, violent outbursts, and yelling. Interacts with mentally ill defendants, employing de-escalation techniques, patience, and sound judgment to address their unique needs while upholding judicial procedures. Transfers summons, warrants, and orders of protection to the appropriate department or agency. Signs warrants on behalf of federal magistrates under Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure (Rules 3,4, and 5) when a federal magistrate is unavailable. Issues juvenile petitions for criminal charges and conduct initial appearances for juveniles in custody, including setting bail and issuing appropriate orders. Logs, maintains, and updates records of warrants and other legal documents issued. Attends required training with the Judicial Commissioners Association of Tennessee to stay current on proposed and enacted legislation relevant to the role (Minimum of 12 hours annually). Maintains detailed records and documentation of all job-related activities, including issued warrants, bonding arrangements, and work hours. Issues failure-to-appear warrants for individuals who fail to meet court appearance obligations. Assesses probable cause and evidence to determine whether to issue warrants, citations, or orders of protection. Provides assistance to the public by answering calls, explaining court proceedings, and offering information related to General Sessions, Circuit, Juvenile Criminal, and Juvenile Civil operations. Collaborates with court officers, law enforcement personnel, and other stakeholders to ensure accurate and timely processing of legal documents. Utilizes and maintain knowledge of Tennessee Code Annotated to ensure proper citation and legal accuracy in all documentation. Performs other incidental and related duties as required and assigned. Required: Annual appointment to the position by the Sevier County Board of Commissioners. High school diploma or general education degree (GED) or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Must be a resident of Sevier County, citizen of the United States, and at least 21 years of age or older. Possession of a valid Tennessee Driver’s License and the ability to obtain insurance at standard vehicle liability rates. Ability to pass a physical and drug screen administered through a licensed physician. No convictions, guilty pleas, or pleas of nolo contendere to any felony or violations of federal, state, or local laws relating to force, violence, theft, dishonesty, gambling, liquor, or controlled substances. Cannot have been discharged under other than honorable conditions from any branch of the United States Armed Forces. Membership in or eligibility to obtain membership in the Judicial Commissioner Association of Tennessee. Preferred: A Bachelors degree or coursework in criminal justice, law enforcement, public administration, or a closely related field. A minimum of three years of experience in court operations, law enforcement, or a related area, demonstrating knowledge of judicial procedures and legal processes. SUPERVISORY REQUIREMENTS This position has no supervisory responsibilities. COMPETENCIES Comprehensive knowledge of Tennessee Code Annotated Sections 40-1-111 through 40-5-201, legal processes in General Sessions, Juvenile, Circuit, Chancery, and Probate Courts, and applicable Local Court Rules. Understanding of laws related to the rights of defendants, victims, and witnesses, as well as regulations for civil, criminal, and juvenile cases, including probation and public service. Familiarity with Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 10 ensuring impartiality and ethical decision-making. Ability to evaluate evidence and determine probable cause accurately and timely. Knowledge of victim support services and judicial resources, with the ability to provide appropriate referrals. Knowledge of modern office practices, procedures, systems, and equipment including computers and software. Ability to apply standard operating procedures and guidelines in a consistent and impartial manner. Strong organizational, decision-making, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to make impartial decisions under pressure, prioritize tasks, and ensure efficient court operations. Proven ability to interact professionally with all parties and respond effectively to inappropriate or violent behavior, defusing difficult situations with composure. Ability to communicate clearly, concisely, and convincingly both orally and in writing. Ability to read and interpret legal documents, policies, procedures manuals, and regulatory materials relevant to judicial duties Effectiveness in presenting information clearly and confidently in front of groups, including court staff, law enforcement, and the public. Ability to identify and define legal or procedural issues, gather relevant data, establish facts, and draw valid, impartial conclusions. Capability to approach others in a polite and tactful manner, maintain composure and react well under pressure, treat others with respect and consideration, follow through on commitments, and uphold the reputation of the organization through ethical business practices and responsible behavior both