Court Commissioner Pro Tempore: Involuntary Treatment Act na King County, WA

About the Department

King County Superior Court is accepting applications for Pro-Tempore Commissioners to support the Involuntary Treatment Act calendar.  Pro-Tempore Commissioners play a critical role in the Court's mission to equitably serve the diverse public by administering justice through accessible, inclusive, and unbiased forums for the fair, understandable, and timely resolution of legal matters.
 
This recruitment will supplement Superior Court’s list of Pro Tempore Commissioners. Current Pro Tempore Commissioners for Involuntary Treatment Act will remain on the Court’s list and are not required to submit a new application.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and selected candidates will be contacted for next steps
 
The hourly pay rate for Commissioners Pro-Tempore is $123.95. 
 
Who may apply: These positions are open to attorneys licensed to practice in Washington State. 
  
Work Schedule: The Commissioner Pro-Tempore is an intermittent, temporary position, filling in when a sitting judicial officer is unavailable.  The hours of work are typically between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday but may include additional hours for preparation and entry of orders outside of those hours.  These positions are at-will and serve at the pleasure of the court.
  
Work Location:  Involuntary Treatment Act Court, 908 Jefferson Street, Seattle, WA  98104.

Required Application Materials: 

1. You must completely fill out the on-line application with your relevant education and work experience. Applications that state "see my resume" are considered incomplete and will not be accepted.
2. You must include a resume and a letter of interest describing how you meet or exceed the requirements of the position. These materials are supplemental to your application.
3. You must complete and attach the following:
4. Confirmation of Citizenship form, per RCW 2.24.010 
5. WSBA Release 
6. Criminal Records Background Check form

Electronic versions of these documents may be found at the link below: Job opportunities - Superior Court - King County, Washington

Position Duties

Involuntary Treatment Act: 
In accordance with RCW 71.05 and 71.34, Pro-Tempore Involuntary Treatment Act Commissioners' duties include presiding over contested hearings and signing agreed orders under the Involuntary Treatment Act when a sitting Commissioner is not available.  Pro-Tempore Involuntary Treatment Act Commissioners hear matters involving both self-represented persons as well as persons who are represented, and perform other related duties as assigned by the Presiding Judge, when a sitting Commissioner is not available.
 
Pro-Tempore Involuntary Treatment Act Commissioners preside over contested hearings under the Involuntary Treatment Act to determine if there is a legal and factual basis to order the involuntary commitment of individuals for psychiatric treatment under RCW 71.05 and 71.34.

Minimum Qualifications

Required Experience, Qualifications and Knowledge:
All applicants must meet the requirements of RCW 2.24.010. Membership in good standing with the Washington State Bar Association, with no history of discipline by the Washington State Bar Association, is required.  

Involuntary Treatment Act: Applicants must have at least five years of experience in the area of involuntary civil commitments, therapeutic courts, mental health law, aging and disability law, or comparable professional experience. Applicants must demonstrate a familiarity with working with people who have psychiatric illnesses or with mental disorders as defined by the Diagnostic & Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders DSM-5.

Knowledge of the judicial system, including King County local rules, statutes, legal principles and case precedents, court procedures, King County Superior Court protocols and King County Superior Court calendaring practices is required.
 
The ability to objectively identify, analyze and interpret legal issues, principles and arguments; direct and control courtroom proceedings in a decisive, orderly, equitable and trauma-informed manner is required.  A successful candidate will be able to communicate orally and in writing in a concise, professional, and effective manner, exercise appropriate judicial temperament and demeanor, and effectively handle pressure in difficult and unexpected situations by responding in a calm, trauma informed and rational manner.
 
The ability to effectively manage a high-volume court calendar, including the requisite reading and preparation, is required.
 
The ability to proficiently use court-based technology programs, including E-filing, Script and KCMS is required.  Must be able to use personal computer, Microsoft Office programs. and the Zoom video conferencing application. 
 
Successful applicants for these positions will be placed on a list maintained by the Court, and may be called to duty if needed, per King County Superior Court Local Court Management Rule 8. Pro Tempore Commissioners serve at the pleasure of the court.

Other Qualifications

Special requirements: The ability to reliably travel throughout the county is required.  Finalists are subject to the Washington State Patrol criminal background check and a reference check.  Criminal background records are not automatically disqualifying.
 
King County Superior Court is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer.
No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class.  Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay, or other forms of compensation.
 
 Selection process:  Application materials will be screened for qualifications and offers will be made to the most competitive candidates. 
 
 Union membership:  These positions are not represented by a union.
 
 If you have questions regarding this position, please call King County Superior Court Human Resources at 206-477-1536.