Court Executive 1B (Ombudsman)

About the Opportunity

Joining the New Jersey Judiciary means becoming part of a dedicated team of approximately 8,500 members committed to the highest principles of independence, integrity, fairness, and exemplary service. Employees here engage in meaningful work that positively impacts the public every day, addressing vital issues like bail reform, marijuana decriminalization, and recovery courts. Whether deployed in courtrooms, administrative offices, training rooms, IT departments, or in the field, the judiciary workforce strives to foster professional development and continuous improvement, respecting the dignity and individuality of every team member.

This role offers a competitive salary range of $94,937.45 to $152,547.50, with new hires typically starting at the minimum. Existing judiciary employees receive at least a 5% salary increase upon promotion or advancement, within the salary band limits.

Role Overview

The Mercer Vicinage is actively recruiting a motivated and organized professional to serve as Ombudsman and manage programs that promote the public's trust in the courts. Reporting directly to the Court Executive 3B (Trial Court Administrator), this position focuses on enhancing customer service, providing procedural help to self-represented litigants, educating court users about available services, and resolving complaints efficiently.

Work Arrangement

The role qualifies for a hybrid work schedule with up to two days of remote work weekly, contingent on using multifactor authentication on a personal device and having high-speed internet at home.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide assistance to court users, including explaining court functions and procedures.
• Guide individuals to appropriate court offices or divisions for issue resolution.
• Act as the liaison between the public and the vicinage for information and customer service.
• Build collaborative relationships with management and staff to ensure superior customer service quality.
• Develop and coordinate public engagement activities like court tours and seminars.
• Maintain a comprehensive resource center for court users.
• Document customer complaints and track their resolution progress.
• Advise judicial leadership on enhancements to court services for the public.
• Train vicinage personnel on customer service standards and the Ombudsman’s role.
• Propose upgrades to operations and public information efforts within the Ombudsman office.
• Contribute to the creation of brochures and informational materials.
• Lead special projects such as One Judge One School program.
• Coordinate activities across different units for streamlined operations.
• Design communication strategies both internally and externally.
• Collect data and prepare comprehensive reports.
• Maintain and manage informational databases.
• Perform statistical analyses and develop new procedures to enhance operational efficiency across all divisions.
• Carry out additional related tasks as assigned.
• Maintain a regular and predictable physical presence at the workplace as an essential job function.

Required Qualifications

A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution combined with three years of professional administrative experience is required. This experience must include at least one year in roles that involve developing and managing programs aimed at enhancing public trust and customer service, assisting self-representing litigants, educating the public about court programs and services, and facilitating complaint resolution.

Substitutions for educational requirements allow for additional professional experience in place of degrees on a year-for-year basis: one year equals 30 semester hours. An associate's degree plus two years more professional experience may replace the bachelor's degree; a master's degree can substitute for one year of the required experience, whereas a law degree equates to two years.

Degrees from institutions outside the U.S. must be evaluated by an approved credential evaluation service.

Additional Information

• A valid New Jersey driver's license is required if driving is essential to fulfilling job duties.
• Authorization to work in the United States is necessary; U.S. citizenship is not mandatory.
• Applicants must successfully complete a background check, including fingerprinting, with results kept confidential.
• New hires must establish and maintain primary residence in New Jersey within one year unless granted exemptions based on hardship or employer critical need.

How to Apply

Applicants are required to complete the application thoroughly, detailing all relevant work experience, education, military service, internships, and volunteer engagements. Incomplete applications or those with sections omitted will not be considered unless no education or work experience is applicable.

The New Jersey Judiciary comprises the Supreme Court, Superior Court with Appellate Division, 15 Trial Court vicinages, the Tax Court, and the Municipal Court System. The Administrative Office of the Courts supports these entities with assistance in operations, training, research, budgeting, personnel, and information systems.

The Judiciary is committed to equal opportunity and affirmative action, ensuring fair access to justice.