Referee Jobs in Warren, MI (NOW HIRING)

Overview & Benefits
Oakland County is more than just a workplace. It is a place where you can make a real difference. As one of Michigan's leading public service organizations, we are committed to strengthening communities, delivering essential services, and improving the quality of life for nearly 1.3 million residents.
When you join our team, you become part of a mission-driven workforce guided by integrity, innovation, and a passion for public service. We offer competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and the opportunity to do meaningful work that matters. Apply today and help shape the future of Oakland County, where we are All Ways Moving Forward.
For more information about Oakland County benefits and employee perks, please visit:
https://www.oakgov.com/government/human-resources/benefits/new-hire
General Summary
$49,884 - $66,835
This position is on-site
Are you detail-oriented, organized, and interested in supporting the legal process in a fast-paced court environment? If you enjoy working with legal documents, assisting the public, and ensuring court proceedings run smoothly, this is an opportunity to build a meaningful career while serving the Oakland County community.
What You'll Do
Review, prepare, and process complex legal documents, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and compliance with court procedures and applicable laws.
Assist attorneys, litigants, and the public by providing guidance on court processes, legal forms, and procedural requirements.
Prepare case files, court documents, and orders necessary to schedule hearings and support judicial proceedings.
Examine files and legal documents for accuracy and conformity with legal requirements and, when authorized, sign documents on behalf of the Judge.
Utilize countywide and department-specific software to manage case information, process documents, and maintain accurate court records.
Why You'll Love It Here
Play an essential role in the justice system by ensuring legal documents and court proceedings are accurate, timely, and compliant.
Make a difference every day by helping attorneys, litigants, and members of the public navigate court processes with professionalism and care.
Develop valuable legal and court operations experience while working alongside knowledgeable judges, attorneys, and court professionals.
Enjoy a collaborative, mission-driven environment where teamwork, accuracy, and public service are highly valued.
Build a rewarding career with Oakland County, where your work directly supports the efficient administration of justice and the community we serve.
Minimum Qualifications
EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Must be a high school graduate or have a certificate of successful completion of the General Educational Development (GED) Test.
  
• Have had at least three (3) years of full-time work experience in the Circuit or Probate Court.
  

ADDITIONAL DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

• Considerable knowledge of laws, rules, procedures, and practices.
  
• Considerable knowledge of legal record keeping management and operations.
  
• Considerable knowledge of modern office practices and procedures.
  
• Considerable skill in the use of the computer keyboard and software.
  
• Considerable ability to perform legal clerical activities using personal computers.
  
• Considerable ability to follow oral and written instructions.
  
• Considerable ability to work successfully with attorneys and the public.
  
• Considerable knowledge of and ability to utilize current word processing, spreadsheet, database, e-mail and Internet software.
  
• Reasonable tact in dealing with people.
  

SUPERVISION EXERCISED
May function as a leader over lower-level clerical employees. Instructs, assists, and checks employees in clerical procedures.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Prepares documents to be reviewed and initiated by referees or signed by the judge, including summonses, notice of hearing, consent calendar, case plans, financial orders to show cause, orders for publication, orders for fingerprints, order informing incarcerated persons of their rights to unmonitored non-collect telephone calls, notice of proceeding to prior court order removing alleged abuser from the home, letters to warden requesting service on prisoner, notice to Native American tribes regarding ICWA application, closure orders, waivers, temporary detention and/or temporary custody orders, certification of documents, letters and detention and/or custody orders on cases transferred to other counties to be signed by judges and referees.
  
• Records orders signed by the Judge and related documents on the proper computer screen to ensure accurate official court records.
  
• Checks and signs court orders prepared by court reporters or other lower-level clerical personnel and, when authorized, signs for the Judge, to allow the official issuance of these orders.
  
• Prepares certified mail as needed, to notify parents and other parties of court proceedings.
  
• Periodically checks recording of court proceedings to verify accuracy of court orders as typed for distribution to legal representatives.
  
• Notifies Prosecuting Attorney of initial contested child abuse cases for further action by that office. Notifies various agencies and counsel of Sex Offender registration requirements.
  
• Monitors incarcerated parties to delinquency and child protective services proceeding, including review of prisoner information from the Michigan Department of Corrective website before each hearing. Assures that the computer entries and case files reflect change of status and location.
  
• Obtains contested court dates from court referees for scheduling of initial contested hearings by a Juvenile Court Referee.
  
• Prepares or updates case summary sheets in each official file, petition screen and checks files for completeness and accuracy including proper changes, necessary summonses and proofs of service before filing.
  
• Types and prepares petitions for adoption and for release of Final Order for Adoption or adoption agencies, parents and attorneys according to statue, with judge's approval when necessary.
  
• Answers public inquiries by telephone and in person from attorneys, parents and adoption agencies regarding adoption procedures, and information on adoption cases to facilitate the adoption of children.
  
• Records daily statistics regarding adoptions as required by law and Court policy including all hearings, requests for information, adoption orders, petitions and completed adoptions to prepare monthly, bi-annual and special compilations for the supervisor and the State of Michigan.
  
• Types orders for adoption, orders or investigation and orders for release to be signed by the Judge and sent to adoption agencies, parents and/or attorneys involved in adoption cases.
  
• Prepares order for fingerprints and electronically sends orders. Updates computer to send prints electronically to the appropriate agencies.
  
• Answers written requests for information including mailing appropriate petitions, information lists on adoption procedures, various forms and fee schedules to adoption agencies, parents and attorneys.
  
• Attaches Court stamp to certified copies of adoption records, and orders and mails them to requesting party involved in an adoption case.
  
• Types an identification card for each adoption case and logs important information for cross reference including date of adoption petition, hearing dates and orders to monitor the progress of each case.
  
• Locks files and security vaults daily to protect confidential case files, and money received from filed petitions.
  
• Prepares and provides copies, as needed, or summons summary sheet, police reports, record check sheet, complaints, and petitions.
  
• Researches, determines best cost, and places advertisements with newspaper agencies as alternate/publication service is needed.
  
• Maintains the bench warrant list and communicates with OCSO and Reimbursement Department to verify accuracy of the bench warrant list.
  
• Answers questions and provides assistance to the Reimbursement Department.
  
• Utilizes current countywide and/or department specific software to complete assignments.
  

WHEN ASSIGNED TO THE JUVENILE INTAKE OFFICE

• Performs all functions of the juvenile intake office support staff. Serves as the leader for the Juvenile Court Support Clerks and Office Support Clerks assigned to the juvenile intake office.
  
• Provides direction to and training for these staff members.
  
• Performs duties as assigned by the juvenile intake office's Office Supervisor II.
  
• Provides clerking duties for the juvenile court referees and trains Juvenile Court Support Clerks who perform clerking duties for the referees.
  
• Oversees the accuracy of entering information into the LEIN (Law Enforcement Information Network) system and communicates with the Sheriff Department and casework staff.
  
• Maintains the LEIN list weekly by verifying accuracy and researches information when needed.
  
• Answers inquiries by telephone and in person from the public, attorneys, parents, DHHS, Referees, Juvenile Court Support Clerks, caseworkers, and other County departments.
  
• Provides back up duty to the Intake Office Supervisor.
  
• Orders supplies for the intake office.
  
• Prepares transfer orders that are signed by the Judge, sends complete file, order, and police report to the County where case is being sent to.
  
• Keeps log of transfer files from other counties to Oakland County and unofficial files transferred out to other counties.
  
• Updates notes for office binders.
  
• Assists Office Supervisor in destruction of files.
  
• Utilizes current countywide and/or department specific software to complete assignments.
  

WHEN ASSIGNED TO THE JUVENILE FILE ROOM

• Performs all functions of the juvenile file room support staff. Serves as the leader for the Office Support Clerks and clerical staff assigned to the juvenile file room. Provides direction to and training for these staff members.
  
• Performs duties as assigned and provides back up duty to the Supervisor Juvenile Court Legal Processing Operations.
  
• Answers inquiries by telephone and in person from the public, attorneys, parents, DHHS, Referees, Juvenile Court Support Clerks, caseworkers, and other County departments.
  
• Performs background checks for military, local, county, state, federal and national agencies, law enforcement, and the public.
  
• Assists the juvenile legal processing staff with file creation.
  
• Orders supplies and maintain equipment for the file room.
  
• Processes certificates and certifies records for the Court, Set Asides, DHHS, Prosecutor's Office, agencies and the public.
  
• Process subpoenas for Oakland County Prosecutor's Office Investigators.
  
• Utilizes current countywide and/or department specific software to complete assignments.
  

ADDITIONAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Confers with Judges and court staff as needed.
ESSENTIAL MENTAL & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Ability to communicate to accurately convey information.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Work is performed in a typical office environment.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The primary purpose of this job description is to set a fair and equitable salary range for this job classification. Generally, only those key duties necessary for proper job evaluation and/or labor market analysis have been included. Other duties and responsibilities will be assigned by the supervisor.
Additional Minimum Qualifications
Union*
BU21 - Circuit Court Employees (AFSCME)
*If applicable
EEO Statement
We are committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity and will not discriminate against an applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances.
Inclusion Statement
Oakland County is committed to welcoming applicants from all backgrounds, including those with prior convictions, as we believe in providing equal opportunities for all. We value the unique perspectives and experiences each individual brings to our team and are dedicated to fostering an inclusive, supportive workplace. If you have the skills and qualifications for the position, we encourage you to apply. All candidates are evaluated based on their ability to meet the job requirements, legal obligations and thrive in our organization. All ways, MOVING FORWARD.