The Family Court Commissioner is a full-time position appointed by the Superior Court Judges. The Court Commissioner performs all duties and responsibilities of a Court Commissioner and Judge Pro Tem as assigned by the Judges of the Superior Court pursuant to RCW 2.24.040. The primary duties include domestic, family, and juvenile court matters.

Required Application Materials:

• A letter explaining your interest in this position
• A resume
• A narrative summary of your experience in each of the types of cases handled by the Court Commissioner, and identified above
• Names and contact information for five individuals who can comment on your qualifications for this position – Reference letters may be provided but are not required
• A certificate from the Washington State Bar Association showing the resolution of any bar complaints made against you in the last three years

Scope of Responsibility

The Family Court Commissioner is fully accountable to the Judges of the Superior Court for the efficient and effective operation of all assigned duties and will be expected to maintain a cooperative working relationship with all those who interact with the court.

Individuals must apply a thorough and complete knowledge of the laws and procedures related to court operations and administration. The Commissioner has a close working relationship with public officials within county and state government, local agencies, and the general public. The Commissioner works independently and receives administrative direction from the Judges of the Superior.

Powers of the Court Commissioner are specifically set forth in RCW 2.24.040. In accordance with all applicable laws, the Family Court Commissioner’s duties may include, but are not limited to, presiding over the following types of cases:

• Dependencies (including ICWA and Infant/Toddler Courts)
• Domestic Relations
• Civil Protection Orders
• Juvenile Offender
• Therapeutic Courts
• Daily Civil Ex Parte
• Search Warrants
• Establishment of Probable Cause
• At Risk Youth
• Children In Need of Services

Additionally, the Commissioner may be expected to conduct three mediation sessions for domestic relations matters each week.

Key Competencies for this Position

• Ethics and Integrity: Respects and maintains confidentiality. Earns trust, respect, and confidence through honesty, forthrightness, and professionalism in all interactions
• Valuing Diversity: Help create a work environment that embraces and appreciates diversity treats all with acceptance and respect; and values diverse perspectives
• Communication: Effective communication skills to convey thought and information clearly and concisely to a broad audience. Strong writing and editing skills
• Relationship Building: Proven skills to create and maintain effective teams and partnerships
• Multi-tasking: Proven multi-tasking skills with the ability to handle multiple assignments in various stages simultaneously. Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities
• Analytical Skills: Analytical skills with exceptional attention to detail

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The qualifications for this office are set forth in RCW 2.24.010 and include the requirement that applicants be a U.S. citizen and member in good standing with the Washington State Bar Association.

Knowledge of:

Skill in:

Ability to:

This position requires a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited four-year college or university, a law degree from an American Bar Association accredited law school (or admission pursuant to APR6), a license to practice law in the State of Washington and a minimum of five (5) years of experience preferred. An emphasis on Juvenile and Family Law is desirable but not necessary. The applicant selected for this position must adhere to the Code of Judicial Conduct (CJC).

Special Conditions

Individuals appointed as Court Commissioner shall serve at the pleasure of the sitting Superior Court Judges. Removal from office may be with or without cause and shall remain solely within the discretion of the Superior Court Judges.

Licensing/Certification Requirements

Salary & Benefits:

The Family Court Commissioner annual salary is set per County policy. Clallam County provides a generous benefit package, which includes medical, dental and vision insurance, paid holidays, vacation, sick leave, and retirement.