Magistrate

Title: Magistrate

State Role Title: Compliance/Safety Officer II

Hiring Range: Commensurate with Experience

Pay Band: UG

Agency: Supreme Court

Location: Carroll County Territory

Agency Website: www.vacourts.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Commonwealth of Virginia has an opening for a magistrate position in Magisterial Region 1. A magistrate is an independent judicial officer appointed by the Executive Secretary of the Supreme Court of Virginia. Magisterial Region 1 is comprised of the Counties of Bland, Buchanan, Carroll, Dickenson, Floyd, Giles, Grayson, Lee, Montgomery, Pulaski, Russell, Scott, Smyth, Tazewell, Washington, Wise, Wythe and the Cities of Bristol, Galax, Norton and Radford. The magistrate will be required to conduct hearings throughout Magisterial Region 1. The Magistrate’s initial assignment will be at the Carroll County Magistrates Office (Hillsville) located in the Eastern Magisterial District. A magistrate must possess a fundamental working knowledge of Virginia law and demonstrate an ability to impartially and efficiently apply that knowledge in the resolution of legal issues.

Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
-- Conducting neutral and impartial hearings relating to searches, arrests, bail, temporary detentions, and civil issues
-- Conducting legal research and analysis
-- Ascertaining facts and applying them to relevant legal principles
-- Maintaining order and decorum in highly charged, sensitive circumstances
-- Receiving and accounting for money

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education
-- Excellent English speaking, listening, and writing skills
-- Strong interpersonal skills
-- Computer proficiency
-- Preference for prior legal system experience

Preferred Qualifications/Experience – Preference for prior legal system experience

Additional Considerations

A fundamental knowledge of Virginia civil and criminal law and the judicial system is essential. Therefore, relevant legal experience, training, or education, including membership in the Virginia State Bar, is a plus.

The successful candidate must be a citizen of the United States, and either be or become a resident of Virginia prior to appointment. Candidates must meet all the qualifications of a magistrate under Va. Code § 19.2-37. The Canons of Conduct for Virginia Magistrates applies to this position. See http://www.courts.state.va.us/courtadmin/aoc/mag/resources/canons.pdf

If not currently certified as a magistrate, the successful candidate must attend an intensive four-week training course and successfully pass a certification process that includes a written examination and extensive on-the-job training. The successful candidate will be required to sign a training repayment agreement, which will require the magistrate to reimburse, pro-rata, the Office of the Executive Secretary for the cost of providing training in the event that the magistrate leaves employment during training or within two years of completing training.

This is a full-time position. The work schedule has rotating shifts that include weekends and holidays. This position offers a competitive benefits package, which includes vacation and sick leave, 12 paid holidays, health insurance, retirement benefits, life insurance, deferred compensation, and short-term and long-term disability.

State application, resume, and cover letter required.

STATE APPLICATION MUST BE FULLY COMPLETED IN ORDER TO BE CONSIDERED.

Applicants must apply online. Only interviewed applicants will be notified of the filling of the position. No phone calls or e-mails regarding application status.

Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness – Employment at an agency of the Commonwealth of Virginia, may qualify you to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF). Learn more to see whether you might qualify. https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/repay-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service

The Virginia Judicial System is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity in the workplace. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, or disability. Applicants who need accommodations for an interview should request this in advance. All candidates are subject to a criminal history background check before being offered employment.

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

Contact Information

Name: Richette Howell

Phone: No calls

Email: humanresources@vacourts.gov

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.