Case Progression Officer (GMG/AM 4) – Trelawny Family Court

Job Purpose

To proactively manage the list of matters before the Court in an effective and efficient manner, ensuring that cases are disposed timely. To interact will all stakeholders in an effort to reduce adjournments, unnecessary witness attendance at court, the number of ineffective trials, ensuring all cases are ready to proceed before they are listed, in order to improve Hearing date certainty. 

Key Responsibilities

• Liaises with key stakeholders in Justice System to ensure readiness of all stakeholders for the case to progress to trial; 
• Establishes a working relationship with relevant stakeholders to ensure the timely resolution of witness problems and that the witness is confirmed to attend Court;
• Liaises with Counsel, Witness, Police, Defense Counsel and Court Staff attending case conferences; 
• Manages incoming communications and facilitate timely responses and actions required are completed expeditiously; 
• Arranges Pre-trial Hearing; 
• Presents unresolved matters at the Plea and Case Management Hearing for resolution;
• Provides updates to the Court on any matters which may affect the Case Progression;
• Informs parties of Judicial Orders and Directions made at the Plea and Case Management Hearings; 
• Monitors compliance with Judicial Orders and Directions; 
• Tracks cases to ensure papers are prepared and served within agreed time frame;
• Implements, reviews and maintains systems to enable prioritization of cases ensuring proactive and effective case progression; 
• Ensures all trial files are reviewed in advance of the trial date to ensure trial readiness checks are completed and communicated to the courts; 
• Ensures all special category cases are flagged, captured and tracked for progress;
• Reviews case progression processes and recommend amendments, as may be necessary; 
• Performs any other duties assigned. 

Required Knowledge, Skills and Competencies

Core 

• Integrity 
• Customer & quality focus 
• Teamwork & co-operation 
• Goal & results oriented 
• Compliance 
• Good planning & organizing 
• Adaptability 
• Good interpersonal skills 
• Good oral and written communication 
• Initiative 

Technical 

• Knowledge of Court/Judicial procedures 
• Knowledge of the Family Court Act and other relevant legislation; 
• Good Knowledge of the Child Care and Protection Act 
• Knowledge of the Maintenance Act 
• Good Knowledge of the Legal Guardianship and Custody Act 
• Good research skills 

Minimum Required Qualification and Experience

• First Degree in Humanities and Education or Social Science 
• Training in Paralegal Studies (an asset) 
• Minimum of three (3) years’ experience in legal environment, one (1) of these should be in a supervisory position in an organisation of similar size and complexity.

Please note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.