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Job Description

MUNICIPAL HEARING OFFICER

(Non-classified)

JOB CODE 10050

Effective Date:	08/92A

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:

The fundamental reason this classification exists is to conduct proceedings relating to arraignments and hearings for minor traffic cases in the Phoenix Municipal Court. The Phoenix Municipal Court is a Court of limited jurisdiction. It exercises original jurisdiction over all violations of any ordinance of the City, and concurrent jurisdiction over all misdemeanor violations of the law of the State committed within with City. The Court is not a Court of Record. Duties of the Municipal Hearing Officer require the exercise of considerable independent judgment in managing the docket, ruling on motions, and adjudicating the cases. Individuals in this classification are appointed at the discretion of the Presiding Judge for a two year term. Work is performed in accordance with the law and is subject to review by a higher court through an appeal. This class differs from that of City Judge in that the scope of cases heard is more narrow; Hearing Officers preside only over civil traffic violations.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Presides over arraignments and hearings for civil minor traffic cases;
• Hears and rules on motions for civil minor traffic cases;
• Finds defendants "responsible" or "not responsible" based upon evidence elicited at a civil minor traffic hearing;
• Determines the amount of, and imposes sanctions on, civil traffic cases;
• Demonstrates continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality seamless customer service.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• State traffic laws as set forth in Arizona Revised Statutes Title 28 and City of Phoenix Traffic Ordinances.
• Rules of Procedure in civil traffic violation cases.
• Court policies and procedures.

Ability to:

• Conduct and control Court proceedings, elicit pertinent information, and confine witnesses and litigants to relevant issues.
• Communicate orally with defendants, witnesses, and the public in group settings to give instructions or information, and respond to questions.
• Appraise factual situations and make appropriate decisions promptly and in accordance with law.
• Visually observe people's behavior in a courtroom setting.
• Comprehend and make inferences from written material.
• Manage the cases scheduled in the hearing room in an effective and efficient manner.
• Work safely without presenting a direct threat to self or others.

Additional Requirements:

• Some positions will require the performance of other essential and marginal functions depending upon work location, assignment, or shift.

ACCEPTABLE EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:
A law degree, or a bachelor's degree and three years of experience in the area of traffic law or a related field. Candidates must be 21 years of age, be of good moral character, and successfully complete a course of instruction approved by the Arizona Supreme Court which certifies the applicant to sit as a Hearing Officer prior to hearing civil traffic violation cases. Other combinations of experience and education that meet the minimum requirements may be substituted.