Probate Officer II

This is advanced and high specialized and technical case processing work. Work involves administering statutory procedures and court rules for the probating of estates, and requires the ability to perform independently and exercise sound judgment and initiative within procedural and statutory guidelines. Work differs from Probate Officer I by degree of independence and responsibility exercised in performing functions, and may include or require the ability to perform lower level clerical duties.

This employee is under the general supervision of the Court Clerk Supervisor of the Probate Division, and work is reviewed through conferences, reports, and on the basis of results obtained.

• Reviews probate documents to assure that all information is complete, accurate and in accordance with requirements of the U.S. Virgin Islands Code and determines the type of proceeding, either summary or regular.
• Reviews documents and opens cases in regular proceedings, assuring content and documentation requirements are satisfied, noting questions/concerns for judge to be addressed at hearings.
• Audits final accounts and reconciles accounting and prepares orders in accordance with the Probate Code.
• Reviews summary probate applications for compliance with statute and court rules.
• Coordinates summary probate processing; determines bond requirements; examines and/or prepares order and letters; directs publication and notices.
• Advises attorneys, legal assistants, applicants, personal representatives and the general public regarding requirements, procedures and resolution of problems associated with formal and informal probate processing.
• Attends court hearings, swears witnesses, marks exhibits and makes a complete record of the proceedings.
• Supervises the preparation of orders and final adjudications to close estates; distributes orders to attorneys and petitioners.
• Provides expertise and work direction to other court staff on probate matters, and assists with training Probate staff.
• Conducts inventories of safe deposit boxes at banks and residences.
• Other duties as assigned or required.

Graduation from an approved high school or vocational school supplemented by an Associate's degree in accounting, paralegal studies, or related field and considerable (two to five years) probate court clerical experience or a Paralegal Certificate, supplemented by thorough (five to seven years) experience in the legal field (court or otherwise) and considerable (two to five years) probate court clerical experience.

• Thorough knowledge of the U.S. Virgin Islands Probate Code and Territorial Rules of Court pertaining to probate.
• Thorough knowledge of the purpose, content and disposition of a variety of legal instruments.
• Ability to assemble and analyze data and information and draw valid conclusions for effective disposition and processing of probate cases.
• Ability to compose complete, accurate and timely orders and legal instruments based on pertinent conclusions of the Court and applicable statutes.
• Ability to make work decisions in accordance with laws, regulations, and departmental policies and procedures.
• Ability to interview and effectively communicate, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to plan, assign and supervise the work of lower level employees engaged in a variety of activities.
• Skill in the operation of a typewriter, personal computer and standard office equipment.