Chief Deputy Register of Wills

GRADE 2118
Pay Range $56,430 - $82,368

General Description

The purpose of this position is to assist in the planning, management and supervision of the overall operations of the Register of Wills office to assure compliance with the laws and rules of the Chancery Court. The incumbent is selected by the Chancellor or Vice Chancellor resident (Judge) in the County and serves at their pleasure per 12 Del. C.§2507. This position works under general supervision, independently developing work methods and sequences. *Position eligible to participate in classification and pay plan per County policy.

Duties & Responsibilities

The functions listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this position. Management may assign additional functions as necessary.

  • Supervises, directs, and evaluates assigned staff, processing employee concerns and problems, directing work, counseling, disciplining, and completing employee performance appraisals.
  • Coordinates assigns and reviews work and establishes work schedules; maintains standards; monitors status of work in progress; inspects completed work assignments; answers questions; gives advice and direction as needed.
  • Manages the daily operations of the office in all probate matters.
  • Directs the deputy and clerks and guides the personal representatives through all estate matters ensure compliance with the law.
  • Interprets the Delaware and County code as they relate to laws affecting the office and the probate process.
  • Serves as Clerk of the Court for all estate litigation, issue summons or subpoenas as required.
  • Serves as the Clerk of the Court in all hearings and trials in and for Kent County Court of Chancery
  • Prepares and serves Subpoenas and Summons as required.
  • Reviews documents for legality and proper recording format.
  • Serves as liaison between the office, attorneys, title searchers, general public and Local, State and Federal government agencies.
  • Preserves archival integrity of documents, maintains quality control of scanned documents, running database clean up functions and issuing daily database status reports.
  • Assists in preparation of legislation and acts with Levy Court, general assembly, monitor legislation that may impact probate and incorporate those changes to the probate process.
  • Conduct legal research and prepare written memoranda on issues arising from estate administration including admissibility of wills.
  • Performs related work as required.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

Requires Associate's degree in paralegal or legal assistant studies, or a related field supplemented by four (4) years of experience in court operations or legal services or any combination of experience and training.

Additional Requirements

Thorough knowledge of laws and regulations relating to the activities of wills, probate and estate administration; ability to draw valid conclusions; thorough knowledge of administrative principles; good knowledge of standard legal forms and procedures; ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with judges, court administrators, department managers, the legal community and the general public; ability to communicate courteously and effectively, both verbally and in writing; demonstrated ability to manage operational functions and supervise personnel; tact and courtesy; excellent working knowledge of personal computers; regular and timely attendance; performance of duties in a safe manner; good professional judgment. Must pass testing for substance abuse and criminal background investigation. Must maintain a positive work environment by acting and communicating in a manner that promotes harmonious relations with customers, co-workers, and supervisors. Direct deposit of pay required.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • This is sedentary work requiring the exertion of up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to move objects.
  • Work requires fingering, and repetitive motions.
  • Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word, and conveying detailed or important instructions to others accurately, loudly, or quickly.
  • Hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels, and to receive detailed information through oral communications and/or to make fine distinctions in sound.
  • Mental acuity is required to make rational decisions through sound logic and deductive processes.
  • Physical attendance at work sites is required to perform manual tasks, provide immediate service to onsite customers, and supervise or interact with work groups.
  • Visual acuity is required for preparing and analyzing written or computer data, operation of motor vehicles or equipment, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observing general surroundings and activities.
  • The worker is not subject to adverse environmental conditions.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • Essential Functions are regularly performed without exposure to adverse environmental conditions.

Special Certifications and License Requirements

  • Must possess and maintain a valid state driver’s license with an acceptable driving history.

Notices

Kent County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (42 U.S. C. 12101 et. seq.), Kent County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. This is an employment at-will position.

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