PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: June 14, 2024
Contact: Alisa Bousa, Public Information Officer, Alisa.Bousa@ujs.state.sd.us | 605.773.2031
Child Support Referee Independent Contractor Position Available in Second Judicial Circuit
PIERRE, S.D.— The South Dakota Unified Judicial System is seeking an independent contractor as a child support referee for the Second Judicial Circuit.
Applicants must be a licensed attorney in the state of South Dakota, a member in good standing of the State Bar Association, and familiar with family law and the child support referee process. The qualifications and duties of the referees are generally described in South Dakota Codified Law 25-7A-6 and 25-7A-22.
As of July 1, 2024, the flat-fee compensation for work as a child support referee is $324 per case if contract requirements are met. The child support referee must provide their own equipment, schedule their own hearings, and draft the necessary documents. Space may be provided, if necessary, in the local courthouse.
The referee will primarily serve the Second Judicial Circuit; however, cases could sometimes be assigned from other circuits statewide.
Candidates for appointment as child support referees are recommended to the Supreme Court for appointment by the State Court Administrator. After approval by the Supreme Court, a contract will be entered between the referee and the Unified Judicial System.
Those interested in applying should submit a letter of interest and a complete resume by 5 p.m. on July 31, 2024, to Caroline A. Srstka, staff attorney, State Court Administrator’s Office. (See the full job listing below.)
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About South Dakota Courts: The Unified Judicial System (UJS) consists of the Supreme Court, Circuit Courts and State Court Administrator’s Office. The Supreme Court is the state’s highest court and final decision maker on South Dakota law. The Circuit Courts are the state’s trial courts where criminal proceedings and civil litigation are handled. The State Court Administrator’s Office provides centralized administrative assistance and support services for the South Dakota judiciary. Learn more at https://ujs.sd.gov.
Child Support Referee
Location: Second Judicial Circuit
Type: Independent Contractor
Category: Unified Judicial System
Close Date: July 31, 2024
Post Date: June 14, 2024
No. of Positions Available: 1
Position Description: This position is that of an independent contractor with the Unified Judicial System as a child support referee. The qualifications and duties of the referees are generally described in South Dakota Codified Law including SDCL 25-7A-6 and 25-7A-22. Candidates for appointment as child support referees are recommended to the Supreme Court for appointment by the State Court Administrator. The referee will primarily serve the 2nd Judicial Circuit; however, cases could sometimes be assigned from other circuits state-wide. After approval by the Supreme Court, a contract will be entered between the referee and the UJS. As of July 1, 2024, the flat-fee compensation for work as a child support referee is $324 per case, as long as the contract requirements are met. The referee must provide their own equipment, schedule their own hearings, and draft the necessary documents. Space may be provided, if necessary, in the local Courthouse.
To be considered for the child support referee position, the applicant must be:
- A licensed attorney in the State of South Dakota & is a member in good standing of the State Bar Association;
- Familiar with family law and the child support referee process;
- Organized in scheduling hearings and managing the associated paperwork;
- Able manage time & priorities;
- Able to facilitate and maintain good working relationships with a wide variety of sources including the public, clerks, Judges, and DSS;
- Able to remain neutral and objective while assisting the public with the child support referee process;
- Able to manage stress and work with difficult people;
- An effective communicator via telephone and e-mail;
- Detail-oriented;
- Able to meet strict deadlines;
- Able to maintain a professional demeanor at all times;
- Able to comply with the requirements of UJS.
A letter of interest as well as a complete resume may be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on July 31, 2024, to the following address:
Caroline A. Srstka, Staff Attorney
State Court Administrator’s Office
4101 W. 38th Street, Ste 102
Sioux Falls, SD 57106
caroline.Srstka@ujs.state.sd.us
The candidate recommended for approval to the Supreme Court will be subject to a background check.