Judicial Communications Specialist, Grant Funded, County Court-at-Law II

Posting number: FY25-00313

Department: County Court At Law #2

Job classification: Judicial Communications Specialist, Grant Funded, County Court-at-Law II

Posting type: Open

Categories: Community and Social Services

SummaryThe Judicial Communications Specialist is responsible for creating and maintaining appropriate linkage and communication systems with various community agencies. The Judicial Communications Specialist advocates on behalf of clients for community resources; assists in engaging clients in treatment and meeting other basic needs; and is responsible for developing and managing internal and external communications for the court. This position ensures that all public messaging aligns with judicial standards, promotes transparency, and fosters public trust in the Texas judiciary. The role involves media relations, public information dissemination, and content creation to support the court’s outreach and engagement efforts. The Judicial Communications Specialist reports to the Director of the Webb County Court-at-Law II specialty courts. Examples of duties

• Coordinates referrals with other providers in a timely and professional manner. 
• Follows up with referral sources regarding service coordination and outcomes. 
• Promotes coordinated service delivery and prevents duplication of services. 
• Monitors and follows up on client services to ensure appropriate outcomes. 
• Advocates on behalf of the clients with community resources. 
• Maintains client confidentiality at all times and ensures compliance with agency, state, and HIPAA laws. 
• Enforces court-ordered supervision components and implements supervision strategies.
• Maintains contact with juvenile participants, parents or guardians, and attorneys.
• Addresses substance abuse, mental health, domestic violence, and similar problems and works with appropriate specialists to implement necessary treatment or violation proceedings, through assessment, monitoring, and counseling. 
• Schedules and conducts drug use detection tests when needed. 
• Conducts investigations, prepares reports, and makes recommendations to the court. 
• Attends, schedules, and coordinates weekly wrap-around meetings with all involved in Juvenile Drug Treatment Court.
• Coordinates with stakeholders for outreach/engagement with the community to present the dangers of drugs and other substances to participants and potential participants. 
• Establishes and maintains good working relationships with stakeholders.
• Prepares, organizes, and disseminates all public information pertaining to the court’s work. 
• Works to develop information to disseminate to school districts and community partners.
• Must be knowledgeable about community resources available to juveniles. 
• Ability to effectively speak publicly and to present to small or large audiences on the mission of the court. 
• Attends and participates in quarterly stakeholder meetings. 
• Develops and distributes press releases, official statements, and public notices on behalf of the court.
• Manages the court’s website and social media platforms, ensuring timely and accurate updates.
• Serves as the primary media liaison, responding to inquiries and coordinating interviews with judicial officers.
• Drafts speeches, reports, and presentations for judges and court administrators.
• Monitors news coverage and public sentiment regarding court operations, providing reports as needed.
• Oversees crisis communication strategies and emergency messaging to maintain public confidence.
• Ensures compliance with Texas public records laws, court policies, and judicial ethical standards.
• Coordinates public education initiatives and outreach efforts to enhance awareness of court functions.
• May require availability outside normal business hours for urgent communications.
• Travel within and out of the State of Texas is required yearly. 
• Performs all other duties as assigned by the Court, Judge, and Program Director. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of individual, group, and family system dynamics. 
• Knowledge of professional ethics and standards of practice. 
• Knowledge of the Webb County Judicial System and community resource & health service agencies is preferred.
• Knowledge of Texas court procedures, judicial ethics, and public records laws.
• Knowledge of legal, government, or public sector communications practices is preferred. 
• Skill in organization, caseload management, prioritization, and maintaining accurate records. 
• Skill in written, editing, and verbal communication with strong attention to detail.
• Skill in media relations, social media management, and digital content creation.
• Skill in using computers, Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe, Canva, MAC, Google Voice, and other related software systems.
• Skill in operating standard office equipment. 
• Ability to work effectively with multidisciplinary service providers and community partners.
• Ability to collaborate with outside agencies and stakeholders.
• Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion, confidentiality, and professionalism.
• Ability to communicate orally and in writing in the English language and orally in the Spanish language. 

Qualifications

• Must have a high school diploma or GED from an accredited institution.

Preferred

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or a related field; experience is strongly preferred. 
• Case management experience is preferred. 
• Criminal Justice experience is preferred. 

Supplemental informationComplexity/Scope of Work

• The work consists of varied legal, management, and supervisory duties. The variety of tasks performed contributes to the complexity of the position.
• The purpose of this position is to direct assigned operations of the Webb County Court-at-Law II. Success in this role contributes to the efficiency and effectiveness of court operations.

Physical Demands/Work Environment
Occasionally

• Moving oneself in different positions to accomplish tasks in various environments, including tight and confined spaces.
• Adjusting or moving objects up to 15 pounds in all directions.
• Operating motor vehicles or heavy equipment.
• Driving a county vehicle or a personal vehicle for County business.
• Working in low temperatures.
• Working in high temperatures.
• Working in outdoor elements such as precipitation and wind.
• Working in noisy environments.
• Working in small and/or enclosed spaces.
• Light work that includes carrying objects up to 20 pounds.

Constantly

• Remaining in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods.
• Moving to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another.
• Communicating with others to exchange information.
• Repeating motions that may include the use of wrists, hands, and/or fingers.
• Assessing the accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of the work assigned.
• Sedentary work that primarily involves sitting and/or standing.

Other Requirements/Information

• Must possess a valid and current Texas driver's license.
• The Webb County Drug and Alcohol Policy applies to this position. Pre-employment drug and alcohol testing, a Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) check, and a criminal background check are required.
• This position is not covered under Civil Service; however, all other Webb County policies apply.

Valid Texas Driver’s License*
 *If the applicant holds an out-of-state license, a State of Texas Driver’s License must be obtained prior to employment.