Court Commissioner Pro Tem (On-Call) - Department of Child Support Services
Salary
$8,000.69 Biweekly
Location
William R. Ridgeway Family Relations Courthouse, CA
Job Type
Part-Time
Job Number
2026-12400, 2026-12401
Department
Court Wide
Opening Date
06/29/2026
Closing Date
7/22/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
Definition
Under the authority of the Judges of the Superior Court of California, County of Sacramento and at the direction of the Presiding Judge, Court Commissioners perform various judicial functions as prescribed by law or conferred by the Court. The power and authority of Court Commissioners is specified by statute. Court Commissioners have the same jurisdiction and exercise the same powers and duties as the Judges of the Court with respect to infractions and small claims actions, and in other matters pursuant to stipulation of the parties.
Distinguishing Characteristics
Court Commissioners perform judicial functions of the Court, assisting the Court in disposing of business connected with the administration of justice, including acting as a temporary judge in certain types of cases. It is distinguished from the position of Judge in that it is appointed by and serves at the pleasure of the Judges of the Court and acts only as a temporary judge, presiding over cases as directed by the Presiding Judge, at the stipulation of the parties.
Examples of Duties
Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:
Exercises the same powers and duties as a Judge of the Court in assigned cases, with the same jurisdiction; acts as a temporary judge in court cases pursuant to the stipulation of counsel and parties; conducts a daily court calendar; presides over hearings and trials; makes rulings, findings, judgments and orders.
Presides over proceedings in one or more of the following: civil and small claims actions; criminal and traffic arraignments; hearings and trials of infractions, misdemeanors and felonies; probate, family law and juvenile court.
Adjudicates matters before the Court in compliance with California Law.
Arraigns defendants; grants continuances; hears, reviews, makes finding of fact and rules on a variety of petitions, motions and other actions; renders judgments and issues orders; takes evidence from concerned parties and other witnesses; makes or recommends appropriate court orders; accepts pleas and imposes sentences; sets cases for hearing and trial.
Reviews court files, documents and related materials to assess cases prior to and following hearings; prepares court documents, records, reports, correspondence and other written materials pertaining to case findings.
Presides over court and jury trials; listens to testimony and argument; evaluates evidence and rules of evidentiary objections.
Conducts judicial hearings in family support cases involving Title IV of the Social Security Act, and cases filed by the District Attorney to establish paternity and other child support-related matters.
Conducts proceedings with decorum and maintains order in the courtroom.
Serves on judicial committees.
Performs other court-related duties as assigned by the Presiding Judge or his/her designee.
Minimum Qualifications
Either I
Active member in good standing with the State Bar of California and admitted to practice law in California for at least ten (10) years, or on a finding of good cause by the Presiding Judge, for at least five (5) years.
Or II
Currently serving as a subordinate judicial officer in a trial court as of January 1, 2003.
Knowledge of:
Legal principles and precedents as applied to judicial procedures; general functions and organization of the judicial system, including the various divisions of the Court and the roles and functions of other justice agencies; statutes, regulations, rules, common law and procedures that govern the legal discipline of the assignment; principles, practices, methods and materials of legal research and analysis; legal terms, procedures, forms and pleadings used in court cases; trial and hearing procedures; California Evidence Code and California Rules of Court; California Code of Judicial Ethics; principles and practices of sound business communication and correct English usage, including spelling, grammar and punctuation.
Ability to:
Objectively analyze and interpret legal issues and arguments, weigh evidence, draw inferences, and reach logical and legal conclusions; handle high-volume assignments and make timely, effective decisions that conform to California Law; work under various time constraints and exacting professional standards; exercise appropriate judicial temperament and demeanor; solve problems creatively and with agility, consistent with the law and the Code of Judicial Ethics; direct and control courtroom proceedings in a decisive, orderly and equitable manner; read, understand, interpret relevant laws, rules, regulations and procedures; research legal questions as needed; monitor changes in the law applicable to the assignment; identify the facts from testimony and evidence, evaluate whether those facts support a finding under the applicable laws, reach sound conclusions, decide the matter and maintain an appropriate record of proceedings; use relevant computer programs including legal research, support calculation and word processing; use online resources effectively; communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships with Judges, attorneys, court and county employees, members of the public and others encountered in the course of work.
Other Information
Typical Physical Requirements
This position requires strength, coordination and vision to use a keyboard and video display terminal on a daily basis; frequent communication; dexterity and coordination to handle files and single pieces of paper; occasional lifting of objects weighing up to 25 lbs. such as files, stacks of papers, reference and other materials; moving from place to place within an office; sit for extended periods; some reaching for items above and below desk level; use of office equipment, including computer, telephone, calculator, copier, scanner, and facsimile.
Typical Working Conditions
Work is performed in an office environment. The nature of the position requires continuous contact with Judges, attorneys, court staff and the public.
Other Requirements
United States citizenship is required for appointment.
Court Commissioners are prohibited from practicing law during employment with the Court in this capacity.
Must be able to pass a criminal history background check.
To view the Sacramento Superior Courts Benefits Summary Sheet and Salary Table, please click here.
The following is an explanation of the benefits, which apply to those employed in regular or limited-term positions:
The Court offers a 3.35% Subordinate Judicial Officer differential.
Vacation: Vacation with pay varies depending upon the employee representation unit. New employees typically earn 20 days per year and accrual rates normally increase according to years of service.
Holidays: The Superior Court of California, County of Sacramento recognizes 14 holidays.
Sick Leave: Employees accrue 5.0 hours per bi-weekly pay period.
Parental Leave: Employees with at least 1 year of service are eligible for paid parental leave upon the birth or adoption of a child.
Retirement: Employees are covered by the Sacramento County Employees Retirement System (SCERS) and Social Security.
Group Health Insurance: The Court offers several choices of employee and dependent health insurance coverage, with a significant portion paid by the employer.
Dental and Vision Services Plan: Employee and dependent dental and vision insurance plans are provided at no cost.
Life Insurance: Basic employee life insurance is provided at no cost to the employee with additional optional life insurance available at the employees cost.
Medical and Childcare Flexible Spending Accounts: The ability to deduct a portion of your salary before taxes to apply toward medical expenses and/or child care expenses.
Deferred Compensation: The Court offers a Deferred Compensation Program.
Sacramento Credit Union: The credit union offers loan facilities and systematic savings plans through payroll deduction.
Tuition Reimbursement: The Court reimburses up to $3,000.00 dollars of an employees educational expenses as outlined in its Tuition Reimbursement policy.
Long Term Disability: A Long Term Disability (LTD) plan is provided at no cost to employees.
Transit Subsidy: The Court provides a transit subsidy to eligible employees based on current policy.
01
Are you resident of the State of California?
02
Do you possess at least one of the following minimum qualifications: - You have been an active member of the California State Bar for at least ten (10) years immediately preceding appointment, unless you were an inactive member of the California State Bar due to previously serving as a judge, referee, or commissioner; or - You have been an active member of the California State Bar for at least five (5) years and may qualify based on a finding of good cause by the Presiding Judge; or - You are serving as a subordinate judicial officer in a California trial court as of January 1, 2003
03
Provide a brief overview of your experience and training that qualifies you for this position. In your response, please include the following information: a. State Bar number b. Year admitted to practice in California c. Number of consecutive years of practice in California
04
Describe your experience sitting as an arbitrator, judge pro tem, or temporary judge.
05
Describe your professional experience practicing family law, including any experience with Title IV-D child support enforcement matters.
06
Describe your experience with, and the techniques you use to convey legal concepts to persons unfamiliar with the law or who are acting as their own attorneys.
07
Describe your professional experience that required you to work in a fast-paced, high-volume environment with highly stressful and repetitive cases. How have you handled this type of situation in the past?
Required Question
Employer Sacramento Superior Court
Address 500 G Street
Sacramento, California, 95814
Phone (916) 874-7828
Website https://www.saccourt.ca.gov/