Tribunal Auditor

Job Description

JOB PRIMARY PURPOSE/FUNCTION

The Tribunal Auditor supports the Judicial Vicar in canonical matters, oversees the canonical computer software, and responds to inquiries from parishes, parties, and other dioceses. The Auditor conducts depositions and gathers testimony in marriage cases in conformity with the prescriptions of the 1983 Code of Canon Law. The auditor also serves as case manager, responsible for reviewing and assessing the progress of marriage cases from the time they are submitted until they are prepared for trial, and apprising the Judge of any problem that may develop in the case as it proceeds.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES

A. Apply an understanding of canon law and knowledge of canon law procedures to assigned marriage cases, making competent decisions in monitoring cases regarding grounds and testimony to be obtained.

B. Manage canonical procedures in the Tribunal relating to marriage cases.

C. Review cases as they are presented to the Tribunal and assign personnel required for each case type. Coordinate the day-to-day distribution of work and performance of administrative staff and case coordinators.

D. Communicate with parties and witnesses in person, by telephone and in writing and provide documentation for the case file. When necessary, provide for interpreters or documents in another language. Meet with Petitioners and Respondents when they request to read the acts.

E. Maintain accurate computer and other records regarding the current status of cases. Plan and develop record and case management procedures. Provide back-up support for the canonical database program. Maintain the order and accuracy of computer case records and files.

F. Obtain rogatory testimony for other Dioceses, as requested by the Judicial Vicar, and transcribe and transmit this testimony to the appropriate Diocese.

G. Prepare detailed annual statistical reports for the Apostolic Signatura, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, the Canon Law Society, the Bishop and the Judicial Vicar.
H. Monitor the use of office space and equipment, and make appropriate recommendations to the Judicial Vicar.

I. Manage and maintain Tribunal policies.

J. Conduct depositions and gather testimony in marriage cases in conformity with the prescriptions of the 1983 Code of Canon Law.

K. Prepare the evidence for record in the acts of marriage cases.

L. Cover secretarial duties and take mail to the post office as needed.

M. Coordinate Tribunal Presentations across the Diocese.

N. Respond to all online Tribunal inquiries.

O. Other duties as assigned.

ADDITIONAL JOB FUNCTIONS

A. May be designated as an advocate in individual cases.

B. Engage in professional development and continuing education in canon law.

C. Other duties as assigned by the Judicial Vicar/Adjutant Judicial Vicar.

EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

A. License or Doctorate in Canon Law is preferred.

B. Minimum 3 years of experience in similar position, including coordinating responsibilities, or any equivalent combination of education and experience which demonstrates the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to perform the above-described essential functions.

C. Active, practicing Catholic (canon 149).

D. Suitable knowledge of the principles of canon law.

E. Ability to read, comprehend and perform complex legal research and problem analysis.

F. Ability to speak and write Spanish is preferred.

G. Ability to read Latin is preferred.

QUALIFICATIONS

A. Efficient and effective organizational skills.

B. Excellent oral and written communication skills.

C. Interpersonal professional relationships, both internally and externally to the Diocese of Davenport, which encourages openness, candor and trust.

D. Flexibility in performing designated duties. Acceptance of personal inconvenience for attainment of the Diocesan goals.

E. Meet or exceed objectives established in the budgetary process.

F. Ability to mentor and supervise others. Ability to work well in a team environment with minimum supervision.

G. Ability to maintain complete confidentiality and professional discretion in dealing with Tribunal cases and a demonstrated pastoral interest in and sensitivity toward parties involved in annulment cases.

H. Proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel, ability to learn Outlook, Adobe, the Canonical database program, and other office programs.

MENTAL AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

A. Excellent ability to analyze and interpret information pertinent to the areas of responsibility.

B. Ability to perform designated duties under frequent time constraints.

C. Ability to work irregular hours as deemed necessary by the Judicial Vicar to accomplish the responsibilities of the position.

D. Ability to travel, as necessary, to accomplish assigned duties.

E. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand, walk, talk, reach, sit for prolonged periods of time, hear, handle and perform repetitive motions of the hands/wrists. The employee is required to occasionally lift and move items weighing up to 30 pounds.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT AND CONDITIONS

A. A majority of the assigned duties are performed in a well-ventilated, well-lighted and temperature-controlled office environment.

B. The employee is subject to both internal and external environmental conditions, including extreme cold and extreme heat.

C. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

DIRECT REPORTS

A. Coordinate tasks of the Tribunal Administrative Assistant in conjunction with the Judicial Vicar.

B. Responsible for coordinating and supervising volunteers within the Tribunal Department.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

A. The position can expect an evaluation in the first six months of employment by the appropriate line of organizational relationship, with an annual evaluation thereafter.

B. Salary considerations will be commensurate with education and experience.

C. The employee understands and agrees that employment with the Diocese of Davenport and any Diocesan entity is contingent on compliance with the Diocesan safe environment policies, procedures and requirements.

About the Employer

VISION

The Catholic Diocese of Davenport will reflect the Reign of God by growing in faith, hope and charity.

MISSION

As a Eucharistic community, we live out Jesus' call to go and make disciples of all nations and to love God and neighbor.