Position Title: Case Analyst I

Position Summary: With minimal supervision, to assist in the instruction of all types of requests for decrees of nullity and independently instruct lack of form and ligamen petitions. Advise petitioners, respondents, pastors and case assistants concerning the instruction of their cases citing canon law and Church teaching in explanation. Prepare cases for the Tribunal psychologists, defenders of the bond, judges and court of appeals, and close and archive adjudicated cases notifying the petitioner, respondent, the churches of baptism and marriage if a decree of nullity has been granted.

Classification: Non-Exempt, Hourly

Reports To: Moderator of the Tribunal/Adjutant Judicial Vicar/Judicial Vicar

Essential Job Functions:

Assist the Director in monitoring the movement of over 300 active cases, insuring all cases are proceeding correctly in process and in an expeditious manner. Answer telephone inquiries and prepare written responses to inquiries from petitioners, respondents and their sponsors concerning canonical issues.
Carry out the instruction of all types of cases as directed by the Director of the Tribunal.
Prepare and review the Judges’ sentences, insuring all dates and canonical references are included and correct.
Prepare cases for the Tribunal psychologist. Insure all the evidence is included and placed in appropriate order for later adjudication.
Prepare cases for the Defender of the Bond. Upon return from the defender, insure the defender’s brief correctly reflects the grounds and facts of the case.
Prepare case for the judge’s review. Insure all the evidence is included, grounds are correct, and any report by the Tribunal psychologist is placed with the acts before the case is sent to the judge. Include a copy of the defender’s brief for the judge. Notify the judge of any unusual circumstances noted in the instruction of the case.
Prepare access and review agreements for petitioners and/or respondents at publication of the acts/process for those who want to view the acts, explaining the viewing process and advising them of their rights to appeal, to submit further information, rebuttal, etc. Sit with the petitioner/respondent while they view and answer any further canonical questions they may have.
Prepare decrees of nullity for formal cases and close and archive the cases. Prepare notification letters for the parties to the marriage that the marriage has been declared null and informing the churches of baptism and marriage of the decree of nullity so this can be noted in the sacramental records of those churches.
Log in new cases. Independently assess possible grounds to see if a lack of form, ligamen, or privilege case is indicated. Begin the instruction of lack of form and ligamen cases and make appropriate inquiries with minimal supervision into possibilities for privilege cases. Accurately prepare all outgoing correspondence and carefully evaluate incoming canonical materials. Evaluate need for additional information to support case and clarify grounds, contact the petitioner for requested information (legal documents, baptismal records, current address for respondent, etc.).
Cite the respondent by certified mail and advise him/her of their rights in Church law with regard to these proceedings. Prepare questionnaire based on the canonical grounds that are being considered and provide respondent with a mandate to procurator/advocate, witness list, formal statement questionnaire and participation form.
After possible canonical grounds have been suggested, prepare the petitioner’s packet and send to petitioner. Packet includes questionnaire based on the canonical grounds, witness list, mandate to procurator/advocate, funding forms, and a release (if appropriate).
Prepare Joinder of Issues decree advising the petitioner and respondent of the canonical grounds on which the case will be heard. Then contact all the approved witnesses sending questionnaires specific to the grounds that have been determined.
If the judge in first instance renders an affirmative decision, publish the sentence to both parties of the marriage. Upon expiration of the time reserved for appeal of the Judge’s decision, prepare the final decree of nullity. If a negative decision is rendered by the judge in first instance, notify both parties via certified mail of the decision including a copy of the sentence and advising the petitioner and respondent of their rights to appeal the first instance decision.
Handle rogatory requests from other dioceses. A rogatory is a request asking for cooperation in obtaining the testimony of a party to the marriage or a witness.
Oversee the replenishment of office supplies and maintenance of office machines.
Prepare check requests when requested.
As South Carolina Notary Public, notarize civil documents to be included in case files as part of the proofs for the case.

Additional Duties and Responsibilities:

Prepare all check transmittals for Finance Office and manage the files of the vendors preparing check requests as payments are due.
Replenish office supplies and monitor maintenance of office machines as directed.

Education Requirements/Position Qualifications: The candidate must have strong analytical skills in this legal environment. The person must have very strong written and verbal communication skills to answer daily phone inquiries on the range of questions related to canon law, in general, and as it is applied to an individual case, and to personally meet with petitioners in interview setting at publication of the process. The candidate must especially have the mental acuity and ability to learn and apply canon law in ever increasing depth.

To begin work at the Tribunal, an employee must first possess strong clerical skills with a minimum typing speed of 45 wpm and outstanding grammar, spelling, composition, and verbal and written communication skills. The employee needs to use these skills as a foundation to learning and applying cannon law to their work at the tribunal. This person needs to have excellent computer knowledge/skill and be able to use a database system – the legal case management system specific to the work of the Tribunal (Case Master), and spreadsheet software to track the work of the Tribunal and keep statistics of Roman Reports (Excel Database). This person must be able to use Microsoft Word for creating particular letters outside of the Case Management program. The candidate needs to be attentive to detail. Finally, a driver’s license is required as the person may be asked bi-annually to interview a petitioner or witness at a parish, assist at the case assistant training, or go to a storage facility.

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements: This position requires long hours at the computer terminal (average six hours per day). Specifically, this position requires standing, walking, using feet, stooping and reaching above shoulders up to 1/3 of the time. In addition, the position requires sitting, talking, hearing, and using hands at least 2/3 of the time. The person must be able to lift up to 25 lbs as they need to lift and move file boxes to access and store case, and accept delivery of boxes of office equipment and supplies.

Interested and qualified candidates please send a cover letter, resume / CV and 4 professional references to apply@charlestondiocese.org

Diocese of Charleston Tribunal office

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