State Judicial Outreach Liaison - MJI - Remote

Contract Opportunity Available: State Judicial Outreach Liaison The criminal justice system plays a critical role in deterring unsafe driving behaviors and assigning appropriate consequences for impaired driving and other traffic offenses. From arrest to prosecution to sentencing and post-disposition, it is important that all stakeholders in the criminal justice system are aware of the efforts being made to reduce traffic fatalities. To that end, peer-to-peer training, education, and outreach are most effective in promoting proven and promising practices. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning have supported the development of a network of criminal justice professionals, including the State Judicial Outreach Liaison (SJOL), who utilizes peer-to-peer education, training and technical assistance to further the goal of reducing traffic-related offenses. In Michigan, the SJOL role is housed within the judicial branch. The Michigan Supreme Court’s State Court Administrative Office (SCAO) Michigan Judicial Institute (MJI) is seeking an independent contractor to act as the SJOL. This is a grant-funded role starting immediately and continuing through September 30, 2025, with the possibility of annual extensions, depending upon performance and continued grant funding. Compensation: $56.25 per hour up to $32,000.00.

In consultation with, and approval of, the State Court Administrative Office and the Michigan Judicial Institute: Provide Training and Education

• Develop a network of contacts and promote peer-to-peer judicial education related to sentencing and supervision of DWI offenders, evidentiary issues, legal updates, alcohol/drug testing, and monitoring technology
• Present at MJI and other SCAO division seminars and webinars
• Attend and present at approved state highway safety and other professional conferences and select out-of-state trainings Promote Evidence-Based and Promising Practices
• Promote development and use of DWI Courts
• Promote use of ignition interlocks and improvements to alcohol ignition interlock programs
• Promote other evidence-based and promising court, sentencing and supervision practices Share Information and Coordinate With Other Criminal Justice Professionals
• Consult regularly with Judicial Fellows, Regional JOLs, and other State JOLs, Traffic Safety Resource Prosecutors and others regarding outreach efforts and opportunities
• Remain informed on emerging impaired-driving issues and on possible strategies to address those issues Liaise Between Courts and Policymakers
• Identify issues of concern to judges, magistrates, court administrators, probation officers, and other court officials regarding impaired driving or other traffic safety issues and bring them to the attention of the MJI/SCAO
• Identify topics of concern to highway safety officials and work with the judicial community to develop a better understanding of the topics by sharing research and data
• Upon request, review material developed by others and provide feedback and judicial insight Provide Assistance to the State Court Administrative Office Field Services’ Problem- Solving Court Team
• Consult with team members to determine specialty court training needs
• Provide presentations to problem-solving courts, when appropriate
• Other duties as assigned QUALIFICATIONS
• A former Michigan judge with extensive experience handling impaired driving and other traffic-related cases
• Experience in DWI court
• Knowledge of, or willingness to learn about, other Michigan-specific specialty courts, and alcohol ignition interlock systems
• A strong desire to increase public safety using research-based practices to reduce impaired driving
• An understanding of the structure of Michigan’s state courts and the courts’ authority to impose sanctions Knowledge of the role of other state and local administrative agencies
• An understanding of the statutes, court rules and caselaw that support traffic safety
• A working relationship with the State Court Administrative Office
• A working relationship with MJI, including familiarity with principles of adult education
• Experience presenting substantive information to groups of judicial and non-judicial audiences
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Windows WORK LOCATION AND ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS This is a remote position. The candidate must reside in the State of Michigan. If selected, the candidate must obtain and utilize his/her own work space, equipment, tools and technology, including computers, monitors, and all other items needed to perform the required work. Must have reliable internet connection with “Zoom” capability. TO APPLY Please send your cover letter, résumé or vitae, three professional references and one writing sample in either Microsoft Word or Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) to MJI-INFO@courts.mi.gov Please include “State Judicial Outreach Liaison position” in the subject line. The position will remain open until filled.