Court Officer - Independent Contractor

NATURE OF APPOINTMENT The Court Officer is appointed by the Van Buren County Courts and authorized under Michigan law and the authority of the appointing Court to provide Court Officer services, including general service of process, execution of orders for seizure or attachment of property, execution of orders of eviction, and exercise of arrest authority pursuant to MCR 2.103(D), as authorized by the appointment. The Court Officer carries out authorized services in a professional, impartial, and lawful manner and in accordance with applicable Michigan statutes, court rules, court orders, and the Independent Contractor Agreement.

This is not an employment position with Van Buren County or the Van Buren County Courts. The individual selected will be appointed as an independent contractor under MCR 3.106 and will have the opportunity to provide authorized Court Officer services on an as-needed basis pursuant to the Independent Contractor Agreement. The appointment does not guarantee any minimum amount of work or compensation.
             
SCOPE OF AUTHORIZED SERVICES

• Receive, review, serve, and execute court process and orders as authorized by the appointment, including general process, orders of eviction, and orders for seizure or attachment of property.
• Verify that process is valid, properly issued, and within the officer’s jurisdiction before execution.
• Attend premises identified in an order and remove occupants and personal property as authorized by the order and applicable Michigan law.
• Coordinate, as appropriate, with parties, attorneys, court personnel, property owners or representatives, landlords, tenants, law enforcement, and others involved in the service or execution of court process.
• Request law-enforcement assistance when necessary to safely and lawfully execute a court order.
• Maintain professionalism, neutrality, and appropriate conduct during potentially contentious encounters.
• Document attempts and completed executions and prepare required returns, affidavits, or other court documentation.
• Maintain accurate records of process received, served, executed, or returned.
• Safeguard confidential court and personal information.
• Collect and account for authorized fees and costs, when applicable.
• Perform other court-officer services authorized by the appointment, applicable law, court rules, and the Independent Contractor Agreement.

INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR RELATIONSHIP
The Court Officer acts under the authority of the appointing court, the applicable writ or order, Michigan statutes, and Michigan Court Rules. The officer does not independently adjudicate landlord-tenant disputes, modify court orders, determine entitlement to possession, or exercise authority beyond that granted by the Court or law.

The Court Officer must exercise sound judgment, remain impartial, maintain accurate records, protect confidential information, disclose potential conflicts of interest, and promptly refer questions concerning the validity, scope, stay, or interpretation of an order to the appropriate court authority.

The Court Officer receives no salary or wage from the Court. Compensation is through authorized statutory fees or other lawful arrangements as provided in the Independent Contractor Agreement. The Court Officer is responsible for providing the tools, vehicle, equipment, and other resources necessary to perform authorized services.

Court Officer services may involve contact with individuals under stressful or confrontational circumstances. The officer must prioritize safety and coordinate with law enforcement when circumstances exceed the officer’s authority, training, or ability to safely execute the Court’s order.

QUALIFICATIONS
Applicants must meet all requirements of MCR 3.106, applicable Michigan law and court rules, Van Buren County Court requirements, and the Court's Application for Appointment as Court Officer (VBC-1862).

• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• Ability to read and understand court orders, writs, and related legal documents.
• Strong communication, organizational, and recordkeeping skills.
• Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment.
• Ability to remain professional and impartial in difficult or adversarial situations.
• Ability to safely perform duties in residential, commercial, and outdoor environments.

PREFERRED
Experience with court process, civil procedure, property management, law enforcement, corrections, or security.

APPOINTMENT
The Court Officer serves subject to the terms established by the appointing Court and applicable Michigan law and court rules. Appointment does not confer authority beyond that expressly granted by the Court or otherwise provided by law. Appointment is for a term established by the Chief Judge, not to exceed two years, and does not automatically renew.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
The individual selected for appointment will serve as an independent contractor and will be appointed by the Chief Judge.

Applicants must submit the following:

• Completed Application for Appointment as Court Officer – Independent Contractor (VBC-1862)
• Criminal history/fingerprint/credit check form
• Current credit report
• Three professional references
• Completed Independent Contractor Agreement for Court Officer (VBC-1863)
• Proof that the bond requirement has been met
• Copy of valid driver's license
• Copy of Social Security card
• Proof of deputization, if applicable
• Copy of CCW permit, if applicable