(a) The judge of probate may appoint and employ a confidential judicial assistant to assist with the operation of the office of the judge of probate who shall serve at the pleasure of the judge of probate.
(b) A confidential judicial assistant shall be entitled to receive, at the approval of the presiding judge of probate, a salary not more than the equivalent of salary grade level 23, or its equivalent if grade levels are hereafter renumbered, as established by the Jefferson County Personnel Board.
(c) A confidential judicial assistant shall not be subject to any merit system applicable to the employees of Jefferson County. If the person appointed confidential judicial assistant is an employee of Jefferson County in a position subject to a merit system, the person, upon the date of termination as a confidential judicial assistant, shall be entitled to return to the employ of Jefferson County in a position subject to the merit system classification equal to or higher in grade than the position held by the person as of the date the person was initially employed as a confidential judicial assistant.
(d) If the person subsequently returns to employment with the county in a merit system classification as described herein, service time as a confidential judicial assistant shall be considered for all purposes as service time as a merit system employee of Jefferson County.
(e) A confidential judicial assistant shall be entitled to the same employee benefits as a merit system employee of Jefferson County with an equivalent salary grade. The office of the judge of probate shall transfer funds to the Jefferson County General Fund to be paid to the confidential judicial assistants on a biweekly basis.
(f) A confidential judicial assistant may become a member of any pension plan available to employees of Jefferson County, if application for membership is made to the pension plan within 30 days of the date of employment as a confidential judicial assistant.
Last modified: May 3, 2021