July 16th, 2024, Court Leader’s Advantage Podcast Episode

In previous podcasts, we have discussed the unprecedented hiring crunch facing our country.  Intensified by the COVID-19 pandemic, it has been characterized by a significant mismatch between the supply of, and demand for young talent.

 Despite robust economic recovery efforts, employers in general and courts in particular are struggling to fill empty desks.  All the while, jobseekers are running up against barriers that make traditional careers less attractive.  Throughout this challenge, a question badgers many employers:  What do young job applicants want?

Panelists on previous episodes have suggested a lack of flexible scheduling, hybrid work options, and career advancement opportunities as reasons job seekers go elsewhere. Are these the factors now driving job candidates or does it just come down to money?

This month we will take a deeper dive into how courts are scrambling to recruit and retain skilled employees.  Questions we will explore include:

• What do job candidates want out of a position with the courts?
• Has criticism of the courts affected recruiting?
• What can courts do to improve career development for young employees?
• Do courts promote skills in areas other than administration?  Should we?

Today’s Panel

Richard Abbott, Program Director for Juvenile & Family Services at the Administrative Office of the Courts in Annapolis, Maryland

Keenon Simmons, Chief Probation Officer for the Superior Court in Atlantic & Cape May Counties, New Jersey

Patricia Norwood-Foden, District Court Administrator for the 15th Judicial District in Chester County, Pennsylvania,

Jamie Velazquez, Organizational Development Analyst for the Superior Court in Orange County, California