Job Details

Municipal Court Clerk

Performs complex case processing and coordination of judicial activities in support of the Municipal Court including the initiation, processing and maintenance of legal documents, correspondence, and statistics; and to provide information and assistance to the public.

Examples of Duties

Essential Functions The following duties are typical for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to demonstrate competence and satisfactory performance of these duties. Other duties may be required and assigned.

1. Prepare complaints and summonses.
2. Prepare and process requests for deferment, payment plan, extension, community service or indigency.
3. Prepare and mail court notifications.
4. Responsible for auditing case files for warrant eligibility and the issuing thereof or setting for hearing.
5. Assist with maintaining policies and procedures manual.
6. Collect money for court costs and fines and prepare end of day report.
7. Communicate with police department and City Marshal's office regarding warrants.
8. Assist public with questions in person or via telephone in relation to court matters or other city divisions.
9. Assist Court Administrator, Court Coordinator, and/or Senior Court Clerk in all court functions as directed.
10. Assist in preparing case files for court dockets.
11. Refer to state and local laws in performing work activities.
12. Answer telephones: direct calls, answer questions and take messages.
13. Refer all public information requests to the Senior Court Clerk, Court Coordinator or Court Administrator.
14. Maintain electronic files and assist with scanning court documents.
15. Perform all other duties as assigned or required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

1. Knowledge of or ability to learn Municipal Court processes.
2. Knowledge of administrative policies and procedures of the City.
3. Ability to establish and maintain accurate records of assigned activities and operations.
4. Ability to interpret and implement local policies and procedures; written instructions, general correspondence; Federal, State, and local regulations.
5. Skill in organizational and time management to prioritize duties to accomplish a high volume of work product while adapting to constant changes in priority.
6. Ability to perform detailed work accurately and independently in compliance with stringent time limits with minimal direction and supervision.
7. Ability to think quickly, maintain self-control, and adapt to stressful situations.
8. Knowledge of current office practices and procedures and knowledge of the operation of standard office equipment and software.
9. Knowledge of computer software including word processing, spreadsheet and database applications consistent for this position.
10. Ability to perform mathematical calculations required of this position.
11. Ability to communicate clearly, concisely and effectively in English in both written and verbal form.
12. Skill in researching and understanding complex written materials.
13. Ability to prepare and maintain accurate and concise records and reports.
14. Ability to apply sound judgment and discretion in performing duties, resolving problems and interpreting policies and regulations.
15. Ability to communicate detailed and often sensitive information effectively and concisely, both orally and in writing.
16. Ability to handle sensitive interpersonal situations calmly and tactfully.
17. Ability to maintain professionalism at all times.
18. Ability to maintain effective working relationships with individuals within and outside the organization.
19. Ability to maintain confidentiality and discretion regarding business-related files, reports and conversations, within the provision of Freedom of Information Act and other applicable State and Federal statutes and regulations.
20. Ability to work the allocated hours of the position and respond after hours as needed.
21. Ability to maintain consistent attendance.

Typical Qualifications

Minimum Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma/GED with three (3) years court, legal office, clerical, or customer service experience.
• Must obtain Level I Municipal Court Clerk Certification within one (1) year from date of hire.
• Must obtain Notary Public Commission within one (1) year from date of hire.
• Previous cash handling, posting and reconciliation experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous court experience.
• Bilingual in both English and Spanish.

Physical & Work Environment

Physical and Work Environment The physical and work environment characteristics described in this description are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions or as otherwise required by law. Employees needing reasonable accommodation should discuss the request with the employee's supervisor or Employee Services.

• This work requires the occasional exertion of up to 50 pounds of force; work regularly requires sitting, frequently requires standing, speaking or hearing, using hands for repetitive motions and occasionally requires walking, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling and reaching with hands and arms.
• Work has standard vision requirements.
• Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word.
• Hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels.
• Work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data and observing general surroundings and activities.
• Work is generally in a moderately noisy office setting.
• May require dealing with persons who are hostile or aggressive, posing threatening conditions.