Job Summary

Under the supervision of the assigned department unit managers within the Circuit Court/Friend of the Court, the Office Assistant performs a variety of legal clerical tasks involved in processing court cases. Job responsibilities may include setting up case files, processing legal documents, scheduling appointments and hearings, preparing correspondence, notices, and reports, data entry, and filing documents with the court clerk. Office Assistants are part of a large clerical support system within the Circuit Court /Friend of the Court. Specific job assignments for Office Assistants may be changed periodically to match the needs of the Court. The Office Assistant job description includes tasks that may be part of any job assignment, but each department assignment has a unique set of tasks. During the interview process, candidates will be informed of the open unit positions being filled.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Establishes case files and files case documents; includes receiving petitions and examining for accuracy and completeness, entering case information into the case management system, and filing case reports and other documents.
• Schedules, prepares, and processes appointments, notices, and/or hearings.
• Prepares and issues notices and summons, appoints attorneys, and enters into court calendar.
• Ensures legal service of process, completed case reports and proper notice prior to scheduled hearings.
• Provides and collects information to/from coworkers, parties, parents, youth, attorneys, and the public regarding case status, scheduled proceedings, court policies and procedures, and related matters.
• Prepares and processes legal documents before and after court proceedings. Enters case or financial dispositions into case management system. Schedules next event.
• For Friend of the Court assignments - may assist with location of individuals for establishment or enforcement, DNA testing, child support calculations with approved software.
• Prepares and processes bench warrants, warrant recalls, writs of apprehension, validates warrants in L.E.I.N. when required.
• Prepares correspondence or financial documentation, memos, notices, reports, or letters for Court/Friend of the Court staff .
• Enters and modifies case financial information per court order.
• May record court proceedings or assist in courtroom with judge or referee.
• May perform a variety of other tasks, such as jury operations, case file and document management, and other related tasks.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; some college, associate degree, or Paralegal degree preferred.
• Two years of experience in an office or clerical environment in a court or closely related setting preferred. Customer service and sales experience also considered.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office products, desire to problem solve, improve processes, learn new computer software, personally engage with the public and co-workers both in person and electronically, interest in legal proceedings, desire to provide courteous and accurate information to inquiries regarding court services.

Calhoun County's benefits package offers flexibility, choice, and value. It is an attractive component of our employees total compensation package. At Calhoun County, we know that good benefit plans are important to employees and their families. We're committed to providing employees with access to a wide range of information and tools so they can stay informed and make the most of their Calhoun County flexible benefit package.
What benefits does Calhoun County offer its full time employees?
Medical: Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Michigan with 3 Different Flexible Benefit Plan Options
Dental: 100% Employer Paid through Delta Dental
Vision: 100% Employer Paid through BCBSM Vision Services Plan (VSP)
Employee Health & Wellness Center (Premise Health): Most Services 100% Employer Paid
Life Insurance: 100% Employer Paid for Basic Life & AD&D
Short Term Disability: 100% Employer Paid for 67% Wage Loss Benefits up to 26 Weeks
Retirement: Employer 401(k) Match Program Up to 7% of Employee Contribution
Employee Assistance Program (EAP): 100% Employer Paid Through Bronson HelpNet

Click Here for 2024 BENEFIT INFORMATION AND FORMS
Flexible Scheduling & Telecommuting Options Depending on Position & Department

• Start through fourth years – 168 Hours (4.2 weeks based on 40-hour work week)
• Fifth through ninth years – 208 Hours (5.2 weeks)
• Tenth through fourteenth years – 248 Hours (6.2 weeks)
• Fifteen and Subsequent years – 288 Hours (7.2 weeks)

(amounts & distribution may vary slightly by union contract, policy, and/or defined work week)
Paid Holidays: 14 Paid Holidays Throughout the Year

• Term Life Insurance (above Employer Paid Plan)
• Critical Illness & Accident Insurance
• Long Term Disability Wage Loss Benefits
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Health Savings Accounts (HSA)
• Employee Wellness Program
• Perks Program (discounts at local merchants for being a County employee)