COURT ASSISTANT I

COURT ASSISTANT I

PAY PLAN: 107 - $ 28,501.00 minimum salary

SECTION I - JOB DESCRIPTION

SUMMARY: (State Purpose and General Responsibilities)

The Court Assistant I files original petitions, pleadings and or correspondence received electronically, at the counter and/or through the mail. The Court Assistant I is responsible for answering and responding to inquiries made by attorneys and the general public in person or by phone. The Court Assistant I is a non-supervisory position under the direction of the District Clerk and reports to the Office Manager.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (State the fundamental duties and tasks)

1. Responsible for filing original petitions, pleadings, motions, etc. filed at the counter, by mail or electronically through Texas E-Filings;
2. Responsible for notifying appropriate parties when initial deposit does not cover assessed court costs.
3. Issues citations, precepts, certificates, writs or other legal documents, and/or titles in accordance with Texas Rules of Civil and Criminal Procedures;
4. Obtains information for attorneys and general public relating to family and civil suits using the Civil Case Management System and the Records Management Imaging System;
5. Process mail by file marking and distributing to the proper courts and departments;
6. Assists court costs department by filling out reporting form for Suit Affecting Parent-Child Relationship and divorces;
7. Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with members of the legal profession and the general public;
8. Reinstates disposed cases with motions for new trial, modification, enforcement, et al.;
9. Fee books citation returns, original answers, deposition fees, etc.;
10. Attend training seminars as needed;
11. Any other duties as directed by the District Clerk;

SECTION II - JOB REQUIREMENTS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function duty satisfactory. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• High school graduation or its equivalent.
• Two (2) years of experience performing secretarial and/or administrative support work in a criminal justice system or legal environment
• Any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Thorough knowledge of the clerical procedures involved in processing, recording and preparing complex legal documents, instruments, records and reports related to the operation of both the court(s) to which assigned; knowledge of the Texas Rules of Civil and Criminal Procedure and other related regulations and codes; knowledge of courtroom procedures; knowledge of legal terminology; ability to type accurately and rapidly (preferably at a speed of at least 50 words per minute with few or no errors); ability to operate office machines; knowledge of computers, ability to make complex arithmetic computations rapidly and accurately; ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing in both English and Spanish; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with justices, members of the legal professions, and the general public.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Depending upon assignment; must be bondable.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions and duties of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions and job duties.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand, sit, and use his/her hands. The employee may be required to handle or feel objects, tools, or controls, and to talk and listen extensively .The employee is required to reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop or kneel.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to thirty-five (35) pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to focus and read standard font characters.

Safety Requirements:

Maintain physical conditions appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities which may include the following:

• Sitting for extended periods of time
• Operating assigned equipment

Maintain mental capacity which permits:

• Making sound decisions and using good judgment
• Demonstrating intellectual capabilities

Effectively handle a work environment and conditions which involve:

• Working closely with others
• Working in a multi-task environment

Maintain effective audio-visual discrimination and perception needed for:

• Making observations
• Reading and writing
• Operating assigned equipment
• Communicating with others

SECTION III - JOB DIMENSIONS

CONTACTS:

Employee utilizes tact when dealing with Elected/Appointed Officials, Division/Department Heads, county employees, attorneys, and the general public regarding departmental issues.

External Contacts: General public and/or other agencies.

Internal Contacts: Constant contact with subordinates, Department Heads and Elected/Appointed Officials and frequent contact with other County Employees. Communication is primarily face-to-face, via telephone or in writing.

RESPONSIBILITY:

Job has critical impact on the District Clerk's Office operations. Constant communication with attorneys, county departments, district courts, and the general public is required.

DIFFICULTY:

Judgment is required to ensure accuracy of primary responsibilities. Initiative is constantly required to achieve work goals.

GUIDANCE:

Employee receives minimal direction to perform essential functions. Employee develops unique solutions for completing work assignments, working within bounds of common business practices and Office and County Policy.

ACCIDENT PREVENTION PROGRAM

Employee is required to follow all Department and County Safety Regulations.

WORKING CONDITION:

The work environment characteristics describe here 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.

This position is subject to a six (6) month probationary period prior to Civil Service eligibility. Must submit to a Civil Service Clerical Exam.

BENEFITS:

Cameron County Offers Excellent Fringe Benefits, Including: Health and Life Insurance Protection, Sick and Annual Leave, Retirement System and Paid Holidays. Cameron County has a mandatory direct deposit payroll program.

AA/EEO/MFD EMPLOYER

Salary : $28,501 - $107,000