Deputy Clerk of Court

To Perform The Administrative Functions Of The Municipal Court Including Prepare Court Documents And Records; Processes Payments And Fines And Has Substantial Knowledge Of Statutes, Rules, Policies, And Established Procedures. Performs Office Operational Procedures To Ensure Orders Of The Court Are Carried Out And Accurate Court Records Are Maintained. An Incumbent In This Position May Be Designated "Senior Deputy Clerk."Essential Functions

• Assists in the planning, organizing of processes and operations of the Municipal Court office according to statute, rules, policies, and established procedures of the Court to enhance services to court patrons, and facilitate effective case processing services.
• Assists in developing, implementing and maintenance of automated management information systems; assists with record management including computer operations and record retention.
• Prepare daily cases for court; check past history on defendants; review records and citations before the court with the judge; inform bailiff of defendants to be brought over for court. Set up appointments with court appointed attorneys selected from roster.
• Set hearing dates for defendants taking into account case load and officer availability; provide necessary information to defendants and prepare documents on their sentencing. Make arrangements with defendants regarding the payment of fines; establish schedules for repayment; as appropriate explore the opportunity of performing community service duties in lieu of jail time.
• Subpoena witnesses and officers for hearings; prepare and verify all paperwork for jury trials and appeals that are forwarded to District Court; prepare and sign checks for cash bonds to District Court and notify bonding agency of transfer. Notify bonding agencies of date of hearing and of Court "no shows".
• Collect fines and bonds and deposit all money received; record and balance daily ledger; maintain record of all payments and prepare weekly and monthly reports; reconcile bank statements.
• Perform a variety of duties essential to the daily operations of the Municipal Court including certifying copies of documents, preparing waivers from Juvenile Court for appearance in Municipal Court, screening problems that arise regarding prisoners at Correctional Center, setting dates for alternate judge to preside, scheduling community service with Housing Authority for defendants in lieu of fine payment, signing complaints on all failures to appear and testifying when necessary.
• Receive and document print-outs on citations for DUI and license suspensions; forward multiple violations and all documents for DUI to District Court.
• Provide input in the development of the Municipal Court annual budget.
• Mediate problems that arise with the public and answer questions on policies of the Court, ordinances and state statutes.
  
  

Marginal Functions

• Respond to difficult and sensitive inquiries and complaints.
• Stay abreast of trends and developments in the field of court procedures, technology, court clerking and civil traffic court cases.
• Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.Knowledge: Operational characteristics, services and activities of a Municipal Court; Laws, rules, procedures and policies pertaining to the operations of a municipal court; Principles of supervision, training and performance evaluation; Principles and procedures of official record keeping and report preparation. Procedures and practices of civil traffic cases; Court policies and procedures.
  
  

Skills: Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; Leadership skills including consensus building and facilitation skills; Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work including City staff and the general public; Plan and prioritize effectively to supervise the department; Plan and organize court records and files efficiently; Maintain mental capacity, which allows the capability of making sound decisions and demonstrating intellectual capabilities; Maintain effective audio/visual discrimination and perception to the degree necessary for the successful performance of assigned duties; Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities.

Abilities: Odyssey software and other related technology; Legal terminology and procedures; Accounting procedures and principles; State traffic laws and ordinances; Operate modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment;; Communicate effectively in both verbal and written forms, and have strong public relations skills; Communicate court procedures to defendants; Coordinate scheduling in order to have an effective court; Work independently in the absence of supervision; Identify and respond to citizen issues, concerns, and needs; Supervise, train, and evaluate assigned staff. Prepare clear and concise reports; Conduct and control court proceedings including eliciting pertinent information and confining witnesses and litigants to relevant issues; Perform accounting procedures including controlling cash, logging, tracking, depositing and funding breakdown of payments; Record and report statistical information; Prepare and maintain dockets and calendars;; Interpret and apply Federal, State and local policies, procedures, laws, codes and regulations in a fair and firm manner; Understand and carry out oral and written instructions; Type at a speed necessary for successful job performance.Experience: Two years clerical experience required and one year of responsible court clerking experience is preferred.

Training: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade with supplemental training in office administration or a related field.

License or Certificate: Possession of, or ability to obtain a valid driver's license