MUNICIPAL COURT CLERK

Description

Definition:  Performs clerical, technical, and administrative duties related to the operations of the municipal court which includes preparation and maintenance of records, coordination of court docket and proceedings, answering inquiries from the public regarding options related to issued citations, accepting payment for citations, and assisting the Judge in the court room. Responsible for performing a variety of clerical and administrative functions in support of the municipal court.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITES

Key accountabilities are the primary responsibilities an employee must perform, with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Answers inquiries from the public in person, over the telephone, in writing, or in person regarding citations, court dates, non-payment of fines, postponements, requests for records and related court matters.
• Enters citations and city ordinance violation tickets into system, including payments.
• Manages payments, including online payment, phone payments and associated money handling.
• Enter judgments, extensions, and notes regarding the defendants in the Court room with the Judge. 5.
• Handles bank deposit in accordance with the City’s established schedule.
• Types and issues warrant of arrest and show cause orders following a failure to comply with a court order.
• Prepares and maintains court docket which includes filing traffic citations, preparing court records and assembling the necessary documents. This description covers the most significant essential and auxiliary duties performed by the position for illustration purposes, but does not include other occasional work, which may be similar, related to, or a logical assignment for the position.
•  Processes sentence orders on defendants which includes preparing release agreements and arranging payment of fines.
• Receipts and disburses to city accounts and/or governmental agencies all monies received for municipal court including bails, fines, and assessments.
• Prepares abstracts on disposition of traffic citations and sends to Department of Motor Vehicles.
• Server as database manager for court system and related systems.
• Perform and assist with office administrative duties as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

KNOWELDGE, SKILLS OR OTHER QUALIFCATIONS/CHARACTERISTICS

• Knowledge of municipal court procedures and functions, filing systems, bookkeeping procedures, business and legal English, grammar and spelling, general office practices and procedures, and record keeping practices.
• Extensive knowledge of a variety of microcomputer applications in a network or non-network environment, including software programs, internet, and data systems.
• Knowledge of the principles of accounting and record keeping; state, federal and local laws and regulations pertaining to areas of responsibility.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Skilled in the operation of standard office equipment, including the operation of a computer to update/access files, word processing, and typing.
• Ability to organize, direct, and administer municipal court department activities; establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, supervisors, volunteers, the public, and peers.
• Ability to deal tactfully with official and the public.
• Ability to organize, file, and retrieve materials and documents.

ENVIROMENTAL DEMANDS

• General office environment – no specific unusual environmental demands (outside of general office noise).
• Manual dexterity and coordination are required for over half of the daily work period (about 80%) which is spent sitting while operating office equipment such as computers, keyboards, 10-key, and telephones; and while moving equipment and office supplies.
• While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, reach, bend, kneel, stoop, twist, crouch, climb, balance, see, talk, hear, and manipulate objects. The position requires some mobility including the ability to lift and/or move materials under 5 lbs. frequently, 5-60 lbs. occasionally, and over 60 lbs. rarely.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFCATIONS

• A High School Diploma or equivalency with an associate or bachelor’s degree in related field preferred.
• One (1) year responsible clerical/secretarial experience, preferably with court exposure sufficient to demonstrate a knowledge of court procedures.