Court Clerk III

Independently performs a variety of complex clerical duties according to established policies and procedures.
 
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• May act as a cashier, accepting payments, entering payment information into the case management system, applying cash bonds to fines/costs and balancing cash drawer at the end of the day. 
• Receives, distributes and files documents and other records according to established filing procedures. 
• Confers with and provides information to staff, judges, attorneys or the public upon request.
• Enters and processes garnishments and subpoenas. 
• May issue garnishments for civil cases and record the issuance and receipt of disclosures in the case management system. 
• Prepares orders to seize property as needed. 
• Operates bar code labeler and scanner, checking for clarity and exactness. 
• Sorts and files civil infractions and traffic misdemeanors.
• May receive and process telephone and online credit card payments of fines, costs, restitution and other assessments, and enter payment information into the case management system. 
• Prepares marriage licenses; may schedule wedding ceremonies.
• Responds to inquiries in person and via telephone, providing information to attorneys, law enforcement and the public, requiring the use of judgment and the interpretation of policies, rules or procedures.
• Performs complex data entry.  Operates a computer terminal to record receipt of case documents and other pertinent case information in the case management system, including adjournments, dispositions, notices, judgments and other information.
• Enters civil infractions and traffic misdemeanors.
• Opens and processes a variety of civil matters including general civil, small claims and landlord/tenant cases and garnishments.  Includes generating forms, correspondence and legal documents, filing papers, collecting fees and ensuring case scheduling and the service of process.
• Opens, enters and processes a variety of criminal matters including new cases, issuing notices, entering attorney appearances, dispositions, adjournments, etc.
• May serve as Court Clerk for the courtroom. 
• Schedules court proceedings and hearings and enters the outcome into the computer.
• Reviews court files to determine readiness for hearings, trials, dismissals and other court proceedings; including checking for completeness of documentation.
• Enters and processes garnishments and subpoenas.  May issue garnishments for civil cases and record the issuance and receipt of disclosures in the case management system.  Prepares orders to seize property as needed. 
• Prepares and enters warrants and suspends driver licenses as authorized. 
• Researches, understands, interprets, explains and utilizes statutes relating to court procedures; understands, explains and applies legal terminology; reviews legal documents for correctness of form, completeness of information and conformance with requirements; explains laws, regulations and procedures regarding completion and filing of legal documents, ascertains compliance and provides appropriate information to concerned parties.
• May lead, mentor and assist with the training of new employees.
• Sworn-in to sign Misdemeanor warrants.
• Receives, interprets and disseminates correspondence from online computer systems; prepares a response to outside sources on behalf of the Court.
• Contributes to the efficiency and effectiveness of the Court's service to its customers by offering suggestions and directing or participating as an active member of the Team.
• Assigned desk duties related to outside agencies such as Secretary of State, Probation, Law Enforcement, etc.
• May handle daily cash and deposit duties in the absence of the Court Finance Clerk and/or Senior Court Clerk/Coordinator.
• May process and coordinate media requests.
• Assists other court clerks in the performance of their duties. 
• May perform Certified Electronic Operator duties as necessary.
• Deputized to swear-in misdemeanor warrants and/or swear-in litigants in the courtroom.
• Must be willing to work out of multiple locations.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

 
SUPERVISION RECEIVED:
Work is performed under the direction of the Court Administrator and Deputy Court Administrator with direct supervision by the Senior Court Clerk/Coordinator.
 
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
N/A
 
EXPERIENCE, SKILLS, EDUCATION:

• Graduation from an accredited high school (GED acceptable) supplemented by technical training, college coursework and/or certification in a business, legal or office administration field required.
• Associate's degree preferred. 
• Verifiable equivalent professional work experience in a business, legal or office administration field may substitute for education.
• One to three (1-3) years of progressively responsible professional level work experience in a court or legal setting preferred.  Proven customer service work experience desired.
• Writing, reading, mathematical principles; proficient computer skills-Microsoft Office Suite, Outlook; exercise sound judgment and decision making in accordance with policies and procedures; ability to research and problem solve independently; knowledge of County operations and functions; ability to prioritize and time manage; handle stressful situations, provide effective and friendly customer service; support the County's mission and values; ability to think critically where necessary.            
• Knowledge or understanding of basic administrative tasks: operate standard office equipment; document management; prepare and maintain records, various correspondences and reports; answer general inquiries and refer as necessary; answer telephone calls, process mail, order supplies/equipment; prepare meeting agendas, attend meetings, record/transcribe/distribute minutes; entering, transcribing, recording, storing or maintaining information in written or electronic form with speed and accuracy; maintain calendars, arrange meetings, schedule rooms and equipment as necessary.                        
• Ability to communicate effectively and efficiently with management, co-workers and clients; obtain and communicate accurate information; apply common sense understanding to complex instructions and respond accordingly;  communicate complex ideas through graphs, charts, presentations, reports or other professional correspondence.    

 
ESSENTIAL ABILITIES FOR ALL ST. CLAIR COUNTY JOB CLASSIFICATIONS:

• Ability to demonstrate predictable, reliable, and timely attendance.               
• Ability to read, write & communicate in English; follow written and verbal instruction and understand basic mathematics and figure checking.               
• Ability to interpret and apply procedures, rules, technical information, instructions, manuals to complete tasks accurately and on schedule.                                 
• Ability to learn from directions, observations, and mistakes; and apply procedures using good judgment.                                                                       
• Ability to use discretion and maintain sensitive and confidential information.  
• Ability to work independently or part of a team; ability to interact appropriately with others such as County officials, employees, vendors and the general public.
• Ability to work under supervision, receiving instructions/feedback, coaching/counseling and/or action/discipline.                                              
• Adaptability to change in the work environment, managing competing demands and ability to deal with frequent changes, delays or unexpected events.
• Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services including customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction
• Proficient skills using Microsoft Office programs including, but not limited to: Word, Excel, Access, and Outlook required.  Proficiency may be tested.                   

 
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• Prior to starting employment, the candidate must complete a satisfactory background check.  The background check is understood to encompass all forms of pre-employment screening, including but not limited to: drug screen, physical, criminal background, driving record, sex offender registry, education, training and licensing verification, employment history, credit check and professional and personal references.
• Possess a valid State of Michigan Operator's License and maintain eligibility to drive as per the County's vehicle policy throughout employment in this position.
• The employee must successfully complete an annual criminal background check in order to obtain and maintain LEIN certification throughout employment in this position. 
• May obtain LEIN TAC certification.
• Certified Electronic Operator (CEO) certification to be obtained within 18 months of training date and maintained throughout employment in this position.  Current employees not presently certified must actively pursue and obtain CEO certification within 18 months of the implementation of training.
• Must be willing to work out of multiple locations.

 
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job with or without accommodations.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
 
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to:

• Speak to others to convey information effectively.
• Read, interpret and understand procedures, rules, technical information, instructions and manuals.
• Hear and understand information presented through spoken words and sentences.
• Specific vision requirement includes close vision, distance vision, color and depth perception.
• Use hands to operate a computer, handle materials and operate equipment.
• Push or pull carts, reach with hands and arms forward, above and below shoulder level.
• Lift, move or carry objects, equipment and supplies weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Sit, bend, stoop, crouch, crawl and kneel in an ergonomically correct manner.
• Stand and walk, climb stairs.
• Generally works in a normal office environment.
• The noise level in the work environment is moderate with many interruptions.
• Normal office hours are from 8:00 a.m. through 4:30 p.m., however due to the nature of the work hours may include occasional overtime.

 
 
 
Disclaimer: The statements contained in this job description are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position.  They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job requirements or duties performed.  The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.
                                                                                                  
AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: It is the policy of St. Clair County not to discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, disability that does not prevent performing essential job functions or because he or she is a protected veteran.

Salary : $39,214 - $51,602