What are the responsibilities and job description for the COURT CLERK - LIMITED TERM THROUGH APRIL 2026 position at Kitsap County, WA?
OVERVIEW
Under the direction of the assigned supervisor, the incumbent performs complex clerical, legal, administrative, and accounting duties for the Office of the County Clerk. The incumbent also exercises independent judgment and decision making within authorized limits while providing service and support to the Superior Court, legal community, and public. Clerk (kitsapgov.com)
This is a term-limited position through April 30, 2026.
QUALIFICATIONS FOR PERFORMANCE OF THE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
- Two years progressively responsible clerical experience which includes personal computer data entry and working with the public, preferably working in a legal or court environment.
- Note: Up to six months of related coursework from a college, university or business school recognized by the US Department of Education may be substituted for up to six months of experience.
- Clerical experience in a legal or judicial environment in Washington State.
- Previous experience working with the public.
- Previous experience cashiering.
- Computer experience using the most current version of Microsoft Office Word and Excel.
- Bilingual skills in Spanish and English.
-
The successful incumbent must meet the driving requirements of this position and submit a copy a current driving record/abstract (from state of residency) to review for eligibility to drive for Kitsap County prior to employment. The successful incumbent must obtain a valid Washington State Driver's License prior to hire and maintain a satisfactory driving record as outlined in the Kitsap County Vehicle Use Policy. This position is categorized as:
- Category 2: Driver may operate a personal vehicle as an essential function for official County business. Any employee using a personal vehicle on official County business shall be required to maintain auto liability insurance, in addition to having a valid driver's license. If driving on county business the incumbent must meet and follow the Fleet Risk Control Policies to operate a motor vehicle on County Business.
- The successful incumbent will or may have unsupervised access to children under 18 years of age, a vulnerable adult, or a vulnerable person, or access to a secured/confidential facility or computer system(s). As a result, Kitsap County will be conducting an extensive criminal background check by law enforcement agencies, which may include fingerprinting.
Prior to employment, the successful candidate must:
- Pass a criminal background check through law enforcement agencies.
- Submit official transcripts from an accredited college or university or business school, if education is being used to meet the minimum qualifications.
- Pass all job-related examinations/tests necessary to demonstrate required knowledge, skills and abilities, as determined by the hiring authority at time of job posting.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT
(The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Kitsap County provides reasonable accommodation to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.)
(The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Kitsap County provides reasonable accommodation to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.)
- Working in a stressful, fast-paced office or courtroom environment.
- Potentially hazardous conditions may be present when exposed to violent or hostile individuals.
- Clear speaking and adequate hearing sufficient to communicate effectively and respond appropriately both in-person and on the telephone.
- Bending, stooping, reaching, handling/grasping documents.
- Sitting and/or standing for extended periods of time.
- Walking short distance.
- Vision sufficient to read source materials and computer screen data.
- Repetitive motions for computer use.
- Exertion of force of 25 pounds occasionally and/or 10 pounds frequently to lift/carry/move objects, files, and other case material.
Incumbents may be:
- Exposed to potentially hazardous conditions when dealing with violent or hostile individuals.
ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
In this role, you may have the opportunity to:
- Accurately perform data entry of documents and court minutes into Statewide data base.
- Scan, link and file documents into electronic court files.
- Process documents received for filing by facsimile.
- Prepare, process and/or issue various notices and documents, which may include: Clerk's Orders of Dismissal, court calendars, judgments, writs, search warrants, special inquiries, bench warrants and general correspondence.
- Provide customer service to the public at the front counter by accepting court pleadings for filing, providing procedural information, certifying documents and issuing writs, and accepting payment for fees and fines.
- Provide customer service using multi line telephone system.
- Act as passport agent for the US Dept. of State by processing and verifying passport applications and transmittals.
- Attend court sessions and provide clerical support to the Superior Court.
- Responsible for courtroom activities such as opening/closing court; preparing minutes and recording court proceedings; and marking, filing and maintaining exhibits.
- Assist in jury administration such as checking in jurors, creating jury pools and working with various courts in Kitsap County to provide jurors for trial
OTHER POSITION RELATED INFORMATION
- Who May Apply: This position is open to the general public. Applications will be screened for qualifications and completion of all the required materials and forms. The most competitive applicants may be contacted for further steps in the selection process, which may include testing for office and computer skills.
- This position is classified as eligible for overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
- This position is covered under a collective bargaining agreement with AFSCME 1308 and the Kitsap County Personnel Manual (https://www.kitsapgov.com/hr/Pages/Personnel-Manual-2019.aspx) Membership in the union is optional. Employees choosing to join the union will be required to pay dues through payroll deduction. Internal applicants should be aware that a change in union status or bargaining unit may impact your benefits and accruals. Please contact Human Resources if you have questions.
- Kitsap County is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please contact our Human Resources Office.
- Work hours for this position are Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- This recruitment is being used to create a register for future openings in the next 6 months
- This is a term-limited position through April 30, 2026.
