Civil Docket Specialist

SUMMARY

The Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office (OPSO), New Orleans, Louisiana, provides the care, custody, control and rehabilitation of its residents. The Mission of the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office is to provide community safety and service to the people of Orleans Parish by protecting the rights and humanity of people in custody, supporting the wellness of our staff, and facilitating connections to the community to restore public trust and maintain a healthy community.

The Civil Docket Specialist coordinates, prepares, and distributes docket schedules; attends docket calls and records information; and completes after-docket activities and paperwork. The civil docket specialist organizes documents, including all exhibits and witness lists; prepares trial binders; arranges for transportation of all files and exhibits to and from the courtroom; prepares and issues trial subpoenas; serves as a liaison between attorneys and clients, opposing counsel, and courtroom personnel. The civil docket specialist reports to the Civil Docket Manager.

SALARY

The salary compensation for the Civil Docket Specialist will be aligned accordingly and commensurate with an applicant’s knowledge, skills, experience, and education requirements of the subject position.

Key Responsibilities:

• Coordinates and manages civil cases in compliance with the court’s civil case management plan and docket procedures. Ensures all active criminal cases have future court dates, and informs judicial staff regarding cases awaiting decisions on motions.
• Coordinates, prepares, and distributes docket schedules; attends docket calls and records information; completes after-docket activities and paperwork.
• Refers to clients for screens and reports as ordered by the court. Directs clients to appropriate offices for completion of referred evaluation.
• Enters data in a computerized case management system.
• Researches case status and maintains contact with other criminal justice departments.
• Prepares monthly case management and statistical reports for submission to the higher courts.
• Generate custom docket reports and queries as requested.
• Keep abreast of developments within the court system and coordinate dissemination of pertinent information in conjunction with the Civil Docket Manager (i.e. rule changes, closures, filing requirements).
• Perform quality control of internal work products using internal and external sources.
• Playing a lead role in the implementation of special projects.
• Assist with the development of department policies and procedures and innovation-related projects by providing subject matter expertise.
• Assist in training new team members on department standard operating procedures and docketing software.
• Completes all activities involved with the appointed counsel program for indigent defendants.
• Completes all activities involved with scheduling interpreters for criminal and civil cases as needed.
• Completes all activities involved with the arraignment docket.
• Participates in training opportunities, court activities, projects, and committees as requested or required.
• Interacts with court personnel, attorneys, and staff in a professional manner to obtain and provide data, answer questions, and resolve problems.
• Prepares, processes, and generates routine and special reports for distribution as needed.
• Researches and keeps up-to-date on developments and changes in court procedures for various jurisdictions.
• Other duties as assigned to fully meet the requirements of the position.

Requirements and Abilities:

• High School Diploma; Some College or Bachelor's Degree Preferred.
• Relevant clerical experience.
• Requires 1 – 3 years of related experience, or may need 0 years of experience with additional specialized training and/or certification.
• Heavy calendaring and docketing;
• Quality control checks of all docketing requests and court notifications.
• Excellent communication skills, verbal and written.
• Assists with departmental projects upon request.
• Knowledge of basic litigation docketing, calendaring, and Civil Procedures.
• Knowledge of: court system processes; case management; office practices and procedures.
• Ability to: maintain good public relations as court representative; establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates and job contacts; exhibit good organizational skills; maintain confidentiality of sensitive information; handle sensitive inquiries from and contacts with officials and the general public.
• Skill in: oral and written communication; general typing; operation of a computer; application of job software programs including spreadsheets and word processing; analyzing information against established standards.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office suite applications.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to prioritize tasks in a high-pressure environment.
• Excellent communication, time management, and organizational skills.
• Ability to communicate in writing and verbally effectively

Skills and Competencies:

• Ethical Practice
• Computer aptitude
• Organizing and prioritizing
• Confidentiality
• Judgment
• Problem-solving skills
• Teamwork
• Ability to meet deadlines