What are the responsibilities and job description for the Intake/Customer Service Clerk position at U.S. Courts?
Duties
Intake/Customer Service Clerks are the "face" of the Court to much of the public and attorneys who practice in the Court and help create positive public impressions about the Judiciary. The successful candidate must exhibit the highest standards of excellence and integrity, and display, at all times and to all persons, a courteous, professional and cooperative attitude.
Responsibilities
- Answer and route incoming calls and assist the public in the use of databases.
- Provide basic information to the public, the bar, and the Court.
- Assign case numbers and open cases.
- Receive and file documents, notices, minutes, decisions, orders, and judgments.
- Create new case files, maintain case records, retrieve files, copy records, and certify court documents.
- Check for prior or prohibited filings. Verify and issue summons. Verify attorneys' authority to practice.
- Review and process attorney admission documents.
- Receive and process payments, issue receipts, secure and balance cash drawer.
- Respond to form and copy requests.
- Assist with quality control.
- Adhere to procedures of the court.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
Employees must adhere to a Code of Conduct. The Court provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. Veterans' preference is not a factor used in Judicial Branch appointments. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents seeking U.S. citizenship. Positions with the U.S. Courts are excepted service appointments, which are "At-Will" and may be terminated with or without cause. Employees are required to use electronic funds transfer for payroll deposit.
Qualifications
High school diploma or equivalent and two years of general experience.
General experience includes progressively responsible clerical, office, or other work that indicates the possession of, or the ability to acquire, the particular knowledge and skills needed to perform the duties of the position.
Preferred Qualifications/Court Preferred Skills
The Court is seeking an applicant with a strong work ethic, initiative, dependability and a friendly and customer-focused attitude. An understanding of professional office procedures and the ability to work both independently and in a team environment is preferable. Interaction will be with various individuals; therefore, the candidate should possess excellent interpersonal and written and verbal communication skills. The ability to handle multiple priorities and tasks simultaneously are essential.
Proficiency and experience in the use of computer systems, including but not limited to Microsoft Office applications, such as Word, Excel, Outlook and Teams, is highly preferred. Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) experience and knowledge of court/legal terminology are helpful.
Prior customer service experience preferred. A bachelor's degree in a related field from an accredited four-year college or university is strongly preferred.
Education
High school diploma or equivalent.
Additional information
This position is assigned to the Clerk's Office, U.S. District Court, Western District of New York, and reports to the Operations Manager.
Benefits
Review our benefits
How You Will Be Evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Please read the "Next steps" section for more information.
Benefits
Review our benefits
Required Documents
As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.
Cover letter, resume, and AO78 Application for Judicial Branch Federal Employment (available at https://www.nywd.uscourts.gov/sites/nywd/files/AO78with78B.pdf).
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
How to Apply
Please submit a cover letter, resume, and AO78 Application for Judicial Branch Federal Employment (https://www.nywd.uscourts.gov/sites/nywd/files/AO78with78B.pdf) as a single PDF attachment by email to: applications@nywd.uscourts.gov - subject line "Intake/Customer Service Clerk, Reference No. 25-07." Save the documents as one PDF, using your firstname_lastname. When the AO78 is filled out electronically and returned by email, the fillable form must first be resaved and submitted as a non-fillable PDF before submission, otherwise the form will appear blank. Applicants are not required to complete the AO78, page 5, Optional Background Information until the time of a conditional offer.
Agency contact information
Human ResourcesEmailapplications@nywd.uscourts.govAddressUS District Court, Western District of New York
2 Niagara Square
Buffalo, NY 14202
USNext steps
Only candidates selected for an interview will be notified and must travel at their own expense.
Fair and Transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
- Criminal history inquiries
- Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
- Financial suitability
- New employee probationary period
- Privacy Act
- Reasonable accommodation policy
- Selective Service
- Signature and false statements
- Social security number request
Required Documents
Cover letter, resume, and AO78 Application for Judicial Branch Federal Employment (available at https://www.nywd.uscourts.gov/sites/nywd/files/AO78with78B.pdf).
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
This job is open to
- The public
U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
