COURT CLERK

Job Description

Job Description

JOB SUMMARY

Under general supervision, performs various clerical and related court support functions as required to maintain Municipal Court processes. Work involves performing duties as typing documents and other information, receipting monies, answering the telephone, assisting the public, preparing records, bookkeeping, coordinating schedules, etc.; and performing specialized tasks in area of responsibility as assigned. Some weekends are required.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Performs data entry and clerical activities by entering tickets, processing setoff debt payments, etc.
• Performs scheduling activities (such as preparing dockets for court; scheduling jury trials and preliminary hearings and motion or rule to show cause hearings; rescheduling court cases; and coordinating with officers and attorneys for court dates, etc.).
• Notifies victims of upcoming cases.
• Prepares bond paperwork.
• Transmits documents to appropriate courts.
• Types warrants and courtesy summons; issues and sends bench warrants.
• Completes expungement process according to established procedures.
• Recalls tickets from the State.
• Sends letters stating a bench warrant will be issued for unpaid fines and documents to suspend driver’s license for unpaid fines.
• Prepares and maintains payment plan contracts.
• Responds to emails as well as answers or returns incoming calls performing various related duties (such as providing guidance and assistance, taking messages, providing information, placing calls, etc.); explains court procedures and assists the public with related processes as necessary.
• Maintains court program files and commit to jail files.
• Assists the public with completing court related forms and with questions and concerns; assists officers in processing tickets.
• Responsible for accuracy in calculating, collecting, recording and tracking of all funds entering Municipal Court.
• Searches State Internet site for incarcerated inmates.
• Assists the judge as needed.
• Receives, reviews, and/or distributes a variety of records and reports (such as mail, motion requests, payments, officer continuance requests, tickets, jury trial and preliminary hearing requests, program requests, expungement requests, warrants, courtesy summons, etc.).
• Prepares and/or processes a variety of documents (such as dockets, transmittal forms, warrants, juror summons, preliminary dates, expungement orders, traffic tickets, continuances, bond paperwork, payment plans, etc.).
• Refers to computer records, court dockets, South Carolina Code of Laws, MASC handbook, ticket log, telephone list, Dorchester County website, desk calendar, case files, policy and procedure manuals, computer manuals, codes/laws/regulations, publications and reference texts, etc.
• Operates a variety of office equipment and machinery (such as file cabinets, telephone, computer, printer, recording devices, fax machine, copy machine, postage machine, etc.).
• Uses a variety of tools (such as calculator, writing instruments, credit card machine, standard office tools, etc.); a variety of supplies (such as paper, boxes, ink cartridges/toner, general office supplies, etc.); and a variety of computer software (such as CMS, INCODE, Microsoft Office, Internet, setoff debt software, etc.).
• Interacts and communicates with various groups and individuals (such as Court Administrator, coworkers, judges, other Town employees, Police Department, attorneys, defendants, and the general public).
• Provides assistance to co-workers and/or performs those responsibilities as necessary to maintain standards of operations.
• Subpoena victims and/or witnesses for trials.
• Coordinates with program managers to update cases.
• Ensures others have correct dockets and officers sign all necessary paperwork.
• Performs general administrative/office duties as required, including typing reports and correspondence, entering and retrieving computer data, copying and filing documents, sending and receiving faxes, establishing and maintaining filing systems, etc.
• Performs other related duties as required.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Requires a high school diploma or equivalent supplemented by six months’ experience performing clerical and bookkeeping activities, preferably in a court system or with similar public contact, or any equivalent combination of training and experience, which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of the methods, policies, and procedures of the Municipal Court as they pertain to the performance of duties of the Court Clerk.
• Knowledge of the functions and interrelationships of the Town and other governmental agencies.
• Knowledge of the laws, ordinances, standards and regulations pertaining to the specific duties and responsibilities of the position.
• Knowledge of the practices, procedures, rules and regulations of the Municipal Court.
• Knowledge of the general office and court operations, functions and procedures.
• Knowledge of the reports, records, files and letters, which must be prepared, processed and maintained in order to meet the requirements of the Municipal Court.
• Knowledge of the terminology used within the Court.
• Knowledge of how to estimate time, materials and supplies required to complete various routine activities.
• Knowledge of how to operate a variety of equipment and machines (such as a calculator, copier, etc.).
• Knowledge of the basic principles of bookkeeping.
• Skill in organization and human relations.
• Ability to use independent judgment in routine situations, which occur.
• Ability to communicate effectively with others both in person and over the telephone in a clear and concise manner.
• Ability to compile, organize, prepare and maintain an assortment of records, reports, and related information.
• Ability to comprehend, interpret and apply regulations, procedures and court operations.
• Ability to read, understand and complete written requests and work assignments in a timely fashion.
• Ability to learn and apply new skills needed in order to promote efficient completion of duties.
• Ability to offer assistance to co-workers as necessary.
• Ability to complete mathematical calculations as needed.
• Ability to maintain an effective filing system.
• Ability to type at the required corrected rate.
• Ability to prepare clear and concise letters of correspondence as required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Must be physically able to operate a variety of machines and equipment including computer, calculator, copier, etc. Must be able to exert up to twenty pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. May involve reaching, stooping, and balancing.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Benefits Offered

Health insurance
Dental insurance
Life insurance
SC Retirement System
401k deferred compensation
457b deferred compensation
Vacation Leave
Sick Leave
Holiday Leave (12 holidays)
Flexible Spending Accounts
Other Voluntary Insurance

The Town of Summerville is an Equal Opportunity Employer and will recruit and hire employees without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, genetic information, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions), age, political affiliation or disability, except when physical condition is a bona fide occupational qualification, and any other status protected by federal or state law.

APPLICATION SPECIAL INSTRUCTION

Please upload your resume and a list of references.