Job Details
Salary : $44,096.00 - $58,032.00 Annually
Location : Auburn/Roseville, CA
Job Type: Full-Time Regular
Department: Operations
Opening Date: 01/02/2024
Closing Date: Continuous
Recruitment Information: Check out our Recruitment Video: recruitment is continuous. The review of candidates applications will occur regularly. Qualified candidates will be invited to a participate in an online typing test, and those that pass with the requisite speed will be invited to complete a written exam. Those who pass the written exam will then be invited to a panel interview, held approximately once per month.
Job Summary
A Court Clerk is an important part of the judicial branch and is often the face of the Court for members of the public. This position is interesting, challenging and extremely rewarding. It is an excellent beginning to a career in the judicial branch, as it offers opportunities for growth both within the Court Clerk classification and beyond, in other operational and/or administrative areas of the Court. As a Court Clerk with Placer Superior Court, you will be part of a fantastic team and enjoy a competitive compensation package, including great benefits.
DEFINITION
This is a specialized clerical series that performs a full range of clerical duties in support of court operations. Incumbents perform a variety of processing functions including, but not limited to, assisting the public with file or court information, entering and retrieving data from computer systems, accepting, filing, and issuing legal documents; providing information concerning current calendar status, functions and procedures of the court; and to do related work as required.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
Court Clerk 1: This is the entry and trainee level class in the Court Clerk series. At this level the incumbent is under close supervision and is required to learn to perform a combination of various court-related clerical functions of minimal to average difficulty. As experience is gained, there is greater independence of action within the established guidelines and operating procedures.
Court Clerk 2: This is the journey level for the class in the Court Clerk series. At this level the incumbent is under general supervision to perform a wide variety of assignments of average difficulty. As experience is gained, the level of difficulty of the work increases, greater independence is exercised, and less detailed supervision is received.
Court Clerk 3: This is the advance journey level for the class in the Court Clerk series. At this level the incumbent is under minimal supervision to perform a full range of complex clerical assignments. Incumbents exercise judgment and independence in applying complex legal codes, policies and procedures and performing the full range of assigned duties. Specific duties and requirements will vary depending on area of assignment; however, all positions are characterized by thorough knowledge of court document processing and procedures. Incumbents may train and provide assistance to less experienced staff in resolving work problems.
These classes are distinguished from the class of Court Clerk 4 and Senior Court Clerk, which provides lead direction to a group of Court Clerk 1/2/3 employees.
Court Clerk 1 positions are flexibly staffed to the Court Clerk 3 level. In these classes, incumbents advance to the higher level after acquisition of the knowledge, skills and proficiencies required are mastered. However, in some cases, positions may be permanently allocated to the level 1 and or level 2 classifications, based on the routine nature of the work, limited variety of duties, and absence of a requirement for more difficult processing tasks.
Positions in these classifications are located throughout the various departments of the court (e.g., Civil, Criminal, Family Law, Juvenile, Appeals, Jury Services/Master Calendar, Family Court Services) and duties will vary by assignment.
Essential Functions
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS, RESPONSIBILITIES, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES
Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Perform entry level to advanced journey level legal processing duties.
- Provide customer service that bestows fair and equal access to the Court (e.g., assists the public and other agencies at the counter, on the telephones, via written communication, and via the Court's website by providing factual information related to forms usage and completion, filing processes, fees and assessments; status of cases, location of needed services or other information resources and related information and assistance within scope of authority).
- Receive, examine, and process legal documents for completeness, signature and conformance with legal requirements; return unacceptable documents; affix seals and stamps to endorse, certify, and/or file documents.
- Accept fines and fees; issue receipts; post payment of fines, bail and filing fees; balance assigned cash drawer.
- Prepare and set-up new case files, maintain files in accordance with established policy in creating a court-related legal record.
- Prepare type and/or generate a variety of court-related legal forms, documents, notices, letters, orders and abstracts, as well as other correspondence related to legal filings and legal processes.
- Perform computer/keyboard functions to verify, enter, retrieve and update information in the case management system.
- Receive, open, date stamp, sorts and distributes mail and other materials.
- In accordance with established policies and procedures, respond to inquiries from the public, legal professionals, paraprofessionals, and other concerned parties regarding status of submitted documents and proceedings; copy and send requested materials from files.
- In accordance with established policies and procedures, acts upon certain ministerial requests and legal filings (e.g. processing requests for clerk default).
- Assist and/or prepare warrants (e.g., issue/recall warrants, exonerate bail, prepare judgments, and dismiss or seal cases in accordance with established codes and court procedures).
- Assist and/or prepare court calendars (e.g., maintain documents; file legal documents and related case materials).
- Transport case files and documents to requesting clerks, managers and judges and/or court users; assist with archiving and purging of court records.
- Handle research requests.
- Perform duties in support of jury activities (e.g., order, prepare and notify jurors of jury duty; record juror announcements, qualify jurors, and impanel juries; exercise judgment in granting juror deferments; present orientation and provide information to jurors; prepare payroll for jurors and maintain jury-related records and files).
- Perform other related duties as required.
Knowledge Of:Court Clerk 1 - Correct use of English language, spoken and written, including spelling, punctuation and grammar
- Basic arithmetic
- Standard office equipment and systems
- Alphabetical and numerical filing system
- Principles of customer service and telephone etiquette
- Techniques of filing and indexing
- Techniques of time management
Court Clerk 2 and Court Clerk 3 (In addition to the knowledge of the Court Clerk 1)
- Application of appropriate Statutory Codes, California Rules of Court and local rules relating to court procedures.
- Basic knowledge of established policies and procedures related to court proceedings, collections, legal procedures and documents used in court cases.
- Legal terminology, common legal format requirements, laws, rules, regulations and legislation affecting the court.
- General court system policies and procedures related to legal processing.
- Knowledge of Court's personnel policies and procedures.
Skills and Abilities To: - Understand and follow written and oral instructions; communicate and listen effectively.
- Ability to work independently, follow policies and guidelines, maintain confidentiality of court-related records, and use sound judgment in performing court related work.
- Ability to understand and comply with court policies and the Code of Ethics for Court Employees
- Accurately perform duties with attention to detail.
- Research, understand, explain and apply statutes, codes, procedures and rules.
- Examine documents for accuracy, completeness and conformity to requirements and take appropriate corrective action.
- Explain technical and procedural information clearly and concisely to the public, attorneys, law enforcement officials and other concerned parties.
- Utilize word processing, case management system and calendar/electronic communication software.
- Ability to perform basic arithmetic.
- Handle and process money and issue receipts; balance cash drawers.
- Prioritize workload and projects to ensure tasks are performed timely and accurately in accordance with predetermined deadlines, policies and procedures.
- Skilled at managing multiple priorities and multi-tasking.
- Interact with legal professions, paraprofessional and the public in a respectful manner.
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, management and other government organizations; be responsible for his/her actions.
- Use of office equipment, including computers, telephones, calculators, copiers and fax.
- Type/keyboard accurately at a minimum of 35 words per minute.
QualificationsMINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS High school diploma or General Education Development (GED) or High School Equivalency Test (HiSET); and
Court Clerk 1-3: Two (2) years of clerical work experience preferably in a legal or criminal justice office performing a wide variety of general clerical assignments involving the use of discretion and judgment which would likely produce the required knowledge and abilities listed.
Court Clerk 2: One (1) year of experience as a Court Clerk 1 with the Placer County Superior Court.
Court Clerk 3: One (1) year of experience as a Court Clerk 2 with the Placer County Superior Court.
Note:
One (1) year of full-time education beyond high school may be substituted for one (1) year of clerical work experience for the Court Clerk 1.
Typing/Keyboarding: Court Clerk 1-3 positions require the ability to type/keyboard at a minimum of 35 words per minute at a corrected rate of 35 wpm for a five (5) minute test and will be required to pass a certification test prior to employment.
GENERAL QUALIFICATIONSCriminal History and Background Checks: Candidates are required to pass a fingerprint clearance by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Department of Justice (DOJ). Convictions, depending on the type, number and date, may be disqualifying.
License Requirement: Possession of a valid driver's license may be required depending on the position or the ability to provide alternate methods of transportation that meets job requirements. Proof of adequate vehicle insurance and medical clearance may also be required.
Supplemental InformationPHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. 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 required on a continuous basis to sit at a desk for extended periods of time in front of a computer screen; strength, dexterity, and coordination of hands to fingers to use a keyboard and video display terminal on a daily basis. The employee is frequently required to sit for long periods of time, stand, and walk from place to place within the office. Routinely handles files of varying weights and thickness, handles single pieces of paper or stacks of papers and reference materials. Frequently twists or reaches for items above and below desk level and reaches with hands and arms above shoulders and below the waist. The employee is frequently required to climb stairs when elevator is not accessible; balance, bend at the waist or kneel. The employee is occasionally required to lift and/or move objects weighing up to twenty-five (25) pounds. Lifting of objects weighing in excess of twenty-five (25) pounds will require team lifting or making multiple trips of less weighted materials (files). Vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus to enable employee to decipher color coded files, forms, complete data entry and read operating instructions and procedures. Hearing and speaking abilities required to clearly communicate with court staff and the public in person, on the telephone or in the courtroom.
Work Environment: Assigned incumbents are expected to work inside buildings, alone, or closely with others. Assigned work is performed in a standard court setting with open cubicles, at the front public counters or in offices or an assignment in a courtroom. Routine noises and noise levels occur within the work environment. Staff may be assigned to various court locations in the county.
Special Working Conditions: Exposure to individuals who may be verbally hostile/abusive; allergens such as dust, perfume, unpleasant body/clothing odors. There may be exposure to evidence and testimony which may be disturbing.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Work 8 hours within normal business hours of: 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Overtime may occur on an occasional basis.
The Placer County Superior Court values its employees and offers the following benefits:
- Vacation Leave: Accruals start at ten (10) days per year (accrual rate and vacation caps are based on years of service.)
- Sick Leave: Twelve (12) days per year.
- Holidays: Fourteen paid holidays per year. If the Court conducts an All-Staff Training Day on the Cesar Chavez holiday, employees receive thirteen (13) paid holidays and one (1) floating holiday.
- Affordable Medical Benefits: The Court offers two (2) Blue Shield PPO medical plans, one (1) Blue Shield EPO medical plan and one (1) Kaiser medical plan. The Court pays 100% of the premium for one Blue Shield PPO plan and the Kaiser plan, regardless of coverage level.
- Dental Insurance: The Court pays 100% of premium for employee and dependents.
- Vision Insurance: The Court pays 100% of premium for employee and dependents.
- CalPERS Retirement: Classic = 2% @ 55; PEPRA = 2% @ 62. Specific benefit formula will be determined per California Public Employees Retirement System regulations. Employees pay 100% employee contribution and the Court pays 100% of employer contribution.
- Life and AD&D Insurance: $10,000 of life insurance and accident insurance is paid by the Court. Voluntary plans are also available, for employees to purchase additional coverage for themselves and their dependents.
- Social Security and Medicare: The Court and the employee both contribute 7.65% of wages toward Social Security and Medicare.
- State Disability and Paid Family Leave Insurances: Partial wage-replacement insurance plans are funded through employee payroll deductions.
- Employee Assistance Program: The Court pays 100% of premium for employee and dependents.
- CalPERS 457 Deferred Compensation Plans (Both traditional and Roth plans are available for voluntary employee contributions)
- Long-term Disability Plan (Voluntary)
- Flexible Spending Accounts: Pre-tax benefits for qualifying medical and/or dependent expenses. (Voluntary)
- Online Privacy Protection (Voluntary & paid by employer)
- Flexible Work Schedules (available dependent upon classification)
- Free Parking (onsite parking in designated areas)
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF): Court employment qualifies for PSLF Program.
01
Instructions for completion: Carefully read the official Superior Court job bulletin for this position. Any official Superior Court application submitted for this examination without a completed questionnaire will be rejected. When prompted, you must provide a response to the question. Referrals to a resume or your application will be considered a non-response and your application will be subject to rejection. Do you understand this advisement?
Required Question