Court Assistant I (2 Positions)

Summary of Duties

Thurston County District Court is looking for two (2) highly motivated, community and customer service oriented, positive individuals for the position of Court Assistant I. The responsibilities of this position encompass a wide variety of clerical activities associated with case processing and requires technical knowledge in aspects of court operations. The successful candidate will identify customer needs, explain court procedures and protocols, respond to requests and ask questions to elicit information from customers in order to assist them in identifying and obtaining required forms and documents.
Other responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

• Review incoming documents for completeness according to established procedures.
• Verify documents for accuracy identifying inconsistency with statutes and assist customers with technical information for compliance.
• Assist the public including attorneys, law enforcement, court, and community agencies by answering inquiries, explaining regulations, procedures and complex requirements of the judicial process.
• Analyze case specifications and assist in the selection of appropriate mandatory forms required to proceed in court.
• Evaluate customer's need for domestic violence, harassment and/or restraining orders and assist customers in the preparation of documents for emergency matters. Issue warrants, summons, subpoenas, notices and hearings, writs of garnishments, and other legal documents as ordered by the court.
• File and record legal documents with the appropriate officials and agencies; distribute orders and report as required.
• Verify and receipt legal financial obligations, bail, PR slips, judgments, court fines and fees ensuring monies are recorded per statutes.
• Post cash receipts and balance cash register using accounting practices and procedures.
• Review and input pertinent case information into statewide database. Identify appropriate RCWs, court rules and procedures before entering judgments.
• Track and monitor files as prescribed and close files according to policies and procedures.
• Retract arrest warrants, adjudicate FTAs, extend payment dates on time payment plans. Set up and monitor case files to ensure timely action or review.
• Track, log and monitor activities of cases processed. Generate reports and provide information to affiliated agencies for program compliance.
• Provide information as allowed to agencies requesting specific defendant information and case disposition.
• Assist with the preparation of court calendar (dockets) and assemble case documentation for court hearings.
• May serve as backup to other department support positions.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED, and two years of progressively responsible clerical support experience in a court or legal environment and customer service experience or training.
• Typing speed of 45 wpm and ability to utilize a personal computer and related software packages to perform word processing, analysis, information retrieval and tracking, and other essential job functions.

Desired Skills

• Associates degree in law, business or other related field; paralegal certification; or legal certificate.
• Knowledge of bookkeeping principles and practices.

Other Position Related Information