Trial Court Clerk Ii

Berrien County Trial Court Job Description

Title: Trial Court Clerk IIClass Code: 2296

Department: Civil and Criminal Divisions

General Summary:

Under the general supervision of an office supervisor, performs a variety of complex clerical, financial and public contact duties. Performs computer data entry, prepares and updates case files, prepares correspondence and reports, receives and records fines, costs, fees and performs other related work as required. Provides information to defendants, attorneys, law enforcement officers, court patrons and co-workers. Serves as an at-will employee.

Typical Duties:

1. Performs public, police, assignment counter duties; cashier, daily balancing, and bookkeeping duties; assignment clerk, courtroom clerk and back-up court recorder duties as directed.

2. Prepares criminal, civil and traffic case file folders.

3. Performs computer data entry which includes opening, updating and disposition of cases and post judgment activities.

4. Receives and receipts payments of bonds, fines, costs, fees, and other moneys, including probation supervision fees and restitution payments.

5. Accepts pleas in traffic civil infraction cases; assesses fines and costs as directed by the Judges.

6. Prepares and/or completes various templates, forms, records and reports for use by the Court.

7. Answers telephones and responds to inquiries regarding court fines, costs, fees, etc., court schedules and information regarding the Civil and Criminal Divisions. Takes messages and transfers callers as appropriate.

8. Receives and processes departmental mail, including preparation of return correspondence as directed by the supervisor or magistrate.

9. Prepares judgments, calendar, processes garnishments, and case file vouchers.

10. Swears in persons on complaints and witnesses signatures.

11. Recalls outstanding warrants; returns or forfeits cash bonds as directed by Judges or Magistrates.

12. Types correspondence, pretrial sentence reports, and schedules appointments for magistrates and probation officers.

13. Assists supervisor with state mandated caseload and case flow reports, record retention and case file destruction as directed.

14. Cross-trained with other similar positions within the Trial Court.

15. Operates computers and office equipment in the performance of job duties.

16. Completes special projects and assignments as requested.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:

A high school diploma or have passed a General Educational Development (GED) test; minimum of one year general clerical experience. Minimum typing speed of 40 words per minute.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Some knowledge of court and legal procedures. Ability to make decisions according to established procedures, policies and court rules. Familiarity with various word processing and spreadsheet computer software programs.

Special Employment Conditions:

Possession of a valid vehicle operator’s license. Must pass a pre-employment physical, including drug testing and background check before employment. Employees will be fingerprinted. Appropriate speech, dress and a high level of personal and professional conduct for work in a court setting must be maintained in accordance with the standards established by the Judicial Council. Regular, reliable, and predictable attendance is required. Ability to maintain confidentiality, effective working relationships with other employees, and interact effectively with the general public. May be required to obtain state certification as a certified electronic recorder (CER) or certified electronic operator (CEO) as directed. Subject to random alcohol and drug testing per the Court’s policy. May be assigned to work at any Berrien County Trial Court location during the course of employment.

Working Conditions:

Normal office environment, lifting of up to 25 pounds is expected and some reaching and bending for file manipulation is required. Prolonged sitting and standing are required based on specific job duties and assignments. Exposure to people charged or convicted of criminal offenses.

This description is intended to describe the type and level of work being performed by a person assigned to this job. It is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities required by a person so classified.

Approved: ______________________________________ ________________

Hon. Gary J. Bruce, Trial Court Chief Judge Date

March 2018

Status: Non-Union

Grade 4

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Ability to Relocate:

• Saint Joseph, MI: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person