Court Clerk

BASIC FUNCTION AND RESPONSIBILITY:

The Court Clerk position is highly responsible, advanced work using an electronic filing system in a court within the Missouri State Court System.

• Work involves responsibility for court case processing which may require the application of independent judgment and the application of statutes, policies, and regulations, with minimal supervision.
• Work requires frequent interaction with the public providing exceptional customer service.
• Work may also involve financial record keeping within an automated case management system
• Provide direct support for a circuit judge or associate circuit judge providing a full range of responsibilities within the division's jurisdiction, or supervision of other staff.

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES: (The following duties are representative of this position, not comprehensive.)

• Performs case processing in receiving and initiating case files.
• Performs technical duties such as reviewing judgments, preparing warrants, summonses, garnishments and executions, bond settings, and docket control.
• Reviews legal documents for necessary information required for filing.
• Determines processing required and takes necessary action in accordance with court rules requiring detailed knowledge of applicable terminology, rules, and procedures.
• Provides information and customer assistance in person, via telephone, email, or other mediums (without giving legal advice) (i.e., pro se litigants, attorneys, reporters, law enforcement, other judicial agencies, co-workers, supervisors, and judges).
• Prepares a variety of documents related to court operations including court orders, court calendars, notices of hearings, court appearances, or reports.
• Serves in the courtroom, swears in litigants and witnesses, operates electronic sound recording equipment, makes docket entries to reflect case progress, and performs other courtroom-related duties.
• Contacts attorneys and other court personnel to resolve technical discrepancies with court filings.
• Assist with on-the-job training for new staff.
• Enters orders, court dates, pleadings, and other court matters.
• Interacts with the public in a timely and courteous manner. Creates and processes copies of official legal documents.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

(Equivalent combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis provided a high school diploma or GED has been obtained.)

EDUCATION: High School diploma or recognized equivalent.

EXPERIENCE: One year of varied administrative experience performing a wide range of technical office duties.

EMPLOYEES MAY BE EXPOSED TO: Evidence and testimony in or outside of the courtroom that may be disturbing, such as photographs of violent scenes and victims and or sexually explicit material; evidence that may include syringes, drugs, weapons and blood; the public who may potentially be verbally or physically abusive, allergens, such as perfumes and dust; and unpleasant odors, such as unwashed clothing or chemicals offered into evidence.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must submit to and pass a criminal background check as prescribed by the Court.
• Employees in this position are subject to random and reasonable suspicion testing for illegal drug use.
  

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES: (This job description does not include specific physical requirements necessary to perform the job, such as carrying, standing, and lifting. Such requirements vary from position to position and may be determined by the appointing authority.)

• Basic knowledge of court procedures and policies, legal documents, laws, and legal factors pertaining to the court.
• Basic knowledge of organization operations, functions, and scope of authority of the court.
• Ability to work independently and manage time effectively while handling a high-volume workload in an environment subject to frequently changing priorities and high stress.
• Ability to exercise good judgment and make independent decisions in accordance with general policy and objectives.
• Ability to maintain a variety of complex records and prepare reports from an automated system.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, verbally and in writing, in a tactful and courteous manner with diverse parties.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision and follow oral and written instructions.
• Requires strong time management and organization skills with the ability to be detail oriented.
• Ability to type 35 wpm, minimum.