Chief Deputy Court Clerk

The City places new employees within the published salary range based on qualifications and professional experience as listed on the application material, in accordance with City policy. Candidates who exceed the minimum experience requirements shall be given credit for advanced step placement at the rate of one additional pay step for each two full years of directly related or equivalent professional experience beyond the minimum requirements. Candidates who meet minimum qualifications or have experience that is not directly related or in a lower-level position will be placed at step one in the salary range. For positions that require a bachelor’s degree, one additional step may be granted for applicants with a master’s degree in a related field when the master’s degree is not required to meet minimum qualifications.

For internal candidates, placement within the range is based on City Pay Placement Procedures.

At the City of Bellingham, we offer a comprehensive benefits package that helps you thrive in both your career and personal life. Join our team and enjoy peace of mind knowing that you and your loved ones are well cared for. Here’s a closer look at the outstanding benefits that come with being part of our team. You can find more details on our employment benefits page and labor agreements page.

• 10 hours of vacation leave per month, with increased accrual over time
• 12 paid holidays 1 floating holiday per year
• 8 hours of sick leave accrued monthly
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and their families
• Life insurance and long-term disability coverage
• Flexible spending accounts and medical insurance opt-out program
• Access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Washington State Retirement plan (DRS) for retirement security
• Optional 457 deferred compensation (Retirement Savings Plan) with employer match

Leave accruals are based on 1.0 FTE, accruals are pro-rated if part-time and require employees to be in paid status at least 120 hours/month.

1. Assists the Municipal Court Director in administration of the Court. Provides support as needed to Court Commissioner and the Municipal Court Judge.
2. Supervises assigned court staff; participates in selection and hiring, assigns and evaluates work, organizes and prioritizes workloads, provides feedback, training and guidance in following appropriate court processes and technical procedures and ensures compliance with applicable personnel policies, rules and regulations. Establishes performance standards, delivers counseling and conflict resolution; recommends corrective action as appropriate.
3. Develops Court calendar and master facility schedule. Schedules all hearings, pre-trial motions, bench and jury trials. Analyzes schedule, evaluates for consistency with short- and long-term goals and objectives and recommends modifications. Coordinates City departments, staff and contractors and resolves conflicts as needed. Manages and conducts daily evaluation of court caseload.
4. Oversees arrangements for juries. Prepares and distributes weekly Jury Priority List to appropriate parties. Schedules pro-tempore judges as needed.
5. Serves as the Court’s primary point of contact for the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, Bellingham Police Department and other criminal justice agencies.
6. Ensures compliance with court orders. Monitors probation caseload. Processes commitments, releases, and referrals. Corresponds with community agencies regarding probationers. Provides analysis and assists Judge and Court Director in development of appropriate programs and services.
7. Coordinates day-to-day Municipal Court trial/hearing operations, making appropriate decisions for all activities. Responsible for certification of all electronic court recordings and case files. Releases judicial orders, including arrest warrants, and notifies law enforcement agencies of arrest or order status.
8. Develops and maintains in and out of custody virtual court hearing processes and policies. Works with outside correctional facilities to revise processes and policies as needed.
9. Supervises preparation of court files and determines appropriate distribution for copies. Acts as liaison to prosecution and defense attorneys, law enforcement officers and witnesses.
10. Ensures the accuracy of procedures and protocols for entering case dispositions and convictions into the information systems as a permanent record. Verifies the Court's compliance with system rules and applicable legal requirements.
11. Prepares case files for appeal to Superior Court. Assists defendant in preparing appeal documents and monitors all appeal cases.
12. Serves as a technical resource regarding the legal process. Analyzes legislation for impact on court operations and implements changes as necessary.
13. Oversees ensures courtroom technology meets the needs of the Court; works with subordinate staff and coordinates with ITSD to evaluate, improve, maintain and troubleshoot as needed. Oversees the selection and implementation of new technology.
14. Oversees municipal court parking ticket processes; monitors the appeal process assignment of registered owners, account transfer to collections of unpaid accounts as needed and ensures procedures are in compliance with Department of Licensing (DOL) policies.
15. Serves as the Terminal Agency Coordinator (TAC) for A Central Computerized Enforcement Service System (ACCESS). Ensures the Court is in compliance with state and FBI Criminal Justice Information System Division policies and regulations and maintains Court procedures as required.
16. Responsible for all official court documents. Ensures records are complete and accurate and certifies release and distribution.
17. Acts in responsible charge of all court administrative functions during the Court Director’s absence

1. Performs Court Clerk relief duties as needed. 
2. Oversees monetary transactions daily and verifies Court clerk balancing and receipting of court monies as needed.
3. Performs other related work of a similar nature or level.

• Frequently operate a computer and other standard office machinery.
• Frequently communicate accurate information and ideas with others.
• Move between work sites.
• Occasional lifting of boxes or equipment weighing up to 40 lbs.

• Associate degree in criminal justice, public administration, business administration, sociology, psychology or similar field. 
• Two years of progressively responsible experience in a court environment required, including knowledge of court operations, statutes, rules, customer service, and probation compliance. 
• Two years of experience in a supervisory or lead position required. Five years of court experience may be considered as a substitute for supervisory or lead court position experience.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to provide the applicant with the knowledge, skills and ability to successfully perform the essential functions of the job will be considered.

• Employment contingent upon passing a criminal convictions check, local background check and fingerprinting. Subject to re-check every five years.
• ACCESS Level 2 certification required within one year of hire.
• Must be willing to sign confidentiality agreements with the State of Washington and the Court in regard to ethical standards and database access and use.
• Verification of ability to work in the United States by date of hire.

1. Please indicate why you are interested in this position, and why this position is the next right step for you in your career. 
2. Provide a brief summary of your education, experience and qualifications for this position.

Please ensure your application is complete and all required information has been provided. Standard completeness means all application fields (contact information, personal information, education, work experience, references, and supplemental questions). Application materials should comprehensively document your experience and skills related to the position responsibilities and experience/training requirements. As part of the City’s commitment to reducing bias in the hiring process, Human Resources redacts personally identifiable information for reviewers. Only the documents listed as required will be reviewed.

• The City provides individuals who have been arrested or convicted of a criminal offense an equal and fair opportunity to obtain employment. 
• The City will not inquire about an applicant's criminal history until after a conditional job offer has been made. 
• The City will disregard the prior arrest and conviction record of an otherwise qualified individual unless the offense is directly related to the job position for which the individual has applied. 
• The City will notify an otherwise qualified applicant about a potentially disqualifying conviction and give the applicant an opportunity to submit information regarding the accuracy of the criminal records as well as evidence of mitigation or rehabilitation, as appropriate.

Salary : $100,224 - $121,404