Bailiff

POSITION SUMMARY

This position provides for the care and security of jurors serving in the court system for Juneau County; and to provide responsive, courteous, and efficient service to County residents and the general public.

The purpose of the Civil Bailiff is to keep courts moving in a smooth, timely manner, providing responsive, courteous, and efficient service to the parties, attorneys, district attorneys, and the court.

The following duties are normal for this position.  However, they are not to be construed as exclusive or all–inclusive.  To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each duty satisfactorily.  Other duties may also be required or assigned.

• Carries out directives from the judge and Clerk of Court regarding duties to be performed during the course of the workday and acts as a liaison atappropriate timesbetween jurors, judges, and attorneys during trial and jury deliberation.
• Provides for basic courtroom security including an attentiveness to court participants and people who are sitting in the courtroom audience, and an on-the-spot check of the jury room, courtroom, bathrooms, lounges, and jury box.
• Upon commencement of a trial, opens and prepares the jury assembly area and courtroom. Upon completion of a trial, performs trial disposition responsibilities including proper disposal of jurors’ notes, cleaning the courtroom and jury room.
• Maintains contact with all jurorsduring restbreaks or time of deliberations.
• Provides for special needs of the jurors as requested.
• Provides for materials that are needed by the jury, which could include pencils, paper, exhibits, and approved written documents.
• Escorts jury members to restrooms, lunchrooms, or lounges.
• Accompanies an ill juror to the medical clinic for a physician's evaluation.
• Secures sequestered jurors in their hotel rooms and arranges for any special needs.
• Notifies the court of any questions or when a verdict has been reached.
• Meets with judges prior to the start of the day's calendar for changes, appearances, and cancellations.
• Checks parties in according to the calendar for the day and assists the security officer at the magnetometer.
• Directs parties, attorneys, district attorneys, court clerks, and court reporters before the judge or court commissioner takes the bench.
• Keeps order in the courts and hands out necessary paperwork, forms, or informational answers to questions of the court system.
• Bailiffs are present during all calendar activities to assist the court, clerks, district attorney, security, and sheriff for bookings, completing forms, watching for any safety concerns, etc.
• Directs parties to Clerk’s office for payments, payment plans, or court orders.
• Lead bailiff works with judicial assistant to set civil schedule and with jury clerk to set jury trial schedule.
• Other duties as assigned.

EXPECTATIONS 

• Interprets and applies Federal, State, municipal, and Department rules, regulations, and policies.
• Attends work regularly and is punctual.
• Behaves professionally and presents an appropriate standard of grooming, hygiene, and dress that aligns with health and safety standards. 
• Conducts self in such a way as to reflect positively on the County.
• Fosters positive working relationships and accepts new responsibilities.
• Learns and understands the safe practices for the job being performed and complies with the safe work practices and personal protective requirements for the job.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of County policies, procedures, and practices.
• Knowledge of local government organization and its departmental operating requirements.
• Ability to understand and follow simple oral and written instructions and adhere to prescribed departmental routines.
• Ability to define problems, exercise sound judgment, and address a variety of situations successfully.
• Ability to communicate effectively with other members of the staff, supervisor, and the public.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Knowledge and ability to follow the policies and practices contained in the County Personnel Handbook. 
• Ability to work the allocated hours of the position and respond after hours if needed.

MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Valid Wisconsin driver’s license required.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Previous courtroom or law enforcement experience preferred.
• Must be bondable.
• Must successfully pass a background investigation.

PHYSICAL AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical and work environment characteristics described in this description are representative of thosean employeeencounters while performing the essential functions of this job.? Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions as otherwise required by law. ?Employees needing reasonable accommodation should discuss the request with Human Resources.? 

• This work requires the occasional exertion of up to25pounds of force; work regularly requires standing, frequently requires speaking or hearing, using hands to finger, handle or feel, and repetitive motions and occasionally requires walking, stooping, kneeling, crouching, sitting, or crawling and reaching with hands and arms.
• Work has standard vision requirements.
• Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word.
• Work requires observing surroundings and activities.
• Hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels.
• May require dealing with persons who are hostile, aggressive, abusive, or violent, posing threatening conditions.
• Work is primarily in a court setting.