JUSTICE OF THE PEACE COURT CLERK

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under general supervision, the Justice Clerk performs a variety of administrative and accounting support functions for the Justice of the Peace Office. The Justice Clerk performs a variety of clerical procedures following prescribed procedures and assists in revenue and bookkeeping services for the office of the Justice of the Peace. The work involves preparing and processing forms and orders involving the filing and disposition of civil claims, and criminal and traffic cases, as well as accepting cash and checks and issuing receipts on a daily basis. This position affects the accuracy, reliability and acceptability of further processes and services.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Prepares and processes forms and orders for civil claims, and criminal and traffic cases.   These cases may include hot check cases, nuisance violations, evictions, animal control, alcoholic beverage commission cases and school truancy cases
• Sets court dates, hearing and trials, including jury trials and notifies parties of scheduled settings
• Coordinates court dates with attorneys, police officers, jury office, and all other parties involved
• Prepares and processes a variety of official documents such as citations, judgments, warrants, complaints, affidavits, routine reports, subpoenas, notices, jury lists and form letters
• Assists the public in person and on the telephone, explaining procedures, fines and forms, and responding to inquiries on case status without providing legal advice
• Collects and receipts all revenues both hand delivered and mailed such as fines and fees
• Performs bookkeeping functions such as collecting fees and fines, issuing receipts, issuing restitution payment, reconciling cash receipts and preparing bank deposits
• Acts as liaison between judges, defendants, officers, and attorneys
• Transfers cases to other courts as necessary, and filing appeals with the County or District Clerk's office
• Issues summons or subpoenas to all parties involved in cases, including officers, witnesses, and defendants, as needed
• Assists Judge as necessary, including providing information concerning fines and filing fees, determining eligibility requirements of those who want to take driver safety course, and establishing payment schedules for fines under the direction of the Judge
• Performs receptionist duties, which involves greeting customer, answering telephone, taking messages and making appointments and reservations, receiving and date-stamps incoming mail
• Will be required to attend continuing legal education classes
• Assist Judge with inquest procedures
• Regular attendance and timeliness is required

LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMER: The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position.

EDUCATION:

Required:  

• High school graduation or GED

Preferred:

• Associate’s degree in Criminal Justice, Public Administration, Business Administration, Paralegal or related field

SKILLS ~ EXPERIENCE:

Required:

• 1 year of responsible clerical experience preferably with legal procedures, terminology, the court system, or customer service experience
• Type accurately at a speed of at least 45 words per minute
  • Good knowledge of court clerk procedures and processes
  • Ability to exhibit a high level of confidentiality and integrity while handling sensitive matters  
  • Strong organizational skills and proven ability to maintain accurate, detailed records
  • Ability to accurately sort, file, and retrieve material using alphabetical, numerical, or chronological systems
  • Keen attention to detail; careful and accurate data entry
  • Knowledge of basic arithmetic, algebra and statistics including add, subtract, multiply, divide, interest, decimals and percentages
  • Exceptional skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with County employees and officials, judges, attorneys, representatives of outside agencies, and the general public
  • General skill in operating standard office equipment such as personal computers, calculators, and telephones
  • General knowledge of basic hardware and software and uses of a variety of different computer operating systems such as Microsoft Office Work, Excel, Outlook
  • Maintain appropriate necessary certifications

Preferred:

• 2 years of responsible clerical experience preferably with legal procedures, terminology, the court system, or customer service experience
• (BILINGUAL) Fluent Spanish speaking, reading and writing with excellent communication
• Knowledge of McLennan County Justice Court regulations, policies, and procedures
• Knowledge of federal, state and local laws related to traffic, criminal procedure, civil procedure, family code, penal code juvenile laws

DISCLAIMER: McLennan County will conduct background checks on new hires that will include a criminal background check related to convictions and deferred adjudications in the past seven years and may include credit reports, motor vehicle records, employment records, and educational attainment.   A conviction or deferred adjudication is not an automatic bar to employment.  Each case is considered individually.

All Employees 

oMust be committed to achieving excellence in assigned duties, always in service of the county and community

oMust have ability to earn and keep the trust of fellow employees and the community at large

oMust be approachable and ready to help fellow employees and the general public

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS: Continuous indoor activity, and some contact with persons accused or convicted of crimes.

PHYSICAL DEMAND REQUIREMENTS: Prolonged reading, visual examination of documents; sitting, standing, filing, walking, and bending in the performance of daily activities. Continuous work at desk and computer terminal. Must be able to lift 25 pounds.

Salary : $20 - $21