Bailiff (Limited Benefit)

Maintains order and decorum in the courtroom; provides general assistance to the judge, court staff, general public, attorneys, and litigants; and assists in providing solitude and safety for jurors.

This is a part-time, limited benefited position working as needed at the Ottawa County Courthouse located 414 Washington Ave., Grand Haven, MI and occasionally at the Family Justice Center, located at 12240 Fillmore St., West Olive, MI.

The essential functions of this position include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Ensures readiness for court proceedings.
2. Attends court hearings and provide assistance to litigants, attorneys, general public, police officers, court recorder, clerk and Judge.
3. Maintains courtroom security and decorum, announce entry and exit of judge, escort litigants to various court offices, identify interpreter needs and assist with accommodations for individuals with disabilities.
4. Maintains jury integrity during trial and through deliberations which includes escorting jury to and from the courtroom and being the sole liaison between the jury and the judge.
5. Assists in providing solitude and safety for jurors.
6. Monitors individuals in the courtroom while court is in session and notifies sheriff deputies if additional security is needed.
7. Assists court security officers and other law enforcement officers in providing security during the trying of high profile cases by clearing the hallways or implementing other security measures.
8. Performs other functions as assigned.

High school diploma or GED combined with some post-secondary training in law enforcement, security services, criminal justice, legal services or related field and two years of progressively responsible experience in court security services or a court administrate or legal practice office position.Required Knowledge and Skills: 

1. Considerable knowledge of/or ability to be trained in court proceedings.
2. Good interpersonal skills and knowledge of practical conflict resolution.
3. Satisfactory work record and personal history.
4. Working knowledge of security practices and procedures.
5. Ability to react quickly, calmly, and effectively in emergencies.

Physical Requirements:

1. Must be able to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodations, including, but not limited to, visual and/or audiological appliances and devices to increase mobility.
2. Must possess sufficient strength, manual dexterity and mobility to restrain or subdue parties and members of the courtroom audience.
3. Must be able to stand and/or walk for the entire length of shift in order to observe parties to court proceedings, courtroom audiences, and members of the public in court premises.

 
Working Conditions:
Work is performed in proximity to defendants and may entail exposure to physically aggressive and/or violent defendants, their family members and friends, and/or family members and friends of victims and other members of courtroom audiences.
 
Disclaimer: 
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.