Register of Deeds - Clerk II

Sumter County is Currently Seeking a Clerk II for the Register of Deeds Office
Compensation: Starting Salary: $25,000 Annually
Compensation may be based on qualifications.

Position Summary
The Clerk II performs clerical, records management, and customer service duties to support the efficient operation of the Register of Deeds Office. This position is responsible for reviewing and recording legal documents, maintaining public records, processing fees, assisting customers, and ensuring compliance with applicable state laws and County procedures. The position reports to the Chief Deputy and the Register of Deeds.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Review, proof, log, and record deeds, mortgages, and other legal documents while ensuring compliance with applicable recording requirements.
• Calculate, collect, and process recording fees and documentary taxes, preparing daily, monthly, and annual financial reports.
• Process electronic recordings (E-recordings) by verifying document accuracy and recording prerequisites.
• Maintain public records and legal documents, ensuring they are accurately indexed and readily accessible.
• Prepare rejection notices for documents that do not meet recording requirements.
• Respond to customer inquiries and assist attorneys, surveyors, financial institutions, government agencies, and the general public with locating recorded documents.
• Perform data entry, prepare reports, correspondence, and other official records.
• Transfer daily collections to the County Treasurer and maintain accurate financial records.
• Operate standard office equipment and perform related administrative duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• One (1) to two (2) years of experience in records management, bookkeeping, general clerical work, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Experience working with legal documents, public records, or government records is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of Register of Deeds office procedures and applicable state laws governing public records.
• Ability to review legal documents for completeness, accuracy, and compliance with recording requirements.
• Strong organizational skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to maintain accurate financial and public records while performing mathematical calculations.
• Proficiency with computers, data entry, and standard office software.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships with County staff, attorneys, surveyors, financial institutions, government officials, and the public.
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, prioritize assignments, and maintain confidentiality.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit for extended periods while performing computer and clerical work.
• Ability to operate standard office equipment, including computers, calculators, copiers, and microfilm equipment.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 20 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to perform repetitive hand and arm movements associated with office work.

Work Environment
This position is primarily performed in an office environment within the Register of Deeds Office. The work involves frequent interaction with attorneys, surveyors, real estate professionals, financial institutions, government officials, County employees, and members of the public. The position requires maintaining accuracy, confidentiality, and professionalism while working with legal documents and public records.

Benefits
Sumter County offers a competitive benefits package for eligible full-time employees. Benefits may include health, dental, and vision insurance, participation in the South Carolina Retirement System, paid holidays, vacation and sick leave, life insurance, employee assistance programs, and other County-sponsored benefits.

Benefit eligibility, coverage, and participation are subject to applicable plan provisions, County policies, and eligibility requirements. Sumter County reserves the right to modify, amend, or discontinue benefits in accordance with applicable laws and policies.

Request Assistance
If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you may request reasonable accommodation if you are unable to access job openings or apply for a position. Please contact Human Resources at (803) 774-2824 or nmason@sumtercountysc.gov.

Reasonable Accommodation
Applicants with disabilities may request accommodations at any time during the hiring process.

Equal Opportunity Employer
Sumter County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination.