Court Specialist

Definition/Description

Under direction, this specialized technical level position provides procedural review of a variety of complex family law, civil, and/or probate matters in compliance with statutes and local rules.

This is a journey/advanced level position that works closely with judicial officers, attorneys, county agencies, and unrepresented litigants. This class is distinguished from the Courtroom Clerk class in that the latter has duties performed primarily within the Courtroom setting in support of assigned Judicial Officers. The Court Specialist position works in a variety of settings, primarily outside the courtroom often working with attorneys and the public to facilitate compliance with statutes and rules as to form and procedures in the filing of documents. This class is distinguished from the Legal Process Supervisor in that the latter has supervisory authority of assigned clerks and other staff.

Typical Tasks/Representative Duties

• Receives, examines, and processes legal documents, legal files, and orders for accuracy; informs judicial officers of any deficiencies;
• Confers with attorneys and litigants regarding motions, orders, or other documents;
  Interacts and communicates with the public, judges, and courtroom staff in the processing of orders;
• Provides information regarding court procedures; answers inquiries and explains legal filing processes; explains fees and fines; refers individuals to locations of court materials and documents;
• Collects and accurately distributes and records court fines and fees;
• Retrieves information from the Court's automated systems via computer;
• Schedules court appearances and hearings;
  Maintains records, files, and basic statistics;
• Reviews files to ensure that documentation is procedurally correct in compliance with appropriate laws and local rules and notes deficiencies; contacts attorneys and petitioners to resolve problems and issues;
• Performs legal research of statutes in applicable area of law, and briefs the judge regarding unusual cases prior to hearing;
• Prepares summary documentation, sets forth the facts of each matter before the court, summarizes the legal factors and any issues, and makes recommendations for action;
• Performs other related duties as required.

Employment Standards/Typical Qualifications

An educational level equivalent to a high school diploma or GED and at least three years of increasingly responsible clerical experience in a court or legal setting. Sufficient administrative or advanced legal/clerical experience that demonstrates the possession and direct application of the following knowledge, skills, and abilities which would likely produce the required knowledge and abilities listed below. Two (2) years of college may be substituted for one (1) year of general work experience. BA or BS may be substituted for the two (2) years of the general work experience.

Must be authorized to work in the United States and not require work authorization sponsorship for this position now or in the future.

Knowledge of:

• State and local statutes that govern the processing of court documents;
• State and local Rules of Court that govern court operations including, but not limited to the processing of court documents;
• Functions and relations of the legal system, including the various divisions of the court and other agencies; broad knowledge of the movement and processing of documents within a court system; court calendaring rules and procedures;
• Office practices and procedures; Standard English usage, grammar, punctuation, spelling, style, and format; standard office equipment and systems; and basic arithmetic.

Ability to:

• Understand, apply, and explain legal terminology and procedures;
• Accurately implement court processes, rules, policies, and procedures;
• Interact appropriately with judges, court staff, attorneys, and the public;
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions; organize and maintain records; work effectively to meet court deadlines;
• Prepare standardized forms accurately;
• Communicate effectively orally and in writing;
• Work well under sometimes difficult and stressful conditions;
• Maintain confidentiality;
• Use discretion in organizing activities and setting priorities;
• Use a variety of computer programs and type with speed and accuracy;
• Work cooperatively and courteously with others;
• Be able to adapt to varying changes within the court system;
• Independently perform an array of functions as described in the representative duties of this job specification to coordinate assigned responsibilities within a large facility or operational unit of the court.

Supplemental Information

Working Conditions:
The work environment is generally clean, inside buildings, with limited exposure to dust, fumes, odors, and noise. Incumbents will be working under sometimes difficult and stressful conditions, with frequent deadlines and expectation to produce high quality work under limited time constraints as well as periodic contact with angry and confrontational individuals. The ability to work independently as well as closely with others is required.

Essential Functions:
Specific tasks and duties may vary between assignments; however, the following are considered essential functions expected of the Court Specialist classification:

• Frequent and ongoing use of a computer terminal to conduct a variety of the more advanced clerical functions and communications;
• Periodic, regular, and/or occasional contact with employees in other court divisions, government agencies, the public, and/or vendors with the ability to converse and respond appropriately to inquiries and requests;
• Periodic to regular lifting, walking, and carrying of files, documents, and other court related materials. Incumbents must have the ability to lift and carry 10 lbs.

Physical Demands:

• Strength, dexterity, and coordination and/or ability to use a computer keyboard and read a video display terminal on a regular basis;
• Ability to listen to verbal requests from the public and court staff, then respond appropriately;
• Dexterity and coordination to handle files and single pieces of paper, occasional lifting of objects weighing up to 10 lbs., such as: files, stacks of paper, reference books, and other materials;
• Frequent need to reach for items above and below desk level, sometimes with the assistance of a ladder or step-stool;
• Standing and sitting for long periods of time is periodically required.

Examination:
A screening panel will be convened to select those applicants deemed most qualified to participate in a written and/or oral examination. The examination process will include one or more of the following: application appraisal; written examination; oral examination.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:

This recruitment requires the submission of an on-line application. No paper applications will be accepted. An electronic copy of your Resume must also be submitted as an attachment to this application submission.

The court is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, and veteran or disability status. The Court provides reasonable accommodations for applicants challenged with disabilities. If you are challenged with a disability as defined by the Federal Americans with Disabilities Act or the California Fair Employment and Housing Act and will be requesting an accommodation in the application process, please contact Renee Hughes at rhughes@scscourt.org or Pam McGee at pmcgee@scscourt.org or (408) 882-2703 to discuss your request. TDD communication is available by calling (408) 882-2787.

The Court must verify the identity and employment authorization of all new employees to comply with the 1986 Immigration Reform & Control Act. This verification is required only after an offer of employment has been made. For further information regarding the required verification, please contact Human Resources at (408) 882-2747.

Benefits:
The Court offers a benefits package that includes a choice of health, dental and vision plan, membership in the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) as permitted by law, life insurance, paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave.