Clerical Specialist

Lancaster County•Lancaster, PA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

This clerical position provides office support and is responsible for the initial intake and management of original court documents. The PFA Clerk works with Bail Administration staff to initiate Protection From Abuse (PFA) Petition filings, enter petitions and subsequent filings into the computer system, docket court orders, and mail them to parties and attorneys. The role also includes scanning and docketing filings to preserve the official record for the Lancaster County Court of Common Pleas and updating the statewide PFAD system for law enforcement updates. Files are maintained in both digital and paper formats. The position involves significant customer service at the counter, by phone, and by email with attorneys and self-represented litigants. It also requires regular interaction with judicial staff and attendance at weekly court hearings. During hearings, the clerk assists the Judge with PFA hearing administration, takes notes, and prepares sentencing sheets. The clerk works as part of a PFA team and is expected to maintain a professional, helpful, service-oriented demeanor and a high level of attention to detail. The position reports to the (Chief) Deputy Prothonotary. The County of Lancaster states that it offers comprehensive employee benefits. Employment practices provide equal opportunity regardless of protected characteristics and are based on the ability to perform the job, dependability, and reliability.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
One year of office experience that includes computer data entry, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
Competency in operating basic office equipment, including a computer and copier.
Excellent organizational skills and strong attention to detail.
Ability to type or keyboard proficiently.
Ability to locate files within an organized filing system.
Ability to communicate effectively and tactfully with the public in person and by phone.
Ability to work cooperatively with coworkers and other courthouse personnel.
Ability to analyze situations accurately and pursue an effective course of action.
Ability to review documents, locate and analyze data, and accurately enter appropriate information into a computer.
Ability to review correspondence and pleadings, analyze dispositions, perform simple math calculations, and process requests and documents.
Ability to transport dockets and indices weighing up to 25 pounds to various courthouse locations.
Ability to retrieve and accurately re-file documents in folders on shelves from 1 to 6 feet high.
Ability to handle stressful situations tactfully and effectively.
Ability to sit for extended periods.

Responsibilities

Receive, review, conform, verify, and/or enter documents into a database.
Perform general docketing, scanning, filing, and file preparation.
Provide phone and mail assistance.
Initiate the filing of Protection From Abuse Petitions in cooperation with Bail Administration staff.
Enter PFA petitions and subsequent filings into the computer system.
Docket court orders and mail them to parties and attorneys.
Maintain the official court record by scanning and docketing filings.
Update the statewide PFAD system for law enforcement updates.
Provide customer service at the counter, by phone, and by email to attorneys and self-represented litigants.
Interact with judicial staff and attend weekly court hearings.
Assist the Judge with PFA hearing administration, take notes, and prepare sentencing sheets.
Process fees when required.
Complete other assigned tasks as needed.