Clerical Specialist

County of Lancaster•Lancaster, PA

About The Position

This clerical position provides office support, with the Clerical Specialist I serving as the initial intake and management point for original court documents. The PFA Clerk works with Bail Administration staff to initiate Protection From Abuse (PFA) petitions, enter petitions and subsequent filings into the computer system, and docket court orders for mailing to parties and attorneys. The position scans and dockets filings to preserve the official record for the Lancaster County Court of Common Pleas and updates the statewide PFAD system for law-enforcement updates. Files are maintained digitally and on paper. The role includes substantial customer service at the counter, by phone, and by email for attorneys and self-represented litigants. It involves regular interaction with judicial staff and attendance at weekly court hearings to assist the Judge with PFA hearing administration, including taking notes and preparing sentencing sheets. The clerk works as part of a PFA team and is expected to maintain a professional, helpful demeanor and demonstrate service orientation and strong attention to detail.

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 and 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 handle stressful situations tactfully and effectively.
Ability to transport dockets and indices weighing up to 25 pounds to various courthouse locations; retrieve and accurately re-file documents on shelves from 1 to 6 feet high; and 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; duties may include processing fees.
Initiate filings of Protection From Abuse petitions in cooperation with Bail Administration staff.
Enter PFA petitions and subsequent filings into the computer system and docket court orders for mailing to parties and attorneys.
Update the statewide PFAD system for law-enforcement updates.
Maintain files in digital and paper formats and preserve the official court record by scanning and docketing filings.
Provide customer service to attorneys and self-represented litigants at the counter, by phone, and by email.
Attend weekly court hearings and assist the Judge with PFA hearing administration, including taking notes and preparing sentencing sheets.
Perform other assigned tasks as needed.