Court Attendant

Nevada County Court•Nevada City, CA

About The Position

Under general direction, provide non-armed, non-law enforcement courtroom support in selected courtroom hearings of non-criminal, non-delinquency actions, performs a variety of administrative clerical functions in support of court proceedings; receives legal documents for filing; retrieves and distributes mail; informs and assists the public on courtroom decorum; serves as the court liaison for juries, witnesses, attorneys and the public; performs related work as required.

Requirements

Knowledge of clerical and legal record keeping practices and procedures.
Knowledge of office methods such as how to prepare correspondence, reports and statistical summaries of court activities.
Knowledge of English grammar, spelling and punctuation; basic arithmetic including addition, subtraction, multiplication and division; legal terminology and legal process forms;
Knowledge of court procedures.
Knowledge of basic computer and office equipment operations including use of email, word processors and spreadsheets.
Ability to Observe situations, identify when and how to react and determine appropriate courses of action without supervisor present.
Ability to Analyze jury and public requests and determine appropriate response.
Ability to Organize, prioritize and complete work assignments with minimal supervision and under time constraints including flexibility/adaptability to changing work assignments.
Ability to Establish and maintain effective working relationships with judges, attorneys, co-workers and the public including dealing with diverse people in a courteous and tactful manner.
Ability to Use good judgment and interpersonal skills to mediate and diffuse disputes in the courtroom.
Ability to Operate standard office equipment and personal computers.
Ability to use Office software (Email, Word Processing and Spreadsheets), printers, document imaging scanner, recording equipment, copy machines, telephones, etc.
Ability to Read, write and speak English at a level necessary for satisfactory job performance;
Ability to Comprehend, interpret and follow instructions.
High School diploma or GED equivalent, supplemented by major coursework in criminal justice, legal, security, public relations or related curriculum.
Two (2) years of clerical, legal, security and/or public relations experience.
Citizenship in the United States.
Candidates are required to pass a fingerprint clearance by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Department of Justice (DOJ). Applicants must have a reputation for honesty and trustworthiness.  Convictions, depending on the type, number and date, may be disqualifying.

Responsibilities

Screens visitors to Court facilities; conducts search of courtroom and surrounding areas; inspects and secures courtroom; observes and monitors activities and court proceedings.
Reports security violations or suspicious items to Sheriffs Control or other appropriate personnel; utilizes security band radio and alarm buttons for emergencies.
Ensures jurors, spectators, witnesses and attorneys conform to standards of courtroom demeanor; informs and advises court visitors of appropriate standards.
Contacts appropriate personnel or agency in the event of medical or emergency situations.
Complies with evacuation plan in the event of an emergency and reports actions to Sheriffs Control.
Serves as liaison between attorneys, jurors, witnesses, litigants and parties to cases and the Judicial Officer and his/her court staff; responds to questions from the public in a courteous and service-oriented manner.
Instructs and informs jury panel on appropriate courtroom decorum and monitors conformance.
Prevents conversation between jurors and the parties to the action; observes and monitors interactions of trial participants.
Directs members of the media and the public to appropriate area or personnel.
Locates, retrieves and assists in organizing materials and files.
Receives legal documents for filing; picks up and distributes mail; responds to telephones; assists the public.
Operates office equipment including scanners, copiers and personal computers.
Inventories and orders supplies to ensure that adequate supplies are available for the Judicial Officer, Courtroom Clerk, jury and the courtroom.
Cross-trains for coverage in other courtrooms; assists department and Court with other assigned tasks.
Performs other duties as required.