Tribal Court - Court Clerk Level I

Puyallup Tribe of Indians•Tacoma, WA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Provides clerical support and records management for the operation of the Tribal Court, and support services for the Chief Court Clerk, Court Administrator, Chief Judge, Associate Judges, and Pro Tempore Judges. This role involves maintaining court records, managing the court calendar, processing filings, handling fines and fees, and assisting the public and legal professionals. The position requires a high level of confidentiality, impartiality, and attention to detail. There are opportunities for advancement to Level II and Level III, which involve more complex duties and potential supervisory roles.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED required.
One year Court Clerk experience OR Associate’s Degree or equivalent combination of related experience or education.
If experience is not as a Court Clerk, must have two years of related experience.
Intermediate to Advanced experience and knowledge using word processing and spreadsheets (i.e. Word for Windows, Excel, Access, etc.).
Ability to interact tactfully and positively with Tribal members, all levels of staff, and management.
Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
Ability to write routine reports and professional correspondence.
Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions.
Ability to speak effectively before groups or co-workers.
Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.
Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of variables in situations where limited standardization exists.
Ability to apply common sense understanding to interpret and follow instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
Strong work ethic and personal responsibility.
Ability to take initiative on individual duties and team responsibilities.
Punctual with good time management, attention to detail, and personal responsibility.
Active learners, adaptive, reliable, and action oriented.
General office experience performing a variety of complex duties at moderate difficulty, in positions which involve individual judgment and knowledge of policies, procedures, and responsibilities of an office environment.
Ability to organize work, set priorities, and meet deadlines.
Ability to explain Tribal Court filing procedures.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Ability to be flexible and adapt to last minute assignment changes.
Ability to work both independently and as a team.
Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with demonstrated intellect and decision making skills.
Ability to maintain composure in high stress situations and while dealing with distraught parties and/or members of the public.
Strong customer service skills to work with the parties and the public.
Strong computer skills, including data entry and typing experience.
Must be able to acceptably pass a background check prior to and periodically throughout employment.
Must be able to lift and carry up to 25 pounds frequently.

Nice To Haves

Prefer experience in the areas of legal procedure for criminal and civil cases, included but not limited to fishing/hunting, juvenile, probate, child welfare, guardianship, and child support, or must demonstrate an ability to learn Court processes quickly to produce accurate work.
Prefer experience with Tribal Courts and/or tribal communities.
Related course and/or training certification preferred.

Responsibilities

Maintain a high level of confidentiality and impartiality.
Maintain court records, files, and other records.
Accurately record details of all court room proceedings.
Maintain court calendar and ensure the docket is prepared one week in advance.
Oversee issuance of summons, subpoenas, orders, and other necessary documents.
Receive and review court filings for completeness and conformity to requirements.
Complete data-entry and record keeping accurately.
Receive and review fines and fees.
Complete accounting, data-entry, and record keeping.
Assist the public, attorneys, law enforcement, social services, and other agencies with filings and procedural explanations (without providing legal advice).
Affix stamps and appropriate seals to accepted filings, provide copies, file originals, and document actions in the Court file.
Verify, enter, retrieve, correct, and update information in manual and/or automated record keeping systems.
Organize work responsibilities, set specific priorities, and ensure critical deadlines are met.
Learn and apply legal terminology and knowledge of the Puyallup Tribal Code and judicial system functions.
Prepare and review court documentation, including orders after hearings, per the presiding judge’s direction.
Contact attorneys and witnesses by telephone or e-mail for court sessions, per the presiding judge’s direction.
Assist with legal and administrative needs of a jury trial, as necessary.
Attend and participate in trainings and meetings.
Uphold all Court policies and procedures.
Operate copiers, computer, Zoom audio/video functions, phones, and fax machine.
Perform other duties as assigned by the Chief Court Clerk, Court Administrator, Chief Judge, Associate Judges, and Pro Tempore Judges.