Court Clerk - Magistrate II

the South Dakota State Government•Watertown, SD

8d•Onsite

About The Position

The Court Clerk - Magistrate II manages office operations associated with circuit and magistrate court cases. The position plans, organizes, and directs procedures and supervises personnel assigned to the court clerk magistrate’s office to ensure compliance with Unified Judicial System rules and South Dakota statutes. The role also performs clerk magistrate duties as assigned to assist the circuit court in disposing of civil actions and to provide direct court contact for the public.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Three years of applicable experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Upon hire and before beginning employment, must be a U.S. citizen, a South Dakota resident, and a voting resident within the circuit.
Successful completion of a criminal background investigation.
Verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete Form I-9; employment eligibility verification will be conducted through E-Verify.
Knowledge of UJS organization, rules, and procedures; South Dakota Codified Laws; circuit district and local court policies and procedures; case management and processing; UJS computer codes and software; civil fees and costs; human resources management; general office practices; accounting; policies governing legal information and advice; and legal terminology.
Skill in data entry and word processing, critical thinking, organizing and prioritizing work, time management, and perseverance.
Ability to remain neutral and objective when assisting agencies and individuals; work with irate or unhappy litigants and recognize and defuse unacceptable behaviors; manage stress; adapt to changing situations and different individuals; acquire and analyze information and draw conclusions; assess procedures and recommend improvements; attend to detail and recognize and resolve errors; and speak in public.

Nice To Haves

Supervisory experience is preferred but not required.
Certification in a Court Management Program (CMP) or Court Executive Development Program (CEDP) through the National Center for State Courts is preferred.

Responsibilities

Supervise staff, ensure workloads are completed, organize staff meetings, and communicate by telephone, video conferencing, and email.
Manage processing of circuit and magistrate court cases—including criminal, juvenile, traffic, civil, child support, divorce, probate, protection order, guardianship, trust, adoption, mental illness, involuntary commitment, small claims, pardon, expungement, and pro se matters—according to procedural guidelines and rules; ensure case files are correct and complete.
Perform administrative tasks so the unit and court operate according to applicable procedural guidelines and protocols.
Manage receipt and disbursement of court funds, including bonds, alimony, child support, prepaid attorneys’ fees, SCRAM, drug testing, fines, costs, restitution, and filing fees, following established accounting and collections procedures.
Provide customer service and maintain working relationships with the public, county officials and personnel, collection agencies, law enforcement, abstract offices, attorneys, media, lending institutions, defendants and their families, judges, and court staff.
Perform clerk magistrate duties as assigned to assist the circuit court in disposing of civil actions and provide direct court contact for citizens.
Implement jury management procedures, including preparing master jury, grand jury, and petit trial lists to ensure sufficient jurors are available for scheduled and pending hearings.
Perform other work as assigned.