Court Clerk

CITY OF DECATUR•Decatur, GA

About The Position

The Court Clerk provides administrative and clerical support during regular business hours and in the courtroom during courtroom proceedings. Engages in and supports change in the improvement of the City’s municipal court system. Demonstrates a commitment to work collaboratively with other members of the Municipal Court team to ensure the court operates efficiently and accurately while maintaining a high level of customer service to the general public, judges, attorneys, police staff and other City employees.

Requirements

Ability to work independently as well as in a team setting.
Must have strong verbal and written communication skills; good terminology used within the court system.
Ability to communicate with confrontational people and handle stressful situations
Ability to effectively be accountable for the proper care of receipting and documentation
Ability to correctly interpret and apply the laws, codes, policies, and procedures related to the processing of court documents.
Ability to review, classify, categorize, prioritize, and/or analyze data.
Ability to operate GCIC system in inquiry criminal and driver history reports
Ability to establish and maintain constructive working relationships with coworkers, representatives of other agencies, courts systems, the general public, city departments and city employees, etc.
Knowledge of DDS rules and regulations.
Knowledge of statistical record-keeping techniques, bookkeeping and legal terminology
Personal computer skills, including word processing software, keyboard, scanner, computerized fax system, attention to detail and high level of accuracy. Ability to use computer software such as Microsoft Office Suite, SharePoint, Seamless Docs, Adobe products, DocuSign and AV (Audio/Visual) systems
Ability to use computer software such as Microsoft Office Suite; understand and carry out moderately difficult written and oral instructions for operation of court software and completing forms.
High school diploma or GED equivalent, paralegal certificate, supplemented by two (2) years of experience in record management, legal office work, office administration, customer service, and personal computer operations.
Two (2) years of experience in Georgia municipal court environment; equivalent combination of education and experience
Ability to attain GCIC operator certification within thirty (30) days of employment.
Considerable experience in performing secretarial, clerical related work.
Must possess, or have the ability to obtain, a valid State of Georgia driver's license (Non-commercial Class A or B) with a satisfactory motor vehicle record (MVR).
Good knowledge of modern office procedures and practices including English, arithmetic, and spelling.
Must have professional and pleasant demeanor.
Have no violations of moral turpitude.
Have the ability to lift and carry heavy objects (10-50 lbs.) sit, bend, squat, and twist on a daily basis.
Have the ability to sit for long periods of time using office equipment and computers.
Must have ability to deal with constant interruptions, noise, frequent modifications to tasks to adjust priorities and meet critical deadlines; and meet with others on a regular basis.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree, paralegal certificate; two years of college coursework from an accredited college or university in criminal justice or related field preferred.
Four (4) years of experience in a Georgia municipal court environment
Comparable courtroom experience is preferred.
Experience with Courtware database
Municipal Court Clerk certification
Notary Public certified
GCIC certified
Bilingual (Fluent in Spanish)

Responsibilities

Responds to written and email inquiries and in-person inquiries at the front window.
Prepares assigned court calendars and courtroom for municipal court sessions.
Attends court sessions as required; accurately take notes regarding proceedings; and assists judge, solicitor, and public defender during court as required
Coordinate with the police department and jail to assist with inmate court proceedings and the management of related jail records and documentation.
Records disposition of cases identified by docket reports; prepares legal notices, court decisions, complete disposition documents during final calendar call.
Enters disposition/adjudication and conditions in court management software in real-time during court sessions.
Ensures all court forms and documents are signed by a judge before the end of each court session and made available for payment.
Assists in maintaining court dockets, court records, files, pleadings, and notes of all depositions and cases.
Performs data entry in specialized program applications: scans and files various legal reports, records, citations, legal reports, and all other documents pertinent to the court.
Ensures all court documents are complete, accurate, and compliant with State of Georgia law and court procedures.
Prepares and processes records, forms, and other legal papers for court, such as court dockets, expungement (record restrictions) papers, citations, warrants, and jail cases.
Prepares court calendars and or calendar cases for hearing; distributes court calendars to Police Department, prepares a variety of documents related to court operations and assist in the coordination of work flow documents necessary for court assignment; scheduling language translators or American Sign Language assignments.
Responds to inquiries, questions, and complaints from the general public and court-related personnel by telephone and in person regarding court policies, procedures, personnel, or specific cases.
Prepares various reports, summaries, and other correspondence as the Court Administrator assigns.
Processes fines and other payments: receives, records, receipts, and deposits payments according to established court procedures; reconciles daily transactions; and balances money received.
Assists with posting and obtaining information via the GCIC network.
Attend and participate in training opportunities relevant to the position.
Maintains the relevant certifications as required by the position.
Performs all other related duties as assigned by the Court Administrator.