Court Operations Associate - Dakota County District Court - Civil/Family

Minnesota Judicial Branch•Apple Valley, MN

6d•$46,521 - $73,999•Hybrid

About The Position

The First Judicial District is seeking a customer-focused and team-oriented Court Operations Associate to join the Civil/Family Division of the Dakota County Court Administration team. This is a fast-paced, highly detail-oriented position with a variety of responsibilities, including advanced case processing in an electronic environment and providing exceptional customer service. The role involves direct interaction with the public, juries, judges, and justice partners, requiring independent judgment and interpretation of laws, policies, and procedures based on training and experience. The primary work location is the Dakota County Western Service Center in Apple Valley, MN, with potential reimbursable travel to other Dakota County Court facilities. Standard work hours are Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM.

Requirements

High School Diploma or Equivalent
One year of recent experience in the legal field or highly technical, customer focused, administrative, office, or clerical work
Knowledge of court procedures and policies, laws, legal terminology and legal factors pertaining to the court.
Knowledge of the organization, operation, function, and jurisdiction of the court.
Knowledge of basic arithmetic.
Knowledge of modern office practices and procedures.
Knowledge of customer service practices.
Skill in the operation of a personal computer, including electronic case management system and related applications and equipment.
Ability to read and interpret legal documents of varying types and complexity and apply knowledge of specific laws, statutes, rules, policies, and procedures related to the area of assignment.
Ability to maintain an accurate record filing system.
Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
Ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters and files appropriately and in compliance with all applicable court rules, policies, and statutes.
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Ability to prioritize work in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others within and outside of the Judicial Branch.

Nice To Haves

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, Political Science, Business Administration or a related field
Experience working in the legal field or court setting
Extensive knowledge of court policies, procedures, processes, and terminology
Experience working with Minnesota Court Information System (MNCIS) and eFile and Serve (EFS) the Minnesota Judicial Branch electronic case processing system

Responsibilities

Performs the full range of court operations work within an assigned unit, which may include case processing in the areas of family, civil, conciliation, and/or probate, using electronic case processing system and related applications and equipment.
Initiates case records using electronic means or paper documents; records required data regarding parties, documents, flags, comments, events, and dispositions in case processing system and other relevant systems; notifies relevant individuals about missing information, documents, or non-compliant legal forms.
Processes cases within assigned area of responsibility; researches, tracks, and monitors case status and progression; follows up with judges, lawyers, and/or parties as necessary.
Schedules and maintains court calendars; assigns cases to regularly scheduled calendars; updates, reschedules, and reassigns cases as necessary and notifies parties and attorneys.
Performs in-court updating including calling cases, taking minutes, processing documents filed and distributed in the courtroom, and recording required data regarding parties, documents, flags, comments, and events in electronic case management and other relevant systems in the courtroom.
Attends and participates in division/team meetings and trainings; maintains knowledge of court policies, process, and procedures.