Court Operations Associate - Dakota County District Court - Family

Minnesota Judicial Branch•Hastings, MN

7d•$22 - $35•Hybrid

About The Position

The First Judicial District is seeking qualified applicants for a team-oriented Court Operations Associate to join the Family Division of the Dakota County Court Administration team in Hastings, MN. This Court Operations Associate position is fast paced, highly detail-orientated position with a variety of responsibilities. Primary responsibilities include advanced case processing in an electronic environment, extensive work in the courtroom, and providing exceptional customer service on the phone and in person. This position will work directly with the public, judges and justice partners. Duties require the application of independent judgement, and the interpretation of established laws, policies, procedures, and regulations based on training and knowledge gained through experience on the job. The primary work location for this position is in the Family/Probate Department at the Dakota County Judicial Center in Hastings, MN 55033. This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule in accordance with department needs and management approval. Reimbursable travel to train or work at other Dakota County Court facilities may be required, including Dakota County Northern Service Center in West St. Paul, MN and Dakota County Western Service Center in Apple Valley, MN. Standard hours of work are Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM. The Minnesota Judicial Branch is pleased to offer a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and optional benefits and paid vacation, sick leave and paid holidays.

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

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 probate, family, jury, scheduling, conciliation, traffic, criminal, civil, and/or juvenile, using electronic case processing system and related applications. Utilizes applicable technology (i.e., operating and information systems and/or programs) and office equipment to perform and complete work assignments.
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; coordinates schedules between counties and/or districts as needed.
Schedules and maintains court calendars; assigns cases to regularly scheduled calendars; prepares and maintains trial calendars; updates, reschedules, and reassigns cases as necessary and notifies parties and attorneys.
Provides assistance to attorneys, parties, self-represented litigants, judges, and the public by responding to a variety of questions in-person, over the phone, by mail, and/or electronically; provides forms, documents, and court procedure information; assists public in filling out various applications and forms; checks people in for court; refers new or complex questions to higher level staff.
Issues receipts for payment of court fees, fines, bail, and restitution; receives, reviews, processes, and/or pays amounts due for witness fees, transcripts, psychological examiners, court appointed attorneys, and interpreters; may receipt, review, and receive non case-related court expenses including disbursement processing for general office supplies, general contracts, and invoices; reconciles daily receipts and cash registers.
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. May perform the duties of an Electronic Recording Equipment Operator (EREO) including setting up and testing recording equipment, recording and monitoring court proceedings, creating courtroom log as necessary, backing up recordings in compliance with applicable policies and procedures, and shutting down recording equipment once recording has been completed.
Attends and participates in division/team meetings and trainings; maintains knowledge of court policies, process, and procedures.