Court Processing Clerk I - Merced Location

Superior Court of California, County of Merced•Merced, CA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Under general supervision, learns various clerical duties to assist within the operations divisions of the Court. Performs a variety of tasks to facilitate court operations in an electronic and paperless court environment and performs related duties as required. This is the trainee and entry-level classification in the Court Processing Clerk series. Incumbents receive training in the policies and procedures of processing work. Progression to Court Processing Clerk II requires demonstration of proficiency in functioning independently in a variety of processing duties.

Requirements

Educational level equivalent to a high school diploma or GED
Two (2) years of progressively responsible clerical work and typing experience OR Education in legal field (ex: paralegal) may be substituted for up to one (1) year of clerical experience
Knowledge of modern office practices and procedures including filing, basic mathematics, record keeping and standard office equipment operation
Knowledge of basic data processing principles and the use of word processing or personal computer equipment in legal clerical operations/settings
Knowledge of English language usage, vocabulary, spelling and punctuation as well as use of legible handwriting
Ability to accurately carry out oral and written instructions
Ability to operate a computer and peripheral devices in an advanced technology setting.
Ability to research and apply legal codes as they pertain to the processing of legal documents
Ability to read and understand statutes and instructions related to court proceedings.
Ability to follow verbal and written directions and use correct legal terminology
Ability to communicate effectively - verbal and written - in person, over the telephone and in writing with public, justice partners, attorneys, co-workers, supervisors, managers, commissioners and judges.
Ability to prepare clear, concise records and reports that are legible with attention to detail.
Ability to prepare and/or process various legal documents including court orders and warrants
Ability to maintain confidential information in accordance with legal standards and/or other regulations
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public, justice partners, co-workers, supervisors, judges, commissioners, independent contractors and other management
Ability to work effectively with and assist individuals of various ages and diverse cultural backgrounds; deal tactfully and courteously with the public and legal representatives in providing information about court functions and proceedings
Ability to work well under pressure, meeting multiple and sometimes conflicting deadlines
Valid California Driver's License or self-arranged transportation between courts, storage facility, etc., if required. Driver must have acceptable driving record.
Successfully complete fingerprinting and Criminal Record Background Check

Nice To Haves

Basic knowledge of court process and procedures
Legal terminology
Cash handling and balancing; reconciliation of payments
Operation and basic troubleshooting of office equipment such as printers, photocopier, calculator, typewriter, multi-function telephone, scanner, 10-key, microfiche, power files, file stamp
Clerical work which required use of legal terminology, computer data entry, court accounting maintenance, understanding of court procedures and extensive direct public contact, is preferred

Responsibilities

May assist Courtroom Clerks with paperwork.
May assist defendants with paperwork and procedures in Courtroom, if needed.
Receives and examines legal documents for accuracy, completeness, and conformity to requirements; returns unacceptable documents; affixes seals and stamps to endorse, certify, and/or file documents.
Prepares clear, concise records and reports.
Keeps records for judicial statistics.
Prepares and maintains documents and exhibits; files legal documents and related case materials; retrieves and delivers files and documents to court or appropriate parties.
Organizes evidence room and maintains log.
Provides information regarding court procedures; answers inquiries and explains legal filing processes; explains fees and fines; assists individuals in locating information at the counter and/or by telephone or mail.
Performs active and archive research on cases in various court software systems and microfiche.
Responds appropriately to various situations.
Retrieves from and return files to the storage warehouse.
Verifies, enters, retrieves, corrects and updates information in manual or automated record keeping system including notifying outside agencies (ex: dispositions, citations, etc.).
At the direction of a judge, prepares and issues legal orders such as warrants, writs, orders, subpoenas, abstracts, and other official documents on behalf of the court; issues and recalls warrants, exonerates bail, prepares judgments, and dismisses or seals cases in accordance with established codes and court procedures.
Follows instructions from judges, conferring with supervisor when necessary.
Prepares a variety of documents related to court operations including minute orders, court calendars, docket entries, notices of hearings, court appearances, continuances, or petitions; coordinates the flow of documents necessary for court assignments; retrieves and processes division mail.
Purge cases in accordance with court policies and procedures.
Collects and records fines and fees; makes appropriate financial entries; issues receipts and balances cash drawers.
Performs basic financial and statistical record keeping.
Provides record imaging services and quality control for electronic records.
Performs duties in support of jury activities such as drawing jury pools, qualifying jurors, impaneling juries, and keeping records on juror compensation.
Communicates effectively with others in person, over the telephone and in writing.
Maintains confidential information in accordance with legal standards and/or court regulations.
Operates and maintains various office equipment and machines (such as: personal computer, printers, photocopier, calculator, typewriter, multifunction telephone, scanner, 10 key, microfiche, power files and file stamp).
Uses modern office methods and practices, including filing systems, business correspondence and reception techniques.
Trains on all Court Processing desks, under the direction of the supervisor and/or lead; follow verbal and written directions.
Must work well under pressure, meeting multiple and sometimes conflicting deadlines.
Must, at all times, demonstrate professional and cooperative behavior with co-workers, and management.
Must deal tactfully and courteously with the public and legal representatives in providing information about court functions and proceedings.
Attend training as offered and/or directed; travel to off-site courts and other locations as needed.
Other duties as assigned.