Courtroom Clerk (Criminal Arraignments Courtroom Clerk)

State of Oregon • Portland, OR

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The Multnomah County Circuit Court is hiring a Criminal Arraignments Courtroom Clerk (Courtroom Clerk). In this role, much of your day will be spent working in the courtroom with judges, referees, sheriff deputies, district attorneys, defense attorneys, and court participants. You are relied upon to help keep the courtroom flowing, point out when something may have been missed, and communicate changes to court policies other participants are not aware of. You will be required to complete live data entry in multiple case systems, complete court paperwork, and communicate with other courtroom clerks as necessary. The arraignment dockets have a large number of cases scheduled every day, and on Mondays and Tuesdays after a three-day weekend, the dockets may run long and will require you to work past 5 pm. Outside of the courtroom, you will answer questions and help court customers navigate the criminal justice system, often informing them of the next steps in their case, without giving legal advice, via telephone, email, and in-person. You will accept and record documents filed with the court, reviewing for accuracy and completeness. You will be responsible for reviewing your own work product, ensuring nothing was missed and correcting any mistakes as quickly as possible, as incomplete documents or processes may result in preventing someone’s release from jail. You will also be expected to learn how to read and review complex case files, to determine what needs to happen next, and help inform the judge of any anomalies before they make their ruling. You will use established guidelines and procedures to perform this work, and you will maintain confidentiality when required. It is important to note that criminal arraignments are a critical part of our justice system and have statutory and constitutional implications if they are not held in a timely manner. This makes it so the members of the criminal arraignment team are designated as essential and expected to report to work even if the courthouse has been closed. Most importantly, you will be part of our justice system that provides access to justice services to our community and ensures court cases are heard impartially and in a timely manner. Assigned tasks may be changed to accommodate workload and organizational needs.

Requirements

• At least three (3) years or more years of responsible experience in a moderately complex office or business setting involving the processing of financial, administrative, or legal documents.
• Possession of a High School diploma or equivalent.
• Any combination of education and experience equivalent to three (3) years of experience that typically supports the knowledge, skills, and abilities for the position.
• Experience using computers and multiple applications to enter and retrieve data and performing a variety of clerical or administrative support tasks in a dynamic business or professional setting.
• Experience providing customer service to people who are facing challenging life circumstances, highly stressful situations, trauma, or behavioral health issues.
• Experience maintaining accuracy and meeting deadlines despite frequent interruption or distracting surroundings.
• Experience maintaining tact and professionalism when handling or troubleshooting unexpected issues or events or complex questions, and to understand when to elevate an issue to a supervisor or manager.

Nice To Haves

• Resume preference: The hiring manager(s) for this position prefer (if able) a resume to be attached to your application instead of providing a work history.
• If you are unable to attach a resume, please add your work history to your Workday account.
• Attach your cover letter (not to exceed two pages) in the Resume / Cover Letter section of the application.
• The attached cover letter file should include your name (ex: Cover Letter – First Name Last Name).
• In the body of your cover letter, please include responses to each of the Requested Skills and Attributes listed below.
• Address the cover letter “To the Hiring Manager.”
• Do not use a generic cover letter; please personalize your cover letter for this position.
• Prepare your cover letter before starting your Workday application.
• Attach your updated resume in the Resume / Cover Letter section of the application.
• The attached resume file should include your name (ex: Resume – First Name Last Name).
• OR Complete the Job History/Work Experience portion of your Workday profile if you are not using an updated resume.
• Preferred format: PDF (.pdf, .tiff) or Microsoft Word (.docx)
• Acceptable format: Image (.jpg, .jpeg, .png) or Notepad (.txt)
• We are unable to accept: Apple (.pages), Google Docs (.gdoc), ZIP (.zip), and Microsoft Word ’97-2003 (.doc)
• Failure to follow these instructions may result in rejection of your application.
• All application materials will be evaluated for consistency of information, and your letter will be evaluated for grammar, spelling, punctuation, and language use in addition to demonstrated experience.
• The application deadline is 11:59 p.m. on the date listed above.
• OJD does not request or require your age, date of birth, or attendance or graduation dates from an educational institution during the application process.
• Eligible veterans and current or former servicemembers with the Oregon National Guard must attach the appropriate documentation after they receive an email in their Workday inbox requesting the information to verify eligibility.
• Visit the Oregon job opportunities Veterans, Disabled Veterans & State Servicemembers web page for additional details, information, and resources.

Responsibilities

• Complete live data entry in multiple case systems.
• Complete court paperwork.
• Communicate with other courtroom clerks as necessary.
• Answer questions and help court customers navigate the criminal justice system, informing them of the next steps in their case without giving legal advice, via telephone, email, and in-person.
• Accept and record documents filed with the court, reviewing for accuracy and completeness.
• Review own work product, ensuring nothing was missed and correcting any mistakes as quickly as possible.
• Learn how to read and review complex case files, to determine what needs to happen next, and help inform the judge of any anomalies before they make their ruling.
• Use established guidelines and procedures to perform this work.
• Maintain confidentiality when required.
• Report to work even if the courthouse has been closed, as members of the criminal arraignment team are designated as essential.

Benefits

• We pay 95% to 99% of medical insurance premiums for full-time employees including mental health coverage.
• 10 paid holidays, 2 floating holidays, 3 personal business days, separate sick and vacation paid leaves (prorated for part-time employees), and other employee benefits such as optional insurances and flexible spending plans.
• OJD will pay you a 5% allowance for bilingual skills (including ASL) if you can pass a skills test and are assigned to use those skills on the job!
• Potentially eligible for a 5% annual increase.
• Eligible for overtime compensation for hours worked in excess of 40 per work week.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED