Judicial Operations Clerk

Skagit County•Mount Vernon, WA

12h•Onsite

About The Position

The Judicial Operations Clerk supports Superior Court operations by managing and processing court records, maintaining a permanent and accessible record for the Court, parties, and public, and helping ensure timely execution of court directives. The Clerk’s office handles substantial daily public contact and is responsible for compliance with Washington State laws and state and local court rules and procedures. The position works with county offices, state agencies, law enforcement, court users, and court staff. It also serves as an Acceptance Agent for U.S. passports and requires annual training for that role. The position has no supervisory responsibilities. The stated starting pay is $29.28–$31.36 per hour, with placement at steps 1 through 3 based on qualifications. Increases are based on years of service with Skagit County, up to eight steps, with a stated top step of $37.25 per hour. The position is Range 12 of the Teamsters (Courts/Parks) salary schedule.

Requirements

Associate degree in criminal justice or paralegal studies, or completion of an accredited legal assistant program; qualifying combinations of training and experience may also provide the required qualifications.
Three years of legal clerical work, legal document or record processing, records management, or legal customer service experience is identified as preferred in the typical qualification path.
Knowledge of legal terminology and court procedures.
Knowledge of money-handling procedures.
Knowledge of standard clerical and office procedures, including grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
Knowledge of Microsoft Windows and Office applications.
Ability to use good judgment, logical thinking, and critical thinking.
Ability to follow verbal and written instructions and work quickly and accurately under pressure.
Ability to maintain honesty, integrity, and impartiality and handle confidential or privileged information.
Ability to communicate effectively and tactfully verbally and in writing.
Ability to be accountable, accurate, organized, and flexible.
Ability to work courteously with the public, other departments, and agencies.
Ability to exercise sound judgment and decision-making and work effectively in a multitasking environment.
Ability to work under pressure with disgruntled, aggressive, or anxious court users, including people experiencing substance-use disorders, crisis, or mental distress.
Valid Washington State driver's license.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of state laws and state and local court rules.
Knowledge of the functions and operations of the Superior Court, court proceedings, and legal terminology.
Knowledge of docketing, document retrieval, and accounting procedures.
Experience or familiarity with Odyssey Case Management System, Granicus, Laserfiche, and AV Capture.

Responsibilities

Set up new cases and events and process court documents and pleadings.
Prepare and issue high-liability documents, including arrest and search warrants, writs, judgments, commitments, protection orders, and letters testamentary and guardianship.
Prepare court calendars and manage digital records so files are documented and ready for court review.
Coordinate with county offices and state agencies to facilitate access to court processes and documents.
Create accounts receivable and receipt monies for fines, bail, penalty assessments, and fees; process end-of-day banking reports and balance funds.
Prepare court abstracts and felony conviction notices and send them to required state agencies.
Monitor cases for dismissal and compliance with court orders, and prepare dismissal notices.
Track and maintain copy requests and determine whether documents are public, confidential, restricted, or sealed.
Conduct court-record searches, disseminate records, and process statutory fees.
Provide prompt customer service at the counter and by phone, including case-status information and guidance on court processes, forms, and rules.
Apply courtroom protocol and manage minutes, exhibits, depositions, and courtroom procedures for hearings and bench and jury trials across case categories.
Secure and manage trial exhibits in accordance with applicable statutes and court rules, including marking, handling high-risk or contaminated and sealed exhibits, preparing exhibit lists, storage, substitution, and destruction.
Operate and store court audio recordings.
Prepare, issue, and enter warrants and protection orders in the statewide Superior Court computer database, and send documents to law enforcement for timely entry and processing.
Assist in developing, recommending, and implementing technical procedures and policies for Deputy Clerks, and draft in-house forms, documents, and court orders in coordination with the Chief Deputy.
Collaborate on and resolve unusual questions and situations, and assist coworkers with complex matters.
Serve as a Department of State passport Acceptance Agent and complete required annual training.
Assist with training coworkers and perform other assigned duties.