Magistrate's Bailiff

City of Columbus Careers•Columbus, OH

8d•Onsite

About The Position

The Franklin County Municipal Court is seeking a Magistrate's Bailiff to provide case, docket, and courtroom management to a magistrate. This role involves assisting the assigned magistrate, primarily Magistrate Danielle Sparks, with their dockets, which include evictions, traffic arraignments, trusteeships, rent escrows, garnishment appeals, parking violation appeals, and license suspensions. The bailiff will also coordinate courtroom activity, monitor recording equipment, maintain records, provide clerical support, and facilitate efficient docket flow. Additionally, the bailiff will act as a liaison between various parties, ensure necessary court materials are in place, secure case files and exhibits, review case files, provide case management, prepare documentation for civil proceedings, assist with Small Claims cases, and potentially assist in the Duty Room or Arraignment Courtrooms. The position may also involve performing other assigned tasks or being assigned to other departments within the Court.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Some knowledge of legal terminology, court procedures, and the flow of documents throughout the Court and the Clerk's Office.
Highly organized, detail-oriented, produce accurate work, and able to multitask and function efficiently in a high-volume, high-stress environment.
Ability to read and copy records precisely; arrange items in alphabetical or numeric order; assess questions and provide information; sort items into categories according to established methods; complete routine forms; and lift to 20 pounds.
Knowledge of common office practices, procedures, and equipment.
Proficiency in operating a personal computer and using, or being able to learn, Microsoft Office products such as Word, Outlook, and Excel, and a case management system.
Ability to effectively and professionally communicate verbally and in writing in English to diverse audiences.
Pleasant personality and ability to interact and maintain effective working relationships with judges, employees, and others conducting business with the Court.
Courts are sensitive to the diversity within their communities and regularly interact professionally with a diverse population from many geographic, socioeconomic, religious, racial, and ethnic backgrounds.
Professional appearance and demeanor appropriate for the position and the work environment expected of a representative of the Court.
Demonstrated dependability, reliability, and excellent attendance record.
Patience, objectivity, maturity, effectiveness under stress, initiative, and adaptability.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with court systems, procedures, and terminology.
Prior work experience in a court or legal environment.
Fluency in a second language is a plus, particularly Spanish, American Sign Language, or a language commonly used by Somalis for whom English is a second language.
Previous experience in a court system or legal environment.
Knowledge of the functions and locations of other courts and government agencies.
Experience reading and working with the public.
The ability to speak and write Spanish or a language commonly used by the people of Somalia for whom English is a second language.
Proficiency in American Sign Language (ASL).

Responsibilities

Assist the magistrate in handling their dockets, including evictions, traffic arraignments, trusteeships, rent escrows, garnishment appeals, parking violation appeals, and license suspensions.
Coordinate courtroom activity; monitor audio and video recording equipment; maintain necessary records; provide clerical support; and facilitate efficient docket flow in the courtroom to which the bailiff is assigned.
Act as liaison between the magistrates, attorneys, parties, Court and Clerk employees, law enforcement officers, criminal justice agencies, litigants, and the public.
Ensure that all files, forms, and materials necessary for the efficient operation of the courtroom are in place, and secure case files, records, exhibits, and the courtroom.
Review case files, provide case management, and prepare documentation for entries in various types of civil proceedings.
Assist the magistrate in handling the magistrates' individually assigned Small Claims cases.
Assist in the Duty Room or Arraignment Courtrooms as needed.
Perform other tasks assigned and may be assigned to other positions in other departments of the Court if required.

Benefits

Medical insurance
Prescription insurance
Vision insurance
Dental insurance
Life insurance
Short-term disability
Generous vacation leave
Sick leave
Personal leave
11 paid holidays
Longevity service payments
Sick-leave reciprocity
Employee assistance program
Deferred-compensation programs
Tuition reimbursement
Credit-union membership
Ohio Public Employees Retirement System (OPERS) which provides retirement, disability, and survivor benefits