CLERK'S JUD PROCEEDINGS SPEC - Thurston County, WA : Job Details

The salary for this position is $4,317 - $5,742 monthly.

The Thurston County Clerk's Office is seeking professional and reliable candidates to fill their Clerk's Judicial Proceedings Specialist position to join our team. This is a great opportunity for those with legal experience to begin their career in the court system, work in a fast-paced environment, and receive great benefits.

Pursuant to statutory requirements, this position serves at the direction of the County Clerk and is present at all judicial proceedings to create an accurate, permanent record of court decisions. Coordinates jury trials, administers oaths, oversees exhibits, and prepares/processes orders of the court. Performs a variety of technical duties for court processes.

Essential functions may include, but are not limited to, the following:

* Coordinates jury trials manages, identifies and marks exhibits, identifies and verifies juror presence, maintains jury panel and seating list, administers oath, prepares/maintains witness record, and distributes jury instructions. On-call duty for immediate notification of jury questions or verdict and notification of appropriate personnel.

* Interprets, summarizes and reports decisions of Judicial Officer maintaining accurate record of proceedings and trial court time. Monitors case disposition for compliance with court orders.

* Attends off-site, specialized judicial proceedings at a secure facility.

* Reviews petitions, applications, affidavits, oaths and court orders prior to issuance of writs, subpoenas, letters testamentary and arrest warrants verifying the accuracy and completeness of legal documents. Identifies inconsistency with statutes and provides technical information for compliance. May restrict access as ordered by the court or mandated by statute.

* Manages complex system for clerk's dismissals, exhibit tracking, administrative law review cases (receipt and return) and dismissal and remand of lower court appeals.

* Prepares dismissal calendar and pleadings, notifies all parties and responds to inquiries.

* Analyzes and completes judicial process for notices of appeal and discretionary reviews to Court of Appeals/Supreme Court. Maintains system to ensure compliance with strict timelines. Prioritizes work accordingly to prevent liability to the County.

* Prepares, indexes and transmits designations, exhibits and records to Court of Appeals and Supreme Court. Verifies, evaluates and updates case status on statewide system for higher court mandates and court decisions. Notifies lower court and processes file for return if required. Prepares pleadings and other legal documents for appellate courts and corresponds with attorneys of record regarding transmittal of court reporter transcripts, notices, designations, and all other appeal-related documents.

* Performs technical review of administrative law review records, transcripts, and exhibits from state agencies to ensure compliance with local court rules and office policies. Approves documents for filing and/or requests additional information. Explains detailed statutory requirements to agency regarding errors in record. Organizes and logs into specialized barcode system. After case completion, returns record to agency of origin.

* Verifies receipt of financial obligations, court fines, bail, penalty assessments and fees according to established court procedures.

* Expedites documents for court hearings and ensures review by Judicial Officer following established procedures/guidelines. Determines process for coordination of emergency orders needing presentation before the court. Maintains calendar system to ensure compliance with timelines as set forth in governmental procedures.

* Prepares/creates document image on sophisticated imaging system and specialized equipment, validating essential information and ensuring integrity of record.

* Operates word processing equipment and assists in adapting computer programs for office functions and performing data entry. Verifies, evaluates and updates case status on statewide indexing and person database systems; conducts complex record searches.

* Provides assistance and detailed information to County staff, other agencies, or the public regarding court procedures and case processing; researches department files and court records; initiates correspondence responding to court-related inquiry or requested information. Provides resources and referrals to community services.

* Evaluates customer's need for domestic violence, harassment and/or restraining orders.

* Certifies and exemplifies court documents as authorized by the County Clerk.

* Researches, processes necessary legal paperwork, and publishes legal notices.

* Performs technical review of records, transcripts and exhibits from state agencies to ensure compliance with local court rules.

* Serves as an agent for the Federal Passport Agency. Assists in completing forms and clarifies related procedures/regulations using established requirements. Administers Oath and identifies possible fraud in passport applications.

* Maintains accurate record of proceedings and trial court time. Compiles and enters statistical information into statewide system. Prepares reports for state and federal grants.

* Schedules and calendars special hearings before judges in response to inquiries from attorneys or public. May schedule telephonic hearings and interpreter services as needed.

* May assume duties of the unit supervisor in his/her absence.

Working Conditions:

Work is performed primarily in an office or courtroom environment. A physical hazard may occur from agitated members of the public and dangerous or hazardous exhibits.

Thurston County values the diversity of the people it hires and serves. Inclusion to us means fostering a workplace in which individual differences are recognized, appreciated, and responded to in ways that fully develop and utilize each person's talents and strengths. We are dedicated to recruiting and developing a talented workforce from various cultures, lifestyles, backgrounds, and perspectives who are committed to our vision and core values. Thurston County Racial Equity and Inclusion Webpage.

What we offer our employees:

* Work-Life Balance: We are committed to ensure that our staff experience the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individuals' lifestyle.

* Plan For Your Future: As a member of our team, you will enjoy great employee benefits, including a retirement plan, pre-tax savings accounts, as well as comprehensive health care and dental/vision care for you and your family. Please visit Thurston County Employee Benefit Plans for more information.

* Paid Leave: Full-time regular employees earn paid vacation in addition to paid holidays.

* Robust Training Program: Employees are encouraged to attend County paid training to help them further their career, learn new skill sets, and stay on top of emerging trends in our industry. We also encourage our staff to participate in professional organizations and attend conferences.

* Flexible Work Schedules: Some of the options that employees may take advantage of include alternative or compressed schedules and/or remote working.

* Deferred Compensation: The County offers 3 voluntary deferred compensation plans for employees who would like to set aside additional deferred tax dollars into a retirement savings plan.

* Flexible Spending Account (FSA): Employees can take advantage of Section 125 flexible spending accounts for out-of-pocket health care and daycare expenses with pre-tax dollars.

* Public Service Loan Forgiveness: This is a federal program which allows full-time public service employees who have made 120 qualifying payments for certain loans, to get their student loans repaid. Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

Why you'll love it here: Thurston County is located between Seattle and Portland in Western Washington's South Puget Sound Region. Perched in between the mountains and the ocean, the area boasts the perfect blend of year-round outdoor activities including boating, hiking, skiing, and more. The region is also home to the state capitol city of Olympia, known for its many restaurants, microbreweries, coffee shops, farmer's markets, kids' activities, history, and art events. Discover more about life in Thurston County at Experienceolympia.com.

Qualifications:

* Associate of Arts degree in paralegal studies or other related field.

* Four years of progressively responsible office experience in a legal or court environment. Additional experience may be substituted for education on a year for year basis.

* Ability to type 55 wpm and utilize a personal computer and related software packages to perform word processing, analysis, information retrieval and tracking.

* Washington State Driver's License.

Desired Skills:

* Completion of an accredited legal assistant or paralegal program.

Other related recruitment information:

Questions about this recruitment? Please contact Edison M. Herron, Chief Deputy Clerk, 360-###-#### or 360-###-####.

This position is:

* Represented by a Union

* Eligible for benefits

* Eligible for overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)

* Contingent upon passing a background check

Items requested for consideration:

* Application

* Resume

* Letter of Interest

PLEASE NOTE: Information in this announcement is subject to change without notice at any time during the length of the job advertisement.

THURSTON COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:

Thurston County is committed to provide equal opportunity to all persons seeking or having access to its employment, services and activities, which is free from restriction based on race, sex, marital status, color, creed or religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, including gender expression or identity, pregnancy, status as an honorably discharged veteran or military status, genetic information, or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability, unless based upon bona fide occupational qualifications. Applicants with disabilities who need accommodation with the application or selection process should contact Thurston County's Human Resources, at (360) ###-####. Those who are deaf, deaf-blind, hard of hearing or speech impaired may use the statewide relay system to reach Thurston County offices and departments to conduct their business telephonically. Relay users can simply dial 7-1-1 (or 1-800-###-####) to connect with Washington Relay.