Bailiff - Juvenile Circuit Court

Department: Tenth Division Circuit Court • FLSA Status: Personal Staff not subject to FLSA • Safety-Sensitive Position: Random drug/alcohol testing required

About the role

Maintains safety, security, and order in the courtroom; assists with security in other areas of the court building; performs administrative functions; and facilitates the administration of justice via the Judge’s orders. Certain duties vary by case type and court.

Responsibilities

• Inspects offices and courtroom each morning for safety or security concerns; secures public entry doors each afternoon.
• Prepares the courtroom for hearings or trials: fills water pitchers, cleans table surfaces, positions and tests microphones and equipment.
• Prepares and maintains courthouse security incident reports.
• Assists the public and attorneys with case scheduling, ensuring witnesses and litigants appear in the proper court.
• Serves court orders, notices, warrants, and subpoenas on parties and witnesses as needed.
• Confirms disposition and dismissal for failure-to-appear orders in domestic matters; verifies with OCSE and law enforcement the recall of pickup orders, warrants, and case dismissals.
• Prepares transport orders for detainees in Criminal, Contempt, Non-Support, and OCSE cases; verifies receipt by the Pulaski County Detention Facility Liaison Office.
• Escorts prisoners or detainees to and from courthouse lockup, State Hospital holding area, or probation office; supervises detainees in the courtroom.
• Escorts parties, witnesses, and others from the lobby to the courtroom for hearings.
• Prepares orders at the Judge’s direction, obtains signatures, and serves them to involved parties.
• Advises courtroom attendees of rules (e.g., no cell phones, talking) and monitors compliance; corrects disruptive behavior.
• Monitors interactions among litigants, witnesses, and the public to maintain order; makes arrests, administers drug tests, and conducts searches when warranted.
• Attends security officers meetings and Arkansas Court Security Officer Association meetings; reports security concerns to the Circuit Judge.
• Acts as a liaison with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies on security issues.
• Plans and prepares for jury trials: advises the Circuit Clerk Administrator on juror summons needs, schedules orientation, and ensures timely mailing.
• Reviews juror summonses for accuracy and revises as needed.
• Conducts juror orientation, explains procedures, and ensures completion of questionnaires.
• Reviews and approves requests to be excused from jury duty; refers complex cases to the Judge and maintains records.
• Enters and maintains juror information in the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) juror management database.
• Administers and supervises jury panels, educating jurors on their responsibilities and addressing special needs or emergencies.
• Reviews the number of prospective jurors with the trial judge to ensure sufficient attendance for trials.
• Serves as liaison between the court and jurors from orientation through completion of their terms.
• Announces the opening of court, calls witnesses, operates courtroom presentation equipment, and maintains order.
• Escorts witnesses and prisoners for drug and handwriting testing.
• Maintains case logs and sets cases on the docket as directed by the Judge.
• Assists staff during high-volume periods or emergencies; responds to panic button calls in the Courthouse and Administration Building.
• Attends training to maintain law enforcement and court security officer certification.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Circuit Judge.

Requirements

• Completion of high school or GED equivalency.
• At least one year of work experience in law enforcement or a related position; or an equivalent combination of experience and training.
• Employment contingent on successful completion of a criminal background check, child maltreatment check, and CLEST physical and psychological exam.
• Must obtain CLEST certification within one year of employment.
• Must obtain Court Security Officer (CSO) certification by the Administrative Office of the Courts within one year of employment.
• Regular and reliable attendance is required.

Skills

• Considerable knowledge of Circuit Court proceedings and related office support.
• Considerable knowledge of statutes, ordinances, and regulations governing courtroom safety and security.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public, attorneys, coworkers, and law enforcement agencies.
• Ability to maintain detailed record-keeping systems.
• Ability to analyze emergency situations and exercise sound judgment in response.
• Skill in operating and maintaining firearms.
• Skill in using Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat, Court Connect, and other court docket databases.
• Visual acuity for courtroom inspection, environmental observation, and computer use.
• Digital dexterity for writing, keyboard operation, and firearm use.
• Ability to communicate effectively in person, by telephone, and via radio equipment.
• Ability to restrain prisoners and escort them safely during court sessions.
• Ability to work in a constant state of alertness and maintain safety.
• Ability to concentrate for extended periods.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficiency with the Spanish language.
• ACIC/NCIC certification.

Working Conditions

• Work performed in a smoking-restricted office environment.
• Exposure to potentially dangerous and hazardous situations; constant observation and vigilance required.
• May be assigned to other divisions for heightened security, increased public attendance, or officer absences.
• Must attend court in Perry County and the State Hospital as necessary.