Courtroom Clerk

Location: Circuit Court for Carroll County, Westminster, Maryland

Salary: $58,398

About the role

The Courtroom Clerk provides assistance in the courtroom for the Carroll County Circuit Court, supporting judicial proceedings and maintaining accurate records.

Responsibilities

• Assist with jury selection, administer oaths, and keep accurate records of court proceedings
• Mark and log exhibits received in the courtroom
• Issue orders, hearing notices, commitments, probation orders, and other necessary paperwork for sentencing
• Process pleadings and court orders for case files and in MDEC; establish new cases
• Assist the public by phone and in person
• Maintain records of court proceedings for civil, criminal, juvenile, and family cases
• Input data and update court files in accordance with court rulings
• Prepare probation forms, restitution forms, community service forms, deferred payment forms, judgement sheets, commitments, and releases
• Assemble and forward completed court paperwork to appropriate agencies
• Enter case dispositions, judgements, postponements, fines, and costs into the court's case management system
• Communicate with Assignment Office, Detention Center personnel, and other outside agencies as needed
• Assist with other clerical functions when not assigned to the courtroom

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED equivalent
• Two years of work experience, including one year in court operations, criminal justice, parole and probation, legal, or financial services
• Substitution options:
  • Bachelor’s Degree may substitute for required work experience
  • Paralegal/Associate’s Degree or 60 college credits may substitute for required work experience
  • Paralegal Certificate may substitute for required work experience

Knowledge

• Court forms, practices, procedures, protocols, systems, and equipment
• Legal terminology and court procedures
• Judicial policies, procedures, and forms
• Basic English and arithmetic (spelling, punctuation, addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division)

Skills

• Operation of recording equipment, computer terminals, and related software
• Typing on a personal computer
• Managing priorities to meet critical deadlines while multitasking
• Proficiency in:
  • Odyssey File & Serve
  • Odyssey Case Management System
  • Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook

Abilities

• Acquire knowledge of Maryland Judiciary procedures, rules, practices, regulations, and jurisdictional courts
• Make work decisions in accordance with laws, regulations, rules, and Judiciary policies
• Apply job-related terminology, policies, and procedures to define problems and provide information
• Communicate clearly and tactfully with judges, the public, police agencies, attorneys, and court personnel
• Follow procedures, verbal and written instructions, and protocols
• Multitask, adjust to situations quickly, and handle pressure in a fast-paced environment
• Work within time constraints and meet fixed deadlines
• Handle sensitive or difficult situations requiring discretion and confidentiality
• Understand and carry out complex verbal and written instructions
• Pay attention to detail
• Exercise tact, diplomacy, and impartiality in dealing with the public and legal professionals
• Use and maintain alphabetical and numerical filing systems
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships
• Work overtime as needed for court proceedings

Physical Requirements

• Light work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds frequently

Equipment and Tools

• Personal computer, calculator, printer, copier, FAX machine, scanner, television, DVD player, mail machine, and telephone

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off and holidays
• Tuition assistance and continuing education programs
• Employee assistance programs
• State Retirement and Pension plans