Courtroom Clerk

Openings in Silver Spring, MD & Rockville, MD – 8552 2nd Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20910 and 191 E. Jefferson Street, Rockville, MD 20850.

About the role

The Courtroom Clerk performs experienced clerical work within a courtroom, including preparing the assigned courtroom for the day; assisting the judge with the docket; operating the recording system; preparing paperwork for signatures; and entering the judge’s findings in the case management system for Montgomery County District Court.

Responsibilities

• Prepares the courtroom for the day’s scheduled trials by placing the docket, all necessary paperwork, and case files on the judge’s bench.
• Administers oaths to witnesses and interpreters; takes notes and generates necessary paperwork in accordance with the rulings of the courts.
• Updates all court files to include civil, criminal, and family cases and inputs data as needed to complete court files.
• Ensures that proceedings of court activity are recorded in a clear, concise, and legible manner to be used for permanent docket.
• Tests all courtroom equipment for proper operation.
• Ensures that all parties are present and in the courtroom prior to calling the judge into the courtroom.
• Calculates all court costs and fees and issues bills.
• Enters case dispositions, judgements, postponements, fines, and costs ordered by the judge into the court’s case management system.
• Records and enters key points for records of each case.
• Generates and reviews paperwork for each case before giving to the judge for signature.
• Prepares all necessary paperwork, such as probation forms, restitution forms, fingerprint forms, community service forms, deferred payment forms, judgement sheets, commitments, and releases.
• Assembles and forwards paperwork completed during court to the appropriate agency (Parole and Probation, Detention Centers, Law Enforcement Agencies, and/or Sheriff’s Office – depending on the action required).
• Generates and verifies end-of-session reports for bail reviews.
• Reviews case files for accuracy, completeness, and required signatures.
• Records judge’s bench time on proper form.
• Provides administrative assistance to Judges and Commissioners, as required.
• Assists with other clerical functions when not assigned to the courtroom.
• May require unscheduled overtime, as needed.

Requirements

Education: High school diploma (or GED equivalent).

Experience: Two (2) years of work experience, to include one (1) year in court operations or in the fields of criminal justice, parole and probation, legal or financial services.

Note: A Bachelor’s Degree may substitute the required work experience. A Paralegal/Associate’s Degree or 60 college credits may substitute the required work experience. A Paralegal Certificate may substitute the required work experience.

Skills

• Knowledge of court forms, practices, procedures, protocols, systems, and equipment required to support the specialized work of the assigned unit(s).
• Legal terminology and court procedures.
• Judicial policies, procedures, and forms.
• Basic English and arithmetic to include, but not limited to, spelling, punctuation, addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
• Operation of recording equipment, computer terminals, and related software.
• Typing on a personal computer.
• Managing priorities to meet critical deadlines while multitasking.
• Ability to acquire knowledge of Maryland Judiciary procedures, rules, practices, regulations, and jurisdictional courts.
• Make work decisions in accordance with laws, regulations, rules, and Judiciary policies and procedures.
• Apply job-related terminology, policies, procedures, regulations, and laws to define problems, collect data, establish facts, record data, appropriately complete forms, and provide information to customers.
• Communicate clearly, tactfully, and effectively with judges, the public, police agencies, attorneys, and other court officials and personnel, both verbally and in writing.
• Follow procedures, verbal and written instructions, and protocols for any given assignment.
• Multitask, adjust to situations quickly, set priorities, and handle pressure in a fast-paced environment.
• Work within time constraints, meet fixed deadlines, and demonstrate good organizational skills.
• 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, law enforcement personnel, and attorneys.
• Use and maintain alphabetical and numerical filing systems.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, superiors, and/or the general public.

Physical Requirements

Light work. Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. If the use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than that for sedentary work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated for light work.

Equipment, Machinery, and Tools

• Various personal computers
• Calculators
• Cash register
• Vital check machine
• Fax machines
• Pitney Bowes postage machine
• Printers
• Photocopier
• Validators
• Phone system

Software and Computer Skills

• CourtSmart operational practices and systems
• Microsoft Office Suite (WordPerfect, Outlook, Word, Excel)
• DV Courtroom, Wizard, and Office Clerks Assistant
• Central Clerk, Civil Label, and Civil Assistant
• MDEC, Odyssey, and File & Serve

Pay

$51,079 per year.

Benefits

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

Schedule

Full-time. Non-exempt (FLSA status).