Deputy Court Clerk - Magistrate I

Temporary, part-time (12 hours per week), non-benefited, on-call position with the Unified Judicial System, Fifth Judicial Circuit in Britton, SD.

About the role

This position assists with cases filed with the court clerk's office, including criminal, civil, traffic, and other cases from initial filing to final disposition. Duties involve developing and maintaining case files, assisting with scheduling and assigning hearings, supporting courtroom proceedings, and implementing procedures for monetary dispositions. The role also includes providing daily customer service to a wide variety of individuals and agencies, performing magistrate duties as assigned, and acting on behalf of the court clerk in their absence.

Responsibilities

• Maintaining case files for criminal, civil, traffic, and other cases from initial to final disposition in accordance with established procedures and designated timelines.
• Assisting in maintaining court calendars by scheduling hearings according to procedures.
• Providing customer service to diverse individuals by explaining court protocols and procedures to ensure accurate information is delivered.
• Assisting in courtrooms by:
  • Maintaining case files and minutes of proceedings.
  • Handling in-court exhibits.
  • Empaneling juries.
  • Recording proceedings.
  • Managing sound and video equipment.
  • Providing court interpretive services when needed to facilitate court processes.
• Performing clerk magistrate duties as assigned to assist the circuit court in disposing of civil actions and providing direct court contact for citizens.
• Performing other work as assigned.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED certificate.
• One year of general clerical experience, or an equivalent combination of related education and experience.
• Must be a citizen of the United States, a resident of South Dakota, and a voting resident within the circuit (SD Const. Art. V, Section 6).
• Successful completion of a criminal background investigation is required for employment.

Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• Court processes and procedures.
• Legal terminology.
• General office and bookkeeping practices.

Skills in:

• Time management.
• Organization.
• Customer service.

Ability to:

• Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Learn on the job using written manuals and from context.
• Listen and understand.
• Work independently.
• Recognize and defuse escalating situations with customers and staff.
• Use computers and related software systems proficiently.
• Multi-task and adapt quickly to change.
• Prioritize work activities to ensure the most important items are completed first.

Pay

$20.22 per hour.