Deputy Register in Probate/Juvenile Court Clerk

Responsibilities

• Maintain functional operational knowledge and full backup capability across both Probate and Juvenile Court operations to ensure seamless court functionality during absences, high volume periods, or staff rotation.
• Serve as court clerk during probate and juvenile court hearings; maintain detailed court records and minutes, mark and manage exhibits, swear in witnesses, and record proceedings.
• Assist pro se litigants, attorneys, agencies, and the public with procedural filings (e.g., juvenile guardianship, CHIPS, juvenile injunctions, probate matters) while strictly adhering to rules prohibiting unauthorized legal advice.
• Process invoices, collect fees, forfeitures, bail, and restitution payments, and issue official receipts in compliance with county accounting procedures.
• Assist with scheduling court interpreters and appoint indigent counsel or Guardians ad Litem (GAL) at the direction of the court pursuant to Wisconsin Statutes.
• Maintain strict confidentiality regarding all sealed, juvenile, adoption, and protected court records and proceedings.
• Electronically record, file, and process all formal and informal probate proceedings, guardianships, conservatorships, trusts, and state required documents.
• Maintain custody and official records of original wills admitted to probate or deposited for safekeeping.
• Provide primary or backup administrative processing for Chapter 51 commitments in coordination with the Office of Corporation Counsel. Conduct record and genealogical searches.
• Electronically file and maintain official juvenile court records, including Children in Need of Protection or Services (CHIPS), Juvenile Justice, and Termination of Parental Rights (TPR) cases.
• Draft, process, and issue court notices, summonses, judicial orders, and juvenile injunctions in compliance with statutory timeframes.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent (GED); plus one year of relevant legal, court, or office administrative experience; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience providing the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Knowledge of legal terminology, court procedures, and Wisconsin Statutes governing probate and juvenile court matters.
• Ability to exercise high discretion and maintain confidentiality of judicial proceedings.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to prioritize tasks, meet strict statutory deadlines, and work with minimal supervision.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with judges, attorneys, law enforcement, county staff, and the public.
• Proficiency with the Consolidated Court Automation Programs (CCAP) software and Wisconsin eFiling system (or ability to learn rapidly).
• Working knowledge of Windows and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Physical Demands: Frequently required to sit, stand, and walk. Occasionally required to reach with hands and arms, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Occasionally required to lift and move court files or supplies weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Work Environment: Normal office working environment with minimal discomfort from temperature, dust, or noise.

Pay

21.69-26.03 Hourly Wage