DOR - Sessions Clerk I

About the role

The DOR - Sessions Clerk I position is a union position in the Probate and Family Court Department. New hires must start at the entry level rate for this role per the collective bargaining agreement/MOA with OPEIU, Local 6. Starting pay is $69,397.90, which may advance within the salary band according to the CBA/MOU.

Responsibilities

• Facilitates hearings and provides support to an assigned judge in a courtroom setting.
• Manages court sessions, calls lists, and manages technical issues in the courtroom, such as setting up virtual meeting calls, hybrid calls, and operating court recording software.
• Schedules assigned judge, attorneys, and appropriate parties.
• Pulls and prepares case lists and files for next day’s session.
• Reviews documents for compliance with law and judicial approval and summarizes files and case history for a judge ahead of hearings.
• Reviews filings from attorneys and pro se litigants and informs on court procedure and compliance.
• Covers court procedures and rules for attorneys, litigants, court users, and other agencies.
• Administers oaths and bail warnings.
• Ensures that all court and case files and court decisions are appropriately documented and distributed.
• May review and distribute court recordings.
• Case processing may be done using an electronic filing and/or case management system.
• Serves as an point of contact between attorneys, the public, other agencies, and the Court.
• Assists the public, litigants, and attorneys concerning court schedules or court functions, rules, or practices.
• Coordinates and assists attorneys, litigants, court users, and other agencies with court procedures.
• Acts as the interpreter liaison for the assigned court and requests interpreters through the OLA interface or Mass Commission for Deaf and Hard of Hearing.
• Manages and responds to telephone and email inquiries from the public, attorneys, and other agencies on current/future hearings, court procedures, and clarification on orders.
• Conferences with judge, AJCM, Clerk, Register, and Probation Staff on administrative issues, pleadings, maintenance of records and documents, including preparing and drafting orders and judgments.
• Performs independent administrative review of pleadings, as necessary.
• Ensures compliance with court orders regarding submission of documents after the hearing.
• Coordinates with the Security Department/Court Officers concerning security issues, detainees, restrain and harassment orders, and facilitates the restricting of access to the courtroom for confidential proceedings.
• Participates in training of other staff.
• May be required to travel to different courts.
• Distributes case files to the appropriate personnel for further processing.

Qualifications

• Education and Experience: High School diploma or G.E.D. equivalent.
• Five (5) years of related work experience.

Skills

• Modern office equipment and technology, including computers and applicable software.
• Departmental and court policies and procedures.
• MassCourts, videoconfering software, . Judge and Court schedules.
• State statutes, regulations, court rules, and civil/criminal procedure.
• Recording system (For the Record).
• Legal documents and terminology.
• Organization and time management.
• Attention to detail.
• Data entry.
• Maintaining interpersonal relationships.
• Conflict Resolution.
• Multi-tasking.

Benefits

This position does not offer benefits.

Pay

Starting Pay: $69,397.90

Salary Range: 16S Entry Level Pay $69,397.90 to Pay Range Maximum $102,281.40

Pay Notes: This position is designated as a Union position. All new hires must start at the entry level rate for this role per the collective bargaining agreement/MOA with OPEIU, Local 6. Pay may advance within the salary band according to the CBA/MOU.

Schedule

Work is frequently performed in office or similar indoor environments.

Applied Knowledge

Demonstrates knowledge of all courtroom policies and procedures and demonstrated ability to help during any court session.

Problem Solving

Accurately assesses service and programmatic related problems in the Trial Court and recommends and facilitates appropriate solutions.

Commitment to Diversity

Promotes an environment of diversity through understanding, respect, and positive communication with persons of varied racial, ethnic, economic, and cultural backgrounds.

Collaboration

Works with others cooperatively, and promotes teamwork, contributing to a work environment that focuses on shared departmental goals.