Judiciary Clerk

Location: Wicomico County District Court, 201 Baptist Street, Salisbury, MD 21801

Salary: $51,079

About the Role

This is an entry-level clerical position performing case processing duties and responsibilities daily which may entail a high volume of data entry work for civil court cases. The Judiciary Clerk provides accurate information and efficient customer service to the public and other agencies in all areas of the District Court of Maryland.

Responsibilities

• Complete processing of all filings in the Civil department including but not limited to new suits, renewals, writs, garnishments, oral exams, show causes, domestic violence, peace orders, and emergency evaluations.
• Work reports including 3-507 and expired judgments.
• Prepare dockets for the courtrooms.
• Operate a computer to complete data entry of all phases of civil processes and procedures including domestic violence and peace orders.
• Monitor File & Serve and task manager throughout the day.
• Batch scan files as necessary.
• Order any needed files from the warehouse or archives.
• Strip paper files as needed.
• Answer the telephone and assist the public and justice partners at the counter with civil inquiries as well as other generally related court questions.
• Utilize problem-solving techniques to resolve questions and/or issues that may arise.
• Receive, open, and sort incoming mail.
• Perform cashier, backup cashier, and DV clerk duties as needed.
• Provide backup for other civil clerks in times of staffing shortages.
• Accept, process, and send out for service landlord-tenant filings. Filings may be filed over the counter or electronically. Manual cases filed over the counter must be entered into Odyssey as a new case filing.
• Enter landlord-tenant service into Odyssey once returned.
• Perform any additional duties or assignments as assigned by Supervisor, County Clerk, Administrative, and/or Lead Courtroom Clerk.

Requirements

• High school diploma (or GED equivalent).
• One (1) year of work experience, preferably in court operations or in the fields of criminal justice, parole and probation, legal, or financial services.
• 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 general office practices, procedures, and equipment.
• Knowledge of standard legal forms and documents used in the Judiciary.
• Basic English and arithmetic to include, but not limited to, spelling, punctuation, addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
• Customer service and handling problems tactfully and patiently.
• Typing on a personal computer with accuracy and attention to detail.
• Use of standard office and business equipment including personal computers, word processing, spreadsheets, database software, copier, microfilm machine, register, scanner, fax machine, etc.
• Use and maintenance of alphabetical and numerical filing systems.
• Understanding of District Court civil procedures, forms, and documents.
• Clear, tactful, and effective communication with judges, the public, police agencies, attorneys, and other court officials and personnel, both verbally and in writing.
• Understanding and abiding by departmental rules, regulations, and procedures.
• Maintaining respectful, effective, and harmonious working relationships with office staff.
• Organization and efficiency to prioritize work.
• Following procedures, verbal and written instructions, and protocols for any given assignment.
• Exercising tact, diplomacy, and impartiality in dealing with the public, law enforcement personnel, and attorneys.
• Exercising independent judgment in interpreting and applying appropriate policy, procedure, rule, law, and/or regulation to a situation.
• Consistently producing the volume of work assigned under normal circumstances.
• Working through minor problems without seeking supervisory assistance.
• Compliance with Judiciary policies and punctuality for work.
• Accepting changes and adjustments to work assignments as necessary.
• Learning other areas of court work (cross-training) and assisting where needed.
• Multi-tasking in a high-pressure working environment and adjusting work priorities as needed.
• Flexibility to work overtime if needed.
• Working with the primary cashier, supervisor, and accounting clerk in resolving any problems or issues with cash register operations.

Physical Requirements

• 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

• Personal computer for data entry, emails, research information, and producing documents.
• Scanner to scan documents to events in the case.

Software and Computer Skills

• Odyssey
• DV Office
• Case Search
• Connect
• Microsoft Office Suite
• Task Manager
• File & Serve
• Outlook

Benefits

• Generous benefit package including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• Paid time off and paid holidays.
• Tuition assistance and continuing education programs.
• Employee assistance programs.
• State Retirement and Pension plans.
• Telework, up to 2 days per week, may also be available (eligibility based on job functions and approval of the Administrative Head).