Probate Clerk

Hiring Agency: Supreme Court - Agency 5
Location: Papillion, NE

About the role

This classification level performs a variety of high-level support/clerical tasks that require exceptional attention to detail of work processes to promote effective and expeditious decision-making by the appropriate authority for wills, special administrations, estates, guardianships, and conservatorships. Responsible for the review and acceptance of electronic and over-the-counter filings for permanent record, case assignment, file assembly, and entry of case information into court software. Monitors and reviews case progression for timeline compliance. Prepares notices and correspondence for probate hearings, as well as additional correspondence as instructed by Judges and/or Judicial Administrator/Clerk Magistrate. Performs other clerical tasks such as answering phones, processing mail, receipting money, and general office duties.

Responsibilities

• Provides customer service to internal and external customers, including answering phones, greeting walk-in visitors, responding to information requests, and answering routine questions.
• Performs clerical tasks such as reviewing and accepting electronic and over-the-counter filings; collecting fees and payments; processing, sorting, filing, and distributing correspondence, mail, and documents.
• Enters information into court databases and computerized systems to maintain records and process court motions/filings.
• Receives and processes probate filings (estates, wills, special administrations, guardianships, conservatorships) with exceptional attention to detail to ensure effective and expeditious decision-making.
• Prepares, records, and maintains information, verifying filings for accuracy and ensuring corrections are completed.
• Performs other duties of a similar nature or level as assigned.

Requirements

• Associate degree in a related field or High School Diploma/G.E.D. combined with 4 years of related experience.
• An equivalent combination of relevant education and experience may also be considered.
• All educational credits must be granted from an accredited institution approved by the U.S. Department of Education.

Knowledge

• Customer service principles.
• Computers and related software applications.
• Federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations.
• Office procedures, methods, and equipment.
• Data entry techniques.
• Criminal history information.
• Probate Court functions, operations, and related statutes, rules, and regulations.

Skills

• Providing customer service.
• Maintaining records.
• Performing data entry.
• Operating standard office equipment.
• Using computers and related software applications.
• Reviewing reports for accuracy.
• Reading and comprehending departmental rules, regulations, procedures, and instructions.
• Communication and interpersonal skills for interacting with coworkers, supervisors, and the public.

Physical Requirements

Positions in this class involve primarily sedentary work, although some slight physical effort may be required (not to exceed 20 lbs).

Pay

• Starting Salary: $38,878.81 annually ($18.692/hour).
• Immediate Growth: Earn a 2.5% pay increase after successfully completing your probation period (if starting at the hiring rate).
• Starting Rate Flexibility: Higher starting pay may be considered based on education and experience, subject to final management approval. Candidates approved to start above the hiring rate (at or above the minimum permanent rate) are not eligible for the 2.5% post-probation increase.
• Future Increases: Annual cost-of-living adjustments (applied on July 1) are subject to State Legislature approval.

Benefits

Health & Wellness

• 79% employer-paid health and prescription insurance.
• Dental and vision insurance plans available for purchase.
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability available for purchase.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for confidential support.
• Flex Spending (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA).

Financial Security

• 156% state-matched contribution of the first 4.8% to the retirement plan.
• Free $20,000 life insurance policy.
• Optional Life Insurance and AD&D available for purchase.

Paid Time Off & Leave

• 13 paid holidays annually.
• Paid vacation and sick leave that begin accruing immediately.
• Military leave and funeral/bereavement leave.

Professional Growth

• Paid training to develop skills.
• Free continuing education credits to maintain professional certifications.
• Access to specialized courses through Judicial Branch Education.
• Opportunity for bilingual pay.