Senior Judiciary Clerk

Location: Circuit Court for Caroline County, 109 Market Street, Denton, MD 21629. FLSA Status: Non-Exempt. Position Type: Full-time.

About the role

This is a hybrid clerical position performing both Judiciary Clerk (case processing) and Courtroom Clerk duties and responsibilities on a continuous basis.

Responsibilities

• Enters new cases and updates existing case information into the court’s data systems from beginning to end.
• Performs Courtroom Clerk functions.
• Issues marriage and business licenses.
• Performs notary procedures and administers oaths to various offices.
• Assists the general public.
• Performs daily case processing and clerical work including data entry in juvenile cases, or assignments.
• Provides in-person and telephone service to the general public.
• Prepares case files and ensures that all necessary documents are complete and accurate in accordance with established court procedures.
• Processes and maintains case files by reviewing pleadings, typing docket information, and establishing cases.
• Enters and processes new cases and updates existing case information into the court’s data systems.
• Reviews and processes legal documents such as body attachments, subpoenas, summonses, appeals, continuances, commitment papers, and court dockets.
• Types court notices and transmittals in accordance with established court procedures.
• Performs courtroom clerical work; prepares necessary forms/paperwork, and enters case dispositions, judgments, postponements, fines, and costs awarded by the judge in the court’s case management system.
• Prepares the assigned courtroom for the day’s scheduled trials by placing the docket and all necessary paperwork and case files on the judge’s bench.
• Processes marriage and business license applications, issues licenses, and provides information as needed.
• Calculates fees, applicable state or county penalties, and verifies county tax status; refers public to appropriate county or state office or website to obtain additional information.
• Performs notary procedures and administers oaths of various offices.
• Completes paperwork, enters, and verifies data.
• Greets and assists the general public, in person or by phone, and court-related personnel, responding to inquiries regarding the proper completion of various court-related forms and information regarding court policies and procedures.
• Prepares certified copies of records.
• Records military discharges and foreign marriages.

Requirements

• High school diploma (or GED equivalent).
• Two (2) years of work experience, to include one (1) year in court operations or in the fields of criminal justice, parole and probation, or 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.
• Knowledge of judicial policies, procedures, and forms.
• Knowledge of customer service etiquette.
• Skill in typing on a personal computer.
• Accuracy and attention to detail.
• Skill in applying job-related terminology, codes, policies, rules, regulations, and laws.
• Skill in analyzing records, reports, and other business documents and noting details pertinent to this assignment.
• Ability to use standard office and business equipment including, but not limited to, personal computers, word processing, spreadsheets, database software, copier, register, scanner, fax machine, etc.
• Ability to use and maintain alphabetical and numerical filing systems.
• Ability to communicate clearly, tactfully, and effectively with judges, the public, police agencies, attorneys, and other court officials and personnel, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to understand and abide by departmental rules, regulations, and procedures.
• Ability to exercise tact, diplomacy, and impartiality in dealing with the public, law enforcement personnel, and attorneys.
• Ability to apply various court procedures accurately and effectively for assigned courtroom in accordance with courtroom protocols.
• Ability to follow procedures, verbal and written instructions, and protocols for any given assignment.
• Ability to use proper grammar, punctuation, and spelling.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment in interpreting and applying appropriate policy, procedure, rule, law, and/or regulation to a situation.
• Ability to multitask, adjust to situations quickly, set priorities, and handle pressure in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to pay attention to detail.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, superiors, and/or the general public.

Physical Requirements

Sedentary work. Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.

Equipment, Machinery, and Tools

• Personal computer to access all necessary programs.
• Copy/Fax machine.
• Scanner.

Software and Computer Skills

• Proficient in MDEC, Odyssey, Word, Outlook, eLicense and marriage license programs, Microsoft Teams, and Connect.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Life insurance.
• Paid time off and paid holidays.
• Tuition assistance.
• 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).

Pay

$57,108 per year.