Court Processing Specialist III (Limited Term)

Court Processing Specialist III

Under general supervision, performs a variety of complex and technical legal work of a highly responsible nature; performs related work as required. This is a 6-month limited term position.

Court Processing Specialist III is the advanced journey/lead-worker level in the Court Processing Specialist series. At this level, incumbents work independently performing the full range of work requiring specialized knowledge of the court system. These positions require significant contact with the public, attorneys, court personnel and the judiciary. Incumbents may train or provide lead direction to lower level Court Processing Specialists.

Positions in this class may perform any or all of the below listed duties. These should be interpreted as examples of the work, and are not necessarily all-inclusive or exclusive but are indicative of the type of duties performed at this level.

• Assists the public by providing information regarding court procedures; answers inquiries and explains legal filing processes; explains fees and fines; assists individuals in locating material and information.
• Reads, interprets and processes a wide variety of complex legal documents such as court orders, arrest and incident reports, citations, probation reports, judgments, criminal records, petitions, calendars, proofs of service, motions, garnishments, temporary restraining orders, orders to show cause, arrest warrants and other legal papers.
• Verifies, edits, enters and retrieves legal data and prepares reports using court computer system; accesses confidential statewide data files; images documents and destroys records as directed.
• Performs the most difficult and complex duties assigned to the work unit including receiving, examining and filing a variety of court documents for traffic, criminal, civil, juvenile, family law, adoptions, probate and civil and criminal appeals.
• Under the direction of the Court Services Supervisor or Court Operations/Division Manager, trains Court Processing Specialists; reviews work for accuracy and completeness; assures deadlines are met.
• Assesses appropriate amounts due, prepares billings, processes payments and receipts; arranges for refunds of deposits and bonds; reviews and approves payment statements submitted by interpreters and court reporters; enters information into court accounting program.
• Prepares correspondence, reports, forms and specialized legal documents from drafts, notes or brief instructions; maintains exhibits and exhibit workroom.
• Selects, prints and mails juror summons; instructs jurors in jury procedures; receives and reviews juror correspondence; evaluates requests for excusals and postponement of service; enters information into jury system; conducts juror orientation.
• Serves as a courtroom clerk in traffic, small claims and appeals courtrooms; takes minutes during court proceedings; files motions, issues and recalls bench warrants and accepts fines and fees; prepares documents and follows-up on actions as required.
• May act as a court interpreter and/or court reporter coordinator, including maintaining records and scheduling of assignments.
• Schedules and assigns arbitrators, settlement conference panelists and discovery facilitators to civil and family law cases.
• Provides relief to a variety of assignment areas when employees are absent or additional assistance is required due to work volume.
• Assists with the development of court policies and procedures, desk manuals, forms and formatted letters.

Desirable qualifications – any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skills and abilities would be the equivalent of: Education: Possession of a high school diploma, or its equivalent. Experience: Three years of work experience. Experience working in a customer service, legal or clerical environment is a plus. Internal candidates may apply with at least one year of experience as a Court Processing Specialist I/II.

Knowledge of: Standard office procedures and practices; record keeping principles and practices; correct business English, including spelling, grammar and punctuation; the operation of standard office equipment; legal and justice system terminology, forms, documents and procedures; court procedures; California Government Code, Civil Code, Penal Code, Code of Civil Procedure, Vehicle Code, Rules of Court, local ordinances and other related statutes or codes; work planning and organization. Skill in: Operating standard office equipment. Ability to: Obtain and apply specialized knowledge and understanding of technical legal terms and complex legal procedures in the preparation of and processing of legal documents; to understand, explain and apply codes pertaining to court proceedings; accept and account for money received and make accurate arithmetic calculations; organize and prioritize own work in order to meet critical deadlines; coordinate and review work of others; prepare clear and concise reports; plan, review and organize the work of others; train staff in work procedures; communicate orally and in written form in a clear and concise manner; deal tactfully, effectively and courteously with the public and coworkers; manage upset and difficult members of the public; establish and maintain effective work relationships with judicial officers, court personnel, governmental agencies and members of the public.

On a continuous basis, stand, walk or sit at a desk for long periods of time in front of a computer screen; intermittently twist to reach equipment or supplies surrounding desk; perform simple grasping and fine manipulation; strength to lift files weighing up to 25 pounds; use telephone and computer keyboard on a daily basis. Must pass background investigation to access the Criminal Justice Systems. This is a full time, non-exempt represented position with a 6-month duration. The Superior Court of California, County of Marin is an Equal Opportunity Employer.