Court Clerk

Position Description

Position Overview:

The Justice Court Clerk, under general supervision, is responsible for maintaining dockets; prepares correspondence; coordinates court appearances; administers oaths; performs data entry; answers telephones; maintains files; makes certified copies; prepares reports; and performs related duties as required.

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer

This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate.

Requirements

All applicants must register and take the HRT Clerical Skills Test and score a minimum of 90% with a typing speed of 40 W.P.M. and 90% accuracy.

Education and Experience:

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent from an accredited educational institution.

• Three (3) years judicial system experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Minimum of three (3) years of paid clerical work experience and/or

• Two (2) years of similar experience as a paralegal, working in a Law Office, or working as a Court Clerk.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Good knowledge of courtroom procedures, basic legal terminology, and imaged file maintenance.

• Skill in understanding and applying state and local codes and statutes.

• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.

• Ability to accurately enter data and perform basic mathematical calculations.

• Ability to operate personal computer and basic office equipment.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships in a team setting with co-workers, supervisors, County employees, Elected/Appointed Officials, attorneys and the general public.

• The successful candidate must be detail oriented, punctual, dependable; have the ability to handle multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment; remain calm and handle stressful situations; possess excellent organization and customer service skills; work well with other staff and the public.

• Must pass the "Clerical Skills Test" with a minimum score of 90% and a typing speed of 40 w.p.m with a 90% accuracy.

Licenses:

• A valid driver's license or State ID is required.

NOTE: Qualifying education, experience, knowledge, and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.

Preferences

• Bilingual in English/Spanish is strongly preferred.

• Heavy data entry and experience working with computers and handling a multi-line phone system.

• Familiarity with legal procedures, terminology, the court system, and customer service.

General Information

Register Online for the HRT Clerical Skills Test using the following link:

• Click the above link to the HRT Clerical Skills Test registration page.
• Click on "Apply" to submit your request for testing.
• You will receive a test invitation and instructions via e-mail within 48 hours.
• You will have no more than 5 business days to access and complete testing.
• Your score will be automatically uploaded to your application.
• The test may be taken once every 30 days.
• Most recent test scores are retained for up to 6 months.

Position Type and Typical Hours of Work:

• Regular Full-time

• Monday - Friday | 8:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M.

Salary:

• Depends on Qualification

• Based on 26 Pay Periods

Employment may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards. Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.

Harris County Employee Benefits

Harris County offers a highly competitive benefits program, featuring a comprehensive group health plan and defined benefit retirement plan.

The following benefits are offered only to Harris County employees in regular (full-time) positions:

• Medical Coverage
• Dental Coverage
• Vision Coverage
• Wellness Plan
• Life Insurance
• Long-Term Disability (LTD) Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Healthcare Flexible Spending Account
• Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account

Paid Time Off (PTO)

• Ten (10) days of vacation leave per year (accrual rate increases after 5 years of service)
• Eleven (11) County-observed holidays
• One (1) floating holiday per year
• Paid Parental Leave*
• Sick Leave

Retirement Savings Benefit

• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan

The following benefits are available to Harris County employees in full-time and select part-time positions:

• Professional learning & development opportunities
• Retirement pension (TCDRS defined benefit plan)
• Flexible work schedule*
• METRO RideSponsor Program*

* Participation may vary by County department. The employee benefits plans of Harris County are extended to all eligible participants across various departments with the exception of the Harris County Community Supervision and Corrections Department, for which the cited Health & Wellness Benefits are administered through the State of Texas.

In accordance with the Harris County Personnel Regulations, group health and related benefits are subject to amendment or discontinuance at any time. Harris County Commissioners Court reserves the right to make benefit modifications on the County's behalf as needed.

For plan details, visit the Harris County Benefits & Wellness website: