Court Operations Specialist - Bailiff (Judicial Assistant/In-Court Clerk)

Bailiff (In-Court Clerk)

The Tukwila Municipal Court is committed to providing the community with a fair, efficient, and accessible venue for the timely resolution of alleged law violations in an atmosphere of mutual respect and dignity for all its employees and customers. The Tukwila Municipal Court is dedicated to its partnership with the City of Tukwila in enhancing the quality of life and safety of our community.

The City of Tukwila is 9.6 square miles of opportunity and a dynamic place to work. The population is over 22,000 at night and up to 150,000+ during the day. Tukwila shares borders with the Cities of Seattle, Renton, SeaTac, Burien, and Kent. Its central location lies in the heart of the Puget Sound region, sitting 12 miles south of downtown Seattle, 17 miles north of downtown Tacoma, and just east of SeaTac Airport. It is easily accessed by I-5 and I-405 or via either of Tukwila's two train stations, the Sounder Station or the Sound Transit Light Rail Station.

Position Description: Under the direction of the Court Operations Supervisor, this position acts as the bailiff (also referred to as the in-court clerk) for all Municipal Court proceedings, supports the presiding Judge in daily court operations, and maintains the official court record. Salary Range: $6,405 - $7,784 per month - This position is represented by Teamsters 763 Note: We do not typically hire at the top of the range.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Serve as in-Court Clerk while court is in session. Facilitate in-person and virtual court hearings using courtroom operating technology such as Zoom, AV CaptureAll, OCourt, JIS, JABS, and Laserfiche. Serve as Zoom host, identify participants and facilitate breakout rooms while simultaneously participating in court hearings. Record and document proceedings and process all court documents. Anticipate the needs of the Judge and Counsel to obtain information and prepare documents accordingly.
• Create court dockets with absolute accuracy, update case disposition sentencing conditions, bench warrants, no contact orders, domestic violence orders, mental health orders, and firearm orders. Schedule court hearings within jurisdictional timeframes and regulate case flow. Assist and accommodate jurors, mark exhibits, and maintain exhibit log for jury trials. Ensure the safety and integrity of the courtroom at all times.
• Prepare court-ordered commitment and release orders and coordinate with the jail to ensure proper processing and execution.
• Enter conviction data, record corrections, failure-to-appear (FTA) notices, and ignition interlock orders into the Department of Licensing database in compliance with mandated reporting requirements.
• Process legal documents received from prosecutors, defense counsel, law enforcement agencies, correctional facilities, treatment providers, the probation department, and the public. Take appropriate action in accordance with court procedures while ensuring compliance with speedy trial and jurisdictional timelines. Prepare and provide correspondence or documentation in accordance with public disclosure requirements.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Courtroom policies, procedures, and practices
• Statewide Case Management System
• OCourt, Laserfiche, Zoom, AV Capture All recording system and all other court specific applications
• Knowledge of the criminal justice system, including prosecutorial, law enforcement, and jail procedures as they relate to court operations
• Nationally recognized DUI Court principles and best practices
• Legal terminology, documents, and procedures relevant to court proceedings
• City, County, and State laws, ordinances, regulations, and procedures
• Basic accounting principles and practices of accounting, cashiering and financial record keeping
• Proper telephone techniques and etiquette

• Modern office practices, procedures, and equipment including personal computers related to software such as applicable software programs, including Excel, Word and Outlook
• Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary as it pertains to the job
• Effectively using interpersonal skills in sometimes hostile situations using tact, patience, and courtesy

• Recognize the liability and ramifications of the individual work product. Attend and document court proceedings with absolute accuracy
• Process a wide variety of legal forms and documents in compliance with established procedures, mandated timelines, and judicial discretion
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing
• Maintain court records and comply with public disclosure laws
• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with all court contacts
• Maintain confidentiality and tact in dealing with the public and comply with the required confidentiality oath and judicial code of ethics

Education, Experience and Other Requirements:

High School Diploma or General Equivalency Diploma (GED) and five years progressively responsible court experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the knowledge, skills and abilities sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in criminal justice, Judicial Administration, Business Management, Business Administration, Sociology or Psychology preferred
• One year in-court clerking experience preferred

• Valid Washington State Driver's License, or the ability to obtain one within thirty (30) days of employment
• File an Oath of Confidentiality with the State of Washington Administrative Office of the Courts

MACHINES, TOOLS, AND EQUIPMENT USED: Typical business office machinery and equipment including, but not limited to, personal computer, word processing software, printer, copy machine, fax machine, calculator, and multiline telephone.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use arms, hands, and fingers to reach, handle, feel, or operate objects, materials, tools, or controls; frequently required to sit, stand, walk, hear, and talk normally with or without mechanical assistance; and occasionally required to lift in excess of 35 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close, distance, color, and peripheral vision; depth perception; and the ability to adjust focus.

WORKING CONDITIONS: The work environment characteristics described herein are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Work is performed in a typical office environment with moderate noise levels and numerous interruptions. The employee may be contacted by disgruntled and hostile customers, requiring conflict-management skills. Employees in this classification may be required to work varying shifts including nights and weekends as assigned by management. In accordance with the City of Tukwila flex-schedule and telework policies, court staff may request permission to work a 9-80 flexible schedule and/or telework for a portion of their scheduled hours.