Court Clerk III

Court Clerk III

The City of Seabrook is seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Court Clerk III to provide advanced administrative, technical, and courtroom support for the Municipal Court. This position performs a variety of complex court functions while providing professional and responsive service to defendants, attorneys, law enforcement personnel, the judiciary, and members of the public.

Under the general supervision of the Director of Municipal Court Services, the Court Clerk III performs all duties associated with the Court Clerk II level in addition to advanced responsibilities involving case processing, court dockets, warrants, bonds, compliance review, courtroom proceedings, and the application of court policies and procedures.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Court Administration & Case Processing

• Process and maintain court cases, citations, legal documents, and related records in accordance with applicable laws, policies, and procedures.
• Process payment plans, extensions, driving safety courses, community service, deferred disposition, compliance dismissals, and other case-related requests.
• Review documentation and monitor cases to determine compliance with court requirements.
• Process Open Records Requests in accordance with applicable requirements.
• Prepare legal documents, summons, notices, complaints, and other court correspondence.
• Enter and release driver's license holds through the Omnibase FTA Program.
• Process Capias Pro Fine and arrest warrants following docket review.

Courtroom & Docket Support

• Prepare dockets for pretrial, bench trial, and jury trial proceedings.
• Prepare the courtroom and required documentation for scheduled proceedings.
• Serve as Court Clerk during pretrial and trial hearings.
• Prepare juror and witness summons and officer subpoenas.
• Process attorney letters of representation and prepare pretrial notices.
• Provide support to the Judge, Prosecutor, law enforcement personnel, attorneys, defendants, and other parties involved in court proceedings.

Financial & Records Processing

• Collect, record, and reconcile fines, fees, bonds, and online payments using the City's court software.
• Process surety and cash bonds and schedule appropriate hearings.
• Maintain accurate electronic court records and supporting documentation.
• Process failure-to-appear notifications, cash bond forfeiture correspondence, and other required notices.
• Assist collection agencies with court account questions, requests, and payments.

Customer Service & Court Support

• Provide high-level customer service by phone, email, mail, electronic communication, and in person.
• Assist individuals with questions regarding court policies, fines, payment options, charges, court settings, warrants, bonds, and other court processes.
• Process pleas and schedule appropriate court hearings.
• Maintain professionalism and accuracy when assisting individuals during sensitive or challenging interactions.
• Provide backup support for Court Clerk I and Court Clerk II functions and maintain proficiency in duties performed at those levels.

Additional Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate and timely court records and documentation.
• Manage multiple assignments, frequent interruptions, and strict deadlines.
• Assist the Judge, Prosecutor, Director, and other court staff as directed.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

• High School Diploma or GED required.

Experience

• Three (3) years of experience in court processes and procedures required.
• Three (3) years of general office, clerical, or customer service experience required.
• Previous cash handling, posting, and reconciliation experience preferred.

Licenses & Certifications

• Valid Texas Municipal Court Clerk Level I Certification required.
• Must obtain Texas Municipal Court Clerk Level II Certification within twenty-four (24) months of hire.
• Must obtain TLETS certification within twelve (12) months of hire.
• Valid Texas driver's license with a good driving record required.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

The ideal candidate will demonstrate the ability to:

• Apply knowledge of municipal court policies, procedures, state laws, regulations, and City ordinances.
• Accurately process court cases, legal documents, payments, and records.
• Interpret and apply established court policies and procedures.
• Organize and prioritize multiple responsibilities while meeting strict deadlines.
• Perform mathematical calculations and accurately reconcile financial transactions.
• Communicate clearly and professionally, both verbally and in writing.
• Provide excellent customer service during routine and sensitive interactions.
• Establish effective working relationships with judges, attorneys, law enforcement personnel, coworkers, and members of the public.
• Utilize Microsoft Office and court or records management systems effectively.
• Maintain accuracy and attention to detail in a fast-paced environment.
• Communicate in both English and Spanish; bilingual ability is preferred.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

This position is primarily performed indoors in an office and courtroom environment. Duties may require intermittent sitting, standing, walking, bending, crouching, and reaching. The position requires the ability to operate standard office equipment, communicate effectively, and lift up to 10 pounds regularly and occasionally up to 50 pounds.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The City of Seabrook is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity within its workforce. The City provides reasonable accommodations during the hiring process and throughout employment for qualified individuals with disabilities.