Civil Process Technician Trainee

JOB OVERVIEW

The Court Operations Division provides security services to the Superior Court, including bailiffing, prisoner safekeeping and movement, facility security, and weapons screening. These services are provided on a contract basis and are detailed in an annual Memorandum of Understanding. The division is also responsible for providing civil process services throughout the County. These services include writ and single case processing, accounts management, field process service, and enforcement of all guided by legal requirements detailed in the Civil Code and Code of Civil Procedure for the State of California. Court Operations supports the Sheriff-Coroner's mission by providing law enforcement services to the Court and the judiciary and statutory required civil process services to the public in a timely, efficient, and cost‑effective manner. The Civil Process Technician Trainee is the entry‑level class in this series and is expected to progress to Civil Process Technician. Positions allocated in this class perform general office services ranging from customer service to processing legal documents. Incumbents receive training under close supervision while assisting with technical office work related to processing legal documents such as bankruptcies, court ordered stays, claims of exemption, third party claims, modifications, terminations, notices of opposition and hearing to claims of exemption, minute orders, etc. During training, incumbents are taught to perform their duties with the highest degree of integrity and professionalism in order to uphold the public's trust and confidence. There is no permanent status in this class. Civil Process Technician Trainees who pass a one (1) year probation period with satisfactory job performance will be promoted to Civil Process Technician. The Civil Process Technician Trainee reports to Civil Process Supervisor.

RESPONSIBILITIES

In a learning capacity, respond to inquiries made in person, by phone, electronically, and written requests via search of computer file information to assist the public, attorneys, litigants and law enforcement officials in a professional and courteous manner. Under direct supervision, provide customer service at the front counter to different members of the community including department employees, attorneys and the general public, in a highly visible environment often involving intense and difficult situations, advising parties of proper procedures, statutory time limits and options, without providing legal advice. Learn to process and distribute a high volume of mail quickly, efficiently and accurately, including clocking, counting, sorting and determining case accuracy. Learn to receive and examine for validity, a wide variety of legal documents at the public counter, via mail and/or electronic means from attorneys, courts, government agencies, and the general public. Perform inquiries in a computer system to locate file numbers and identify case ownership. Under direct supervision to progressive independence learn to identify, interpret and process documents related to bankruptcies, civil bench warrants, claim and order, claim of defendant, claim of exemption, third party claims, process server cases, and various writs of possession. In a training capacity, research, interpret and apply the Code of Civil Procedure, California Sheriff's Civil Procedure Manual and the Governmental Code to the processing of moderate to complex cases. Calendar, monitor, and follow up to ensure legal deadlines are met in the processing of cases. Learn to process subpoena and subpoena duces tecum, order of appearance, order to show cause, out of state process, earnings withholding order, and earnings withholding order for support. Also process earnings withholding modifications and execution garnishment, summons and complaint, summons and petition, and summons unlawful detainer. Under direct supervision and guidance, perform basic financial accounting activities including, but not limited to, receiving, verifying and recording payments. Train to process temporary restraining orders for domestic violence, civil harassment, elder abuse, workplace violence, and juveniles. Performs other duties as required. All work is reviewed by supervisor or designated trainer.

WORK SCHEDULE AND LOCATION

Work schedule is 4/10 with Mondays or Fridays off. Location is 909 N. Main St., Santa Ana, CA.

IDEAL CANDIDATE

This division is seeking motivated and energetic individuals with excellent customer service and effective communication skills, the ability to follow clear verbal and written directions, follow proper telephone etiquette, to perform basic arithmetic operations, understand, interpret and apply simple procedures, regulations, and directions in order to process or verify the accuracy of information or documents, the ability to multitask, organize and prioritize daily workload, and type and apply advanced keyboarding skills to enter a variety of important and complex documents. Accuracy in all aspects is critical for the position. Using basic interpersonal skills, the candidate should be able to communicate effectively with the public and department members (sworn and civilian) in sometimes demanding situations.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Thorough Knowledge of: Modern office practices and procedures, including filing methods and systems, and the operation of office equipment Principles of writing and grammar, including correct spelling and proper word usage, punctuation, and sentence structure Basic legal terminology and basic mathematic skills Ability to: Perform basic to difficult office work requiring accuracy and speed Learn, understand, interpret, and apply simple procedures, regulations, and directions in order to process or to verify the accuracy of information or documents Identify and extract information from a variety of sources Use a high degree of discretion in determining the appropriate method and specific steps for processing work Typing or word processing a variety of important and complex documents by applying advanced keyboarding skill and subject matter knowledge in the production of finished products Demonstrate ability to multitask, organize and prioritize daily workload; complete assignments in accordance with established standards; clearly and effectively communicate with the public and/or department members, sworn and civilian, in sometimes stressful situations requiring elementary interpersonal skills Keep detailed records Operate and use a variety of electronic and automated office machines and equipment, including verified proficiency on a computer keyboard Education and Experience: Two years of general office clerical experience in customer service skills; experience may be substituted by the completion of 18 semester or 27 quarter units in criminology, political science, business education or a closely related field from an accredited college. Or Completion of 700 hours of training from a recognized occupational training program in secretarial sciences, office practices, business education or a closely related field.

SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS

Applicants must not have been convicted of a felony or be on any form of probation and must pass an extensive background investigation to the satisfaction of the Orange County Sheriff-Coroner. Background screening includes completing a Personal History Form, interview with a background investigator, fingerprinting and may include a polygraph test. Some of the areas considered in the background screening include prior convictions, traffic violations, drug use and credit problems, employment history, professional references and education verification.

PHYSICAL, MENTAL, AND ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

Physical Requirements: Must have sufficient vision to see and read fine print, view computer monitors; speak and hear well enough to communicate and be understood in person and over the phone. Normal manual dexterity to use hands, arms, and shoulders with some neck movement, twisting and bending at the waist to use standard office equipment. Frequent sitting, standing and walking from station to the public counter. May occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds of office/work materials. Mental Requirements: Ability to independently reason and analyze data, and to reach objective conclusions; regularly deal with an emotional and/or hostile public during difficult situations in person or over the phone while maintaining a calm demeanor; work cooperatively and interact appropriately with individuals such as other employees, court professionals and the general public. Environmental and Working Conditions: Work in an office environment. Work around office machinery with stationary or moving parts. May be required to use a County approved means of transportation.

VETERANS EMPLOYMENT PREFERENCE

The County is committed to providing a mechanism to give preferential consideration in the employment process to veterans and their eligible spouses and will provide eligible participants the opportunity to receive interviews in the selection process for employment and paid internship openings.

EEO STATEMENT

Orange County, as an equal employment opportunity employer, encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply. #J-18808-Ljbffr County of Orange