Job Abstract

DEFINITION
Under direction, plans, assigns, supervises, reviews and evaluates the work of Courtroom Clerks in either a civil or criminal court setting; establishes consistent procedures and trains courtroom staff; performs the full range of duties of a Courtroom Clerk for civil, criminal, family law, probate, juvenile and small claims cases as necessary, and performs related work as required.

As a working manager this position requires a high level of technical skills to be able to perform the work of those supervised when necessary combined with a high level of verbal and written communication skills, interpersonal skills, and professionalism to achieve excellent team work and customer service.


DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is the full supervisory level in this technical and specialized support class series. Incumbents oversee and coordinate the work of Courtroom Clerks to ensure appropriate coverage of all court sessions and necessary support to the judicial staff. This class is distinguished from that of the Court Services Supervisor in that the latter is the first full supervisory level over legal office support staff processing documents and providing public and legal office support services. This class is further distinguished from that of the Court Operations Manager in that the latter is responsible for a major division within the Court required for support of judicial functions and supervises this classification.

Management level positions must lead members of the court team with a focused vision, a commitment to open communication, providing and receiving constructive feedback, inspiring professional growth, and motivating through trustworthy and positive relationships to ensure a productive workplace environment.

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.

• Plans, assigns, supervises, coordinates, reviews and evaluates the work of Courtroom Clerks; ensures adequate coverage for all courtroom activities and functions.
• Trains staff in work procedures; answers questions and makes procedure and policy interpretations regarding work processes and the application of laws and regulations.
• Participates in employment selection decisions; recommends and administers discipline as required.
• Monitors changes in laws, policies and procedures that impact the work; recommends procedural improvements and implements them after approval.
• Develops procedures and work standards for court support staff; ensures that work is performed in a consistent manner.
• Answers complex and difficult legal or procedural questions related to courtroom operations; advises attorneys, government agencies and the general public regarding the status of legal cases; applies court policy to resolve conflicts with others.
• Acts as liaison for assigned judicial function with other units within the Court and other agencies as appropriate.
• Performs the full range of Courtroom Clerk functions, including but not limited to: attending court sessions, taking notes regarding proceedings; preparing minute orders and other court documents; preparing or answering correspondence related to court procedures and disposition of cases; preparing and issuing bench warrants; maintaining records of hearing dates and continuances; consulting with attorneys and the court on changes in court calendar dates; calendaring court activities; entering specified information and summaries of proceedings into various automated systems; maintaining court case records and supportive documentation for judges; receiving, marking, and maintaining records and assuming custody of evidence and exhibits; reviewing written orders from attorneys for proper format and content prior to their presentation for judge's signature.
• Conducts a variety of special operational projects; prepares reports and makes recommendations for procedural recommendations and implements them after approval.

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 high diploma, or its equivalent

Experience: Three years of progressively responsible experience in a court or judicial system environment, preferably with at least 1 ½ years as a Courtroom Clerk or work which will have provided a knowledge of courtroom and judicial support policies and procedures. Some supervisory experience preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES

Knowledge of: Principles and practices of administration, supervision, performance evaluation and work organization; methods of training staff in work procedures; functions and operations of local government and a judicial system; Court proceedings and Rules of Court related to civil, criminal, family law, probate, juvenile and small claims matters; Court-operations related sections of the California Code of Civil Procedures Government Code, Civil Code, Probate Code, Welfare and Institution Code, Vehicle Code, Health and Safety Code and Penal Code; legal terminology, rules; legal processes, procedures and terminology; legal forms, documents, and procedures relating to civil, criminal, probate, juvenile, and small claims cases, depending upon assignment; modern office methods and equipment; computer systems and applications; records management principles and practices; research methods and statistical procedures used in administrative and/or operational analysis; correct business English, including spelling, grammar and punctuation.

Skill in: Operating a computer and driving a motor vehicle.

Ability to: Plan, assign, review and supervise the work of others; deal tactfully and effectively with subordinates; train staff in work procedures; record courtroom minutes of actions accurately and follow with appropriate minutes orders as required; organize own work, setting priorities and meeting critical deadlines; provide responsible secretarial and office support to judges; read, understand and review for accuracy legal and court documents and extract relevant information; deal with stressful situations; manage upset and difficult members of the public; communicate ideas and information effectively; gather and analyze data, identify problems and issues, recommend and implement solutions; organize, plan and prepare clear, concise reports and correspondence; understand and carry out oral and written directions; research information and organize findings; prepare reports, recommendations and other written material; organize and prioritize own work in order to meet critical deadlines; prepare clear and concise reports, records, correspondence, procedures and other written material; communicate orally in a clear and concise manner; deal tactfully and courteously with the public; establish and maintain effective work relationships with judicial officers, court personnel, governmental agencies and members of the public.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Ability to work irregular and/or flexible hours as required. . On a continuous basis, 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.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS: Possession of a valid Class C California driver's license and a satisfactory driving record. Must pass background investigation to access the Criminal Information Systems

This is is a full-time, exempt confidential unrepresented position. The position also includes a one-year probationary period.

The Superior Court of California, County of Marin is an Equal Opportunity Employer.