Deputy Court Clerk - District Court

Livingston County was named a 2023 Top Workplace by the Detroit Free Press! Based solely on employee feedback, the Top Workplace title is a badge of honor for the County. With over 700 employees serving within 18 departments, 5 elected offices, and 5 Courts, Livingston County's top priority is providing effective and efficient services that improve the quality of life for all of our residents.

Position Summary:
Under the supervision of the Division Leader, performs a variety of tasks to assist in the processing of traffic, civil and/or criminal cases. Provides counter service that includes receiving and receipting money and providing assistance on court matters to attorneys, law enforcement officers and the public. Types a variety of court documents, enters case information to the automated court system and performs a variety of related tasks. Processes general civil, small claims, and landlord/tenant cases. Duties include reviewing, processing, and filing all documents related to such cases.

Benefits:

• MERS Retirement plan which includes a Defined Benefit & Defined Contribution 401a with an employer match
• Comprehensive Medical, Pharmacy, Dental & Vision
• Optional Voluntary 457 Deferred Compensation plan
• Health & Dependent Flexible Spending Accounts
• Paid vacation, sick days & holidays
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Up to $500 annual Wellness reimbursement & $100 incentive for completing your annual physical & Health Assessment
• Voluntary benefits such as Accident, Critical Illness & Hospital policies
• Employee assistance program

Pay Rate Information:

The Deputy Court Clerk position is a union position and starting pay is $18.05/hr. This position is eligible for step pay increases within our Court Union Grade 3 wage scale. Top end of the current wage scale for this position is $21.57/hr.

Essential Job Functions:

1. Provides counter and telephone assistance to attorneys and the public regarding fines and costs due, court procedures, civil procedures, weddings, schedules, and specific case information; often requires pulling of case files.
2. Reviews and processes payments for tickets, court costs, civil filing fees, enters information to computerized cash register and ensures that the proper case file is credited.
3. Opens criminal case files, includes assigning case number and filing formal complaint or appearance ticket, checking cash bonds, ensuring fingerprints are in file, and obtaining driving or criminal record as necessary.
4. Opens and processes a variety of civil matters including general civil, small claims, landlord/tenant cases and garnishments. Includes typing forms, correspondence and legal documents, filing papers, collecting fees, and ensuring case scheduling and the service of process.
5. Opens civil infraction cases, schedules hearing dates, enters to computer and notices defendant and law enforcement agencies.
6. Reviews legal documents such as writs of garnishments and restitution, stipulations, order and briefs, petition for installment payments and others for timeliness, completeness and compliance with the court rules. Examines and enters judgments on civil cases that are adjudicated.
7. Enters case file information, adjournments, dispositions, civil judgment, and other information to computer system.
8. Sends notices, prepares bench warrants, and suspends driver's licenses as authorized. Notifies agency issuing warrant after defendant appears.
9. Processes garnishments, includes receiving, balancing and disbursing monies.
10. Maintains case histories for civil cases and closes cases by recording disposition in case file and on computer. Notifies parties of disposition and files closed cases.
11. Reviews court files to determine readiness for hearings, trials, default judgments, dismissals and other court proceeding; includes checking for service and completeness of documents. Assists the judge and judge's staff.
12. Prints and mails a variety of notices.
13. Closes files by entering disposition to computer and running register of actions, commitments and other necessary documentation. Reviews information on paid tickets and ensures that it coincides with abstract of conviction prior to submission to the Secretary of State.
14. Processes mail, which includes matching checks with the case files and entering payments into the cash register.
15. Forfeits bonds after proper notification of defendant or bonding agency. Processes bond transfers to other courts.
16. Types correspondence, notices, orders and legal documents and performs a variety of support tasks such as copying records and filing tickets and other documents. Prepares certificates on conviction.
17. Assists and backs up other Deputy Clerks and court staff.
18. Responsible for LIEN entry and recall. Issues bench warrants as directed by judges using the LEIN system.
19. Performs other duties as directed.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent a supplemented by college or vocational training in office management techniques and two years of experience in a responsible clerical/administrative/customer service position.
• The county, at its discretion, may consider an alternative combination of formal education and work experience.
• LEIN Certification within six months of hire date.
• Ability to learn the principles and practices of general office procedures, and local, state, and federal laws, rules, and regulations governing the operations of the State of Michigan District Court and Clerk's Office.
• Skill in creating and reviewing court filings and documentation, and receipting payments.
• Skill in maintaining detailed and accurate records in both electronic and non-electronic formats, and providing customer service.
• Skill in assembling and analyzing data and preparing reports.
• Skill in effectively communicating ideas and concepts orally and in writing.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain professional integrity and respect for those requiring court services including the ability to effectively meet and deal with the public.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships and use good judgment, initiative and resourcefulness when dealing with county employees, contractors to the county, representatives of other governmental units, professional contacts, elected officials, court officials and the public.
• Skill in the use of office equipment and technology, including Microsoft Suite applications, database use and the ability to learn new software programs applicable to the position.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations 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 communicate in person and by telephone, read regular and small print, view and produce written and electronic documents, and enter data on a computer keyboard with repetitive keystrokes. The employee must be mobile in an office and courtroom setting, stand, sit, stoop and kneel, use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee must lift or push/pull objects of up to 15 lbs. without assistance. Accommodation will be made, as needed, for office employees required to lift or move objects that exceed this weight.

The typical work environment of this job is a court or business office setting where the noise level is quiet and sometimes moderate.