Deputy Court Clerk / Certified Electronic Operator - Full-time

About the Department

The 78th District Court is seeking an individual to fill the Deputy Court Clerk/CEO position.  The selected candidate will work in a legal, fast-paced office setting greeting visitors at the counter, answering phones, receipting money, assisting legal and law enforcement professionals on court matters, and performing varied clerical functions.  That said,  good customer service skills, attention to detail, and proficiency with computers are a must!  While the ideal candidate will have some knowledge and experience with court procedures, there are opportunities to learn on the job.

Newaygo County offers a generous fringe benefit package which includes retirement and health insurance with no payroll deduction.  Additionally, longevity pay increases are available beyond the top hourly rate as listed above.Position Duties

1. Provides counter and telephone assistance to attorneys and the public, regarding fines and costs due, court procedures, schedules, and specific case information.
2. Reviews and processes payments for tickets, court fines and costs, civil filing fees, and other matters.  Enters payment information into the computer and ensures that the proper case file is credited and receipted, and issues receipts and license clearances as needed.   Researches and responds to inquiries related to payment information.
3. Initiates 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. Initiates the processing of civil infraction cases, traffic misdemeanor and other violations, including coordinating informal/formal hearings and other court proceedings.  Prepares dispositions following hearings.
4. Opens and processes a variety of civil matters including general civil, small claims, landlord/tenant cases, summary proceedings cases, and garnishments. Schedules no progress hearings on civil cases. Records judgments, satisfactions, dismissals, and execution of writs.
5. Reviews monthly reports and legal documents such as writs of garnishment and restitution, stipulations, order and briefs, petitions for installment payments and others for timeliness, completeness and compliance with the court rules. 
6. Responsible for processing on a daily basis abstracts of conviction, suspensions, and defaults, and generating computer reports and notices to ensure accurate and timely processing of citations and related actions.  Review error edit lists submitted by Secretary of State on abstracts and suspensions and execute corrections.
7. Serves as back-up to the Court Recorder and attends Court proceedings, operates electronic recording equipment to make a record of proceedings.
8. Prepares a log of activity during recordings, including identification of speakers, notations of actions, introduction of exhibits, noting the point that exhibits are marked, witnesses are called and other key points during the proceedings for indexing purposes and assistance in transcript preparation. .
9. Marks and maintains a record of exhibits, swears in witnesses, serves as escort to juries as necessary, and provides other assistance to the Judge in the courtroom.
10. During court proceedings, schedule hearing dates, prepare appearance notices for defendants, and updates court files accordingly.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: High school graduation or its equivalent. Prefer some coursework in information technology.

Experience:  One year of general clerical experience, preferably in a court or related legal setting providing familiarity with data processing systems.

Requirements: Certified Electronic Operator from the Michigan Supreme Court within six months of employment and maintain certification on an annual basis.

Other Qualifications