Bailiff

­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­Announcement #

2024-083

Issue Date:

03-11-24

Closing Date:

03-29-24

Bailiff

Tribal Court

Department of Justice Services

Hourly Wage: $18.23/Regular/Full-Time

The primary responsibility of the Bailiff is proving overall security, safety, order, integrity, neutrality, and confidentiality in the courtrooms and court facilities premises. The Bailiff will be assigned to attend various hearings to ensure that proper decorum is maintained in the courtroom during proceedings. The Bailiff serves to prevent threatening activities directed toward the judiciary, court personnel, jurors, witnesses, defendants, inmates, and the general public.

The Bailiff oversees the jurors during trials or jury selection, and greets the public upon entrance into the courthouse, assists in directing them to appropriate court room or clerk's office.

Secondary job responsibilities may include: a) Court Clerk tasks; b) Delivering personal service of process/notice to court litigants out in the community; c) Ensures outgoing mail is taken to mail room and incoming mail is picked up and given to the correct court for delivery. d) May be asked to sit on interview panels for upcoming employment to Tribal Court. e) Could handle evidence in trial settings.

Examples of Work Performed:

Secures Court sessions by providing protection and assistance for Court personnel and the public, which includes patrolling the Court facilities, hallways and, corridors for security purposes. Observes and assesses situations for the potential need of law enforcement interventions.

Takes the lead or co-lead in developing Courtroom/Courthouse Safety Protocols and delivers training to court staff on these protocols.

May perform body searches, inspections of property, and screenings of persons entering the courtrooms or courthouse to assure all areas are clear of weapons, drugs and explosive devices.

Prepares courtrooms prior to hearings. This may include wiping and sanitizing work areas and areas for the public to prevent the spread of germs and viruses. Ensures there is adequate supplies of paper, pencils, tissue, water in appropriate containers and any other materials that may be needed during a court session.

As directed provides assistance to the Judge, Clerks, and Court Officers/Attorneys by securing court documents or exhibits/evidence during court sessions.

During Court sessions, will take appropriate action to ensure individuals who attending court sessions are not engaging in contemptuous acts by being disruptive or belligerent towards the court or court officers. At the direction of the presiding judge, ejects any person(s) deemed disruptive by violating rules of conduct while court is in session.

Directs litigants, attorneys, and defendants to proper courtroom and seating.

On occasion, may assist in the supervision of in-custody inmates during court proceedings.

Oversees activities of jurors. Ensures proper juror segregation during recesses and deliberations to prevent exertion of outside influences. Accompanies jurors on field trips and during meals as directed. Answers all juror questions and solves all juror problems as efficiently as possible when they are not in court session.

Locate court litigants and provide personal, legal service/summons of court notices and orders. This could be in the community.

May be assigned to assist the Clerks on occasion in: answering and appropriately responding to incoming phone calls, sorting court documents, providing appropriate documents to the public upon request, and other Clerk duties as assigned by the Court Administrator.

Clerk tasks may include: basic use in Word, Outlook for Yakama email, receiving incoming/filed documents, inputting data into the electronic case management system, setting up hearings, preparing court notices, preparing court dockets, delivery of court documents, setting up Webex in court room for video hearing.

Abide by Yakama Nation Rules and Regulations.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of the Revised Yakama Code is required. Must be able to learn legal terminology, court processes/procedures and to appropriately communicate these processes/procedures to the relevant staff or the general public.

Knowledge of Yakama culture and values.

Knowledge and skill in defensive tactics.

Good problem solving skills, work ethic/habits.

Typing skills must be proficient and accurate.

Ability to work under stressful conditions and demonstrate good morals and temperate habits.

Ability to communicate effectively to staff, the judiciary, supervisor, and the general public in a professional manner (in writing or verbally).

Ability to operate office equipment and software such as: Electronic Case Management System (MWIS), telephone, fax, scanner, audio-recording system, typewriter, Webex, Isolved, copy machine and computer; walk through or wand metal detectors.

Must demonstrate and practice appropriate/proper telephone etiquette and take necessary, timely, and appropriate action.

Minimum Requirements:

Associates Degree in Criminal Justice or related field.

Three years of work experience as a Legal Assistant, Paralegal in a legal office setting.

Must be 21 years of age and of good moral character and never been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor within one year to appointment.

Must be able to receive Court Clerk Certification at next available testing date and remain in good standing. Ongoing re-certification will be required.

Required to maintain confidentiality.

Good attendance and strong work ethic/habits is required. Depending on court schedules, approval for attendance at General Council may be limited.

Must be able to complete training for CPR/First Aid, hand wand, radio, and possibly Corrections Academy.

Required to pass pre-employment drug test.

Required to pass pre-employment background check.

Must possess a valid Washington State Driver's License with the ability to obtain a Yakama Nation Driving permit.

Must be in good physical and healthy condition that's proportionate as to height and weight as employee will be required to attend courses/training that entail successfully passing a physical fitness exam.

Enrolled Yakama Preference, but all qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.