Justice Court Clerk

Salary: $22.31 - $24.62 Hourly

Location : Bozeman, MT

Job Type: Full-Time

Job Number: 00509

Department: Justice Court

Opening Date: 03/12/2024

Closing Date: Continuous

POSITION OVERVIEW

This position is located in the Justice Court and is responsible for performing a variety of clerical and technical duties within the justice court system. This work involves processing appropriate court forms, attending court sessions, and documenting various courtroom activities on standardized forms. Justice Court handles criminal matters, citations filed by the Sheriff's Department, Montana Highway Patrol, Fish and Game, Montana Department of Transportation, Department of Livestock, Airport Authority, civil matters, small claims, weddings, and other legal matters. The position reports to the Clerk of Justice Court and does not directly supervise other staff.

• Services the front window to direct members of the public arriving for weddings, trials, etc., to provide necessary forms for various court activities, and to respond to general questions.
• Responds to various inquiries from Department personnel, court representatives, attorneys, and members of the public. Inquiries are related to court procedures, case status, available filing options, etc. Maintains confidentiality according to established guidelines and coordinates with involved or affected parties to resolve problematic issues.
• Receives and/or locates standardized forms to file various court and legal filings, including proposed orders, motions to the court, and other documents. Collects and records fees, if required. This involves identifying appropriate forms based on type of case or action and completing relevant sections with basic information.
• Processes mail to ensure timely delivery of correspondence and materials to appropriate staff, including express shipments, registered mailings, electronic messaging, and other specialized delivery services.
• Processes or distributes filings and documents according to upcoming trial dates, legally mandated response times, individual judicial preferences, established office procedures and policies, and other factors.
• Handle confidential information that has been sealed.
• Maintains electronic and manual records management and docketing systems with new and updated case and file information.
• Reviews background by reviewing past payments, checking payments received logs, appearances, posting of bond, etc. and issues a warning letter or a warrant or default judgment based on applicable guidelines.
• Receipts and disburses fines, fees for filing, restitution, refund of bond, and daily balances.
• When assigned to court, opens court by locating and preparing all required documents and files for the judge.
• Clerks open court, jury trials, change-of-pleas, and omnibus hearings on a rotating basis. This includes preparing paperwork for the judge's signature, recording minutes on standardized forms, and retrieving and preparing other forms as needed. This work is extremely fast paced, and the ability to multi-task is necessary.
• Coordinates trial juries by contacting potential jurors, issuing notice of appearance, attending voir dire, tracking jurors, administering official oaths, and acting as bailiff in the courtroom.
• Receives, records, and maintains accessibility to all entered exhibits, their status, number, and location by entering data in computer program.
• Completes standardized form for minutes to document all trial events, motions, witnesses, appearances, etc.

OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED

Performs a variety of other duties as assigned by supervisor. This includes participating in special projects, occasionally filling in for other employees, participating in ongoing training, and a variety of other functions as needed. If the County Commission proclaims a local emergency due to an actual or threatened disaster such as an earthquake, fire, riot, flood, etc., County employees may be required to provide services during the emergency and for a subsequent period of assessment and recovery.

QUALIFICATIONS

This position requires the ability to multi-task effectively, prioritize, organize, maintain legal calendars and communicate well-orally and in writing. This work requires the capability of gaining knowledge of the principles and practices of conducting research, records management, customer service, the Montana Codes Annotated, legal terminology, and various legal and court systems and procedures. The ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing is required in this position and the incumbent must be able to maintain his/her composure. The incumbent must be able to maintain the integrity of sensitive and highly confidential information; exercise courtesy and tact in receiving the public, staff and elected official, and in giving and obtaining information in person and over the phone; and establish and maintain cooperative relationships with those contacted in the course of work. This work is extremely fast paced, intense and time sensitive; the ability to multi-task and focus is a must.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

The required knowledge, skills, and abilities are typically acquired through a combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from high school and two to three (2-3) years' related experience. The position must be (or become) a sworn officer of the court, filed with the Clerk and Recorder.

Successful applicants must be able to work well under stressful situations when dealing with the public, handle busy phones, enjoy detail-oriented work, have a working knowledge and familiarity with personal computers, and type a minimum of 45 wpm accurately.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

VALUES

Commitment to Service. Employees meet the needs of constituents in a positive, engaged, respectful manner. We have a clear understanding of why our jobs are important and how we make a difference for our citizens. We are engaged in our work and focused on doing it to the best of our abilities.

Teamwork. Employees attain collective goals by building, maintaining, and leveraging internal and external collaboration. We strive to create a positive working atmosphere by recognizing the strengths of our coworkers and partners and put aside personal differences for the benefit of the organization and the people we serve.

Mutual Respect. Employees are open-minded and willing to listen respectfully to and incorporate alternative opinions to build dynamic solutions. We listen to understand and value everyone for what they contribute.

Innovative. Employees maintain a solution-focused perspective and think creatively to take advantage of opportunities, overcome constraints, and anticipate and address long-term needs.

Effectiveness. Employees accurately and thoroughly complete work to improve outcomes and produce the intended result.

Responsibility. Employees are accountable and fulfill their obligations in an open and transparent manner. We take our obligations seriously, make good decisions, and can be depended upon

About Gallatin County:

Located in a sweeping valley in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Gallatin County is the most populated and fastest growing county in scenic southwest Montana. The County Seat of Bozeman at large encompasses over 50,000 people, yet has a small town feel. Located in a breathtaking Rocky Mountain setting, it is close to world-class downhill skiing, blue ribbon trout streams, Yellowstone National Park and a multitude of other outdoor activities in the pristine nearby wilderness areas.

Gallatin County covers over 2,500 square miles of mountain lands varying in topography and climate from temperate river valleys to snow-capped peaks and open ranch lands. Nearly half of all the land in Gallatin County is under public ownership by the Gallatin National Forest, the State of Montana, Bureau of Land Management or the National Park Service.

Gallatin County is large and diverse, featuring everything from the spectacular scenery of Yellowstone National Park (our first National Park) to lush farmland, and a growing economy of high-tech industries. Skiers, outdoor enthusiasts, wildlife watchers, mothers and fathers, business owners, vacationers, ranchers, retirees, students, and many others have grown to love Gallatin County's boundless opportunities.

Some of the many benefits offered to full-time and part-time employees:

Excellent Medical Health Benefits - Group health benefits, including dental and vision coverage, are available to eligible County employees. The medical health benefits premium is covered for full-time employees. The County contribution is pro-rated on hours paid for part-time employees. The employee pays the premium portion for dependent coverage. Family health benefits coverage is $205.00 per pay period.

Medical deductible is $400 for an individual and $1,000 for a family.

Paid Parental Leave (PPL)- In recognition of the importance of bonding and care of a newborn child or a child placed for adoption, Gallatin County provides 240 hours of PPL to eligible full-time employees. The hours are pro-rated for part-time employees.

Tuition Assistance- Because we value the professional and personal development of our employees, Gallatin County is proud to offer reimbursement of certain education expenses.

To see all of our benefits, please click on the benefits tab.

As a condition of hire, the final candidate will be required to successfully pass a criminal history check and background investigation.

Required attachments to be considered as a candidate are:

• Cover letter
• Resume
• Typing Test results

Gallatin County does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law.

Excellent Medical Health Benefits - Group health benefits, including dental and vision coverage, are available to eligible County employees. The medical health benefits premium is covered for full-time employees. The County contribution is pro-rated on hours paid for part-time employees. The employee pays the premium portion for dependent coverage. Family health benefits coverage is $205.00 per pay period.

Medical deductible is $400 for an individual and $1,000 for a family.

Flexible Benefits Plan - Pre-tax out-of-pocket medical expenses and day care expenses.

Supplemental Medical Coverage and voluntary Life Insurance Coverage are offered through Mutual of Omaha..

Public Employees Retirement System - Montana public employees of the state, university system, local governments and certain employees of school districts are covered by the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). New members to the PERS have an opportunity to choose between two retirement plan options: the Defined Benefit Plan or the Defined Contribution Plan.

Sheriffs' Retirement System (SRS) - A public pension plan for all Montana Sheriffs hired after July 1, 1974 and Detention Officers hired after July 1, 2005.

Supplemental Retirement Benefits are offered through Nationwide and Empower.

Sick Leave - Full-time employees accrue 7.40 hours per month and are eligible to use sick leave once it is accrued. The accrual is pro-rated for part-time employees.

Vacation Leave - Full-time employees accrue 9.20 hours per month and are eligible to use leave once it is accrued. The accrual is pro-rated for part-time employees.

Holidays - The County observes eleven legal holidays in even numbered years and ten legal holidays in odd numbered years.

Paid Parental Leave (PPL)- In recognition of the importance of bonding and care of a newborn child or a child placed for adoption, Gallatin County provides 240 hours of PPL to eligible full-time employees. The hours are pro-rated for part-time employees.

Tuition Assistance- Because we value the professional and personal development of our employees, Gallatin County is proud to offer reimbursement of certain education expenses.

Bilingual Pay - Gallatin County allows for bilingual pay to employees that provide translation services to County departments and offices. The bilingual pay allows for extra compensation to employees that provide this service.

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